Scholz speaks of facing a significant natural calamity.
Flooded houses and cars are creating a grim reality for the locals in Saarland. As the region grapples with the aftermath of devastating floods, Chancellor Olaf Scholz pays a visit to assess the situation. His promise of aid doesn't come with a clear monetary offer, but he mentions the idea of a "practice of solidarity."
Scholz and Saarland Minister President Anke Rehlinger went to Kleinblittersdorf to better understand the impact of the natural disaster. A routine political event for the Chancellor in Saarbrücken was canceled due to the urgency of the situation. Scholz reassured Saarland of the government's support, acknowledging the challenging circumstances faced by the people.
The Chancellor shared that immediate aid is the focus and once the emergency subsides, decision-making will begin about how to help those who need it most. Expressing a sense of understanding, he said, "We know what needs to be done." Disaster management is not new to Germany, and Scholz communicated the country's commitment to addressing the situation.
During the visit, Scholz walked through flooded streets wearing rubber boots, taking time to engage with those affected. A dialog event initially planned for the European and local elections on June 9th, was also nixed, indicating the gravity of the situation. Kleinblittersdorf, Saarland's Minister President in a radio interview, described the situation in Saarland as "extremely difficult" and the "flood of the century." She also mentioned the significant damage to public infrastructure and private property.
More Flooding in Blieskastel
Blieskastel, Saarland, is still under threat as the water level increased in some areas. Helpers are working to stop the flooding of the old town and keep it from being engulfed. In the Trier-Saarburg district, residents have experienced a similar state of emergency. The Saar and Ruwer rivers are flooded, and water was still pouring from the Riveris dam into the Ruwer in the morning.
In Saarbrücken, the police reported that while the situation was a bit better, water levels had "at least stopped rising." Several other areas also faced similar situations, with no clear timeline on when the situation would improve.
Considering the potentially hazardous nature of the flooded areas, some electricity supply had been switched off as a precaution. Sectors of Neunkirchen, Differten, and parts of Saarbrücken and Kirkel, were affected by this measure, as the water posed a safety risk with carrying electric current. Luckily, all the casualties reported were injuries, none included fatalities, according to the Saarbrücken police spokesman.
With the police, fire department, and aid organizations fully engaged, the authorities were reported to have dealt with over 3000 police and rescue operations, as of the morning. The streets as known were under water, with cars submerged, caravans stranded, and houses provisionally guarded with sandbags.
Neunkirchen and Quierschied are now trying to assess and clear out the areas affected by flooding.
Orange Alert in Neighboring France
In the French region of Moselle, Lorraine, there is a code red alert for flooding, and the Metéo France weather service pointed to "exceptional flooding" on the tributary Nied and "severe flooding" on several rivers near the German border. In the Bas-Rhin department surrounding Strasbourg, the alert level is orange, the second-highest level. "Roughly a month's rain has fallen in the span of 24 hours," the prefecture announced on Friday. Although no deaths or injuries occurred, the floods significantly impacted the region.
The Vigicrues flood service proclaimed that the "impressive rainfall stretch" in the Moselle, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Bas-Rhin regions has come to an end. "However, water levels on many rivers in this region will persist in increasing."
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The floods in Blieskastel, Saarland, are causing significant concerns, with water levels continuing to rise in certain areas. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his visit to Saarland, expressed his concern for the people affected and mentioned the importance of international cooperation in managing the disaster. Similarly, Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister President, Anke Rehlinger, called for a joint effort between the federal and state governments to assist the affected regions.
Source: www.ntv.de
