Flood disaster in Germany. In the central-western Rhine Valley, several dams have overflowed or are in danger of overflowing. The authorities called on the affected population to evacuate during the night. Residents should “leave immediately” a number of localities.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance urged people to flee from danger areas along the river Wupper as soon as possible on Thursday. “There is an acute danger to life!” So the warning message about the emergency area west of Cologne in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
As the Wupper dam threatens to overflow, the city of Wuppertal is also threatened with flooding. During the night alarm sirens wailed in Wuppertal to warn the population of imminent mortal danger. Warning vehicles drove through the affected areas and informed the residents via loudspeaker announcements. An emergency shelter was set up in a sports hall.
2 dead, 1 missing
According to media reports, two firefighters have already died in emergency operations in North Rhine-Westphalia. A 52-year-old collapsed dead during an operation. A 46-year-old man threw himself into the floods to save a man and could later only be recovered dead. In addition, a 53-year-old family man and police officer is missing. He wanted to protect his property from the floods of a flooded stream and was swept away.
Rescue workers have triggered numerous disaster alarms and abandoned entire places – such as the small town of Leichlingen, through which the Wupper flows. Endless rain, flash floods and landslides have also caused entire settlements to be evacuated. The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is also badly affected by the rain masses.
On Wednesday evening, the Bundeswehr arrived in Hagen with clearing tanks to clear the rubble from the streets. People are warned against contact with water. There is a risk of death from electricity, according to the police on Twitter, as lines are damaged. (kes)
Published: 07/15/2021, 4:13 am
Last updated: 07/15/2021, 4:23 am