Die Nacht der großen Flut

The film focuses on the major flood disaster that hit Hamburg on February 17, 1962, which left 315 people dead and displaced 10,000 residents. It portrays the city completely unprepared for such a catastrophe, with nearly a fifth of its urban area submerged in water.

The narrative centers on the response of the Hamburg populace, particularly their support for Helmut Schmidt, who was the young police and interior senator at the time. Schmidt would later become Chancellor, gaining respect for his leadership during the crisis. The film captures the urgency and community spirit that emerged in the wake of this disaster, providing a historical context that resonates with viewers interested in significant events in German history.