Friday, July 16, 2021
Hundreds of soldiers in action
AKK proclaims a military disaster alert
The situation after the devastating storms remains dire. The Bundeswehr is sending around 900 soldiers to the affected areas. Tanks and helicopters are also in use. The Ministry of Defense is now giving the forces on the ground more powers.
The Ministry of Defense has triggered a military disaster alarm because of the storm in western Germany. Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer made the decision, said a spokesman for the ministry. “This means that the decision-making bodies are moved far forward, namely to exactly where they are needed. As an example, a unit leader on site can now decide whether the armored recovery vehicle, whether the military truck, whether the generator is provided, if so becomes available, “said the officer.
“I think that in such locations, decentralization is very important and also crucial for the success of the measures.” According to the Defense Ministry, around 900 soldiers are deployed and the number is increasing. The pictures from the disaster area filled with dismay.
The spokesman said: “The Bundeswehr is of course at the side of the other helpers, whether they are THW, fire brigade, police and others.” It will now be ensured that nationwide available material for on-site help is available. Nationwide, all forces are instructed to make the necessary large equipment available.
The federal government did not want to evaluate the disaster relief process, in which the federal states and districts have the lead. In view of the dramatic situation in the flooded areas, now is not the right time to talk about possible changes to the competencies for disaster relief, said the deputy government spokeswoman Martina Fietz.
She added: “What conclusions may one day be drawn from current events remains to be seen.” The first thing to do now is to ensure the safety of people. The federal government has no direct competences in disaster control in peacetime, but can help with emergency services and material at the request of the federal states.
Rescue by helicopter
Around 900 soldiers are currently helping in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. The focus is on saving human lives, but the Bundeswehr also provides “helping hands” and material, said the armed forces base in Bonn. Helicopters, clearing tanks, ambulances, boats, troop transport tanks and a ferry are used.
According to the state command in Düsseldorf, 645 soldiers are deployed in North Rhine-Westphalia alone. In Stolberg near Aachen, the Bundeswehr is helping with two clearing tanks and a rescue helicopter. With seven vehicles it supports the evacuation of districts of Rheinbach and provides accommodation in the region. Tanks also help clear roads in Hagen.
In Euskirchen, the Bundeswehr is providing a gym as emergency accommodation. Camp beds and blankets are provided for Mechernich. The city of Leverkusen is supported in filling sandbags. The spokesman for the state command in North Rhine-Westphalia, Stefan Heydt, expected that the Bundeswehr would also lend a hand in Erftstadt.
In the Bitburg area, the Bundeswehr supports the residents with medical staff and “helping hands”. In the particularly badly affected region of Ahrweiler, people were rescued from rooftops by helicopter. Vehicles that can drive through high water are also used.
In Cochem / Mosel, forces of the German armed forces support the erection of flood shields. “The Bundeswehr is on the side of the Germans when they need us,” said Lieutenant General Martin Schelleis, Inspector of the Armed Forces Base. One will help people “as long as it is necessary”.
.