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WEATHER

‘Solidarity in crisis’: Financial aid pours in for German flood victims

After catastrophic flash floods submerged numerous villages and valleys in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the state government has set up an emergency aid fund for those affected, while football organisations have also made donations.

Published: 16 July 2021 19:02 CEST
'Solidarity in crisis': Financial aid pours in for German flood victims
A mountain of destroyed furniture lies in the sodden streets on July 16th after the Kyll River broke its banks. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Harald Tittel

In a press release announcing the new donations account, state premier Malu Dreyer said the state had experienced a wave of solidarity and helpfulness in the wake of the natural disaster.

READ ALSO: LATEST: More than 100 dead after flood disaster in western Germany

“This national catastrophe shows once again that Rhineland-Palatinate stands together in these difficult times. That makes me incredibly proud,” she said.

“We are currently receiving numerous inquiries as to how people affected by the storm in Rhineland-Palatinate can be supported,” state minister of the interior Roger Lewentz and state minister of finance Doris Ahnen said on Friday.  

“This shows that the population is really willing to help.”

The donations pot was set up by the State Ministry of the Interior at Sparkasse Mainz.

Donations can be made using the keyword “Katastrophenhilfe Hochwasser” (Disaster Aid Flood). Bank details for the account can be found in the state press release.

Football organisations raise €3m for flood victims

The German Football League and the German Football Association have also promised financial aid to the victims of the flood disaster in western Germany.

In a joint announcement on Friday, the organisations want to set up an aid fund with three million euros.


Residents of a flood-hit town try to clear the mud from gardens and streets on Friday. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Harald Tittel

“The images of the floods and devastation, the full extent of this catastrophe, leave us affected and appalled,” said a joint statement. “Our thoughts go with the relatives of the deceased, the injured and the many people in need.”

READ ALSO: Why have so many died in the German floods?

The money will not be able to alleviate human suffering, they said.

“But we hope to be able to provide support together at least in some areas. In this crisis situation, solidarity is a given.”

In addition, the DFB has also contacted the European Football Union UEFA, which has also agreed to support.

Government will do ‘everything in its power’ to offer support 

In the wake of the disaster, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) promised unmitigated support at all governmental levels for those who had been affected by the floods.

“You can trust that every part of our state – from the federal, state and local governments – will do everything possible to save lives, avert dangers and alleviate hardship, even under the most difficult of conditions,” she said in a press conference on Thursday. 

READ ALSO: Merkel pledges ‘full support’ to flood victims during White House visit

Minister of the Interior, Horst Seehofer (CSU) and Minister for Agriculture Julia Klöckner (CDU) have both said that those who have lost their belongings in the flood will be given financial aid quickly and unbureaucratically.

“These are great tragedies, they can hardly be put into words,” explained Klöckner, who is also the CDU chairwoman for Rhineland-Palatinate. “The federal government will be at the side of those affected with all the means at its disposal.”

Having returned from a diplomatic visit to the United States, Merkel is said to be in discussions about visiting the flood-hit areas in the coming days.

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WEATHER

Summer to arrive early in Germany with scorching temperatures of up to 30C

A wave of hot weather is set to hit Germany this weekend with summery highs of up to 30C - and the heat-wave could last a number of weeks.

Published: 16 May 2023 11:12 CEST
Updated: 16 May 2023 16:24 CEST
Summer to arrive early in Germany with scorching temperatures of up to 30C

As open-air pools and cinemas start to open their doors in the coming weeks, Germany is set for a sizzling spell where temperatures soar into the high 20s and even hit 30C. 

After a relatively mild week, a sudden heat wave is due to arrive on Saturday as the mercury hits at least 25C in most regions. All over Europe, a warm mass of air is set to push through from the south and replace the cooler spring breeze, with temperatures shooting up faster in the east than in the west. 

“With temperatures of at least 25C, summer will truly begin on Sunday,” said Focus.de meteorologist Jan Schenk. The shock of hot weather will enter suddenly, he added, with the season changing almost overnight. 

In the northern parts of Germany, temperatures are even set to climb as high as 30C on Monday and Tuesday, making it the ideal time to head to a beer garden or lake for the first time this year.

In the south, meanwhile, it’s likely to remain more overcast – but with at least 25C temperatures in most regions, it’s still ideal weather to be out and about.

But those who don’t have time for a swim or a barbecue this weekend shouldn’t worry about missing out on the fun: according to meteorologists, this hot spell could last well into June.

READ ALSO: Seven signs that spring has arrived in Germany

This week, however, temperatures are likely to remain fairly cool at around 15C, though the icy spells could be behind us for now. Even in the night, the mercury is unlikely to drop below 10C. 

Nevertheless, the perfectly clear blue skies are a little way off yet. The string of hot and clear days is likely to be punctuated by heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the western and southern regions of Germany.

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