Extreme weather disaster
Federal Chancellor Merkel visited the region affected by the extreme weather in Rhineland-Palatinate together with state premier Dreyer. They were deeply saddened and shocked by what they saw. The Federal Chancellor promised the victims extensive government aid, and the Federal Cabinet is set to adopt an emergency programme on Wednesday.
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Federal Chancellor Merkel and state premier President Dreyer visit the disaster area in Rhineland-Palatinate. In the municipality of Schuld she talks to those affected and thanks helpers.
Foto: Federal Government/Bergmann
Joined by state premier Dreyer and local politicians, Federal Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to the communities of Schuld and Adenau on Sunday to gain a first-hand impression of the destruction caused by the severe weather. As Merkel said: “Words can barely express the devastation that has been wrought here.” The Chancellor assured flood victims: “We stand by your side.”
Merkel and Dreyer promised that the federal and regional governments would work hand in hand. Germany was a strong country, they said: “We will stand up to this force of nature – not just in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe but also in the medium and long term”. From as soon as Wednesday, the Federal Government will adopt a rapid assistance programme for those affected. The Federal Chancellor was impressed by the enormous wave of solidarity and support for the affected regions. It was reassuring to see how people were pulling together in this situation, said Merkel.
Looking to the future, Federal Chancellor Merkel emphasised: “There’s no time to lose – we have to accelerate our efforts in the fight against climate change.” A comprehensive analysis was needed of the adjustments to be made in terms of flood protection, agriculture and forestry. The total extent of the environmental damage in Germany spoke for itself, Merkel said on Sunday. With regard to disaster control measures, the Federal Chancellor particularly noted the exemplary collaboration between federal and regional authorities. Nonetheless, there were some situations in which the sheer speed of events left one powerless when confronted with the forces of nature, she added. Merkel praised association leaders and local mayors who had “deployed all the volunteers they could muster on site – they are our country’s true heroes.”
“Words can barely express the devastation that has been wrought here,” said the Federal Chancellor when she saw the extent of the destruction.
At a press conference in Adenau (Rhineland-Palatinate) on Sunday, Federal Chancellor Merkel promised rapid assistance and close cooperation between federal and regional government in response to the disaster.
Merkel also stressed: “There’s no time to lose – we have to accelerate our efforts in the fight against climate change.”
Federal Chancellor Merkel and state premier President Dreyer visit the disaster area in Rhineland-Palatinate. In the municipality of Schuld she talks to those affected and thanks helpers.
On Sunday, Chancellor Merkel took a look at the situation on site in the municipality of Schuld (Rhineland-Palatinate).
State premier Armin Laschet and the crisis team briefed the Federal Chancellor on the situation in North Rhine-Westphalia via video link.
On Friday, Chancellor Merkel was briefed via video link by the crisis team in Rhineland-Palatinate about the situation in the regions hit by the extreme weather.
In Altenahr, vehicles of the Federal Armed Forces arrive to support the emergency services. Heavy rain has also caused extreme flooding in the district of Ahrweiler.
Federal Agency for Technical Relief personnel haul hoses to the banks of the Steinbach dam in Euskirchen to pump out the water. The dam is in danger of collapsing.
In many areas, helpers were busy trying to prevent the disaster from getting even worse: the Federal Agency for Technical Relief pumped water and carried out rescue operations as well as securing dikes and houses.
The river Ruhr also burst its banks after heavy rainfall. More than 20 people were rescued from flooded houses in Bochum-Dahlhausen. A big thank you goes to all the emergency workers for their tireless efforts in dangerous conditions.
Federal Chancellor briefed by crisis teams
Federal Chancellor Merkel previously held video conferences with the crisis teams in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. During her visit, she was briefed by emergency operatives and representatives of the state ministries on the current situation in the disaster areas and the progress of rescue work.
The Federal Chancellor assured the people affected in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia of the Federal Government's support in both the short and long term. The day before, Merkel promised: “We will not leave you alone at this terrible, challenging time. We promise to help you when it comes to rebuilding, too,” said Merkel.
“Rest assured,” the Federal Chancellor continued, “that all the forces of our nation – at federal, regional and local level – will combine to do everything they can to save lives, avert danger and alleviate hardship, however difficult the situation.”
Other members of the Federal Government also thanked all helpers in the affected areas for their tireless efforts – including members of the police, the authorities, the Federal Armed Forces and rescue services, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and all volunteers.
Emergency services from all over Germany in the flood-hit areas
Helpers from regions all over Germany are currently supporting the rescue services in the towns and districts of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia that have been hit by flooding. Numerous federal task forces are also on site around the clock.
The Federal Agency for Technical Relief has deployed 2,500 men and women to support federal state and municipality personnel in securing dams and reservoirs, for example, and some 900 soldiers of the Federal Armed Forces are in action with heavy-duty clearing vehicles, trucks and ambulances. Federal Police efforts to rescue those who are trapped include the use of helicopters.
Steinmeier: “Your fate touches me deeply.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also expressed his deep sympathy with those affected. “It is a tragedy that so many have lost their lives. I am stunned by what has happened,” Steinmeier said on Friday. At the same time, he appealed for solidarity “with those whom the flood has deprived of everything.” The Federal President praised the swift aid response and thanked all the emergency services for their efforts.
This FAQ provides continuously updated information on the situation as well as contacts for help and support.