Scholz vows assistance to those affected by floods.
Recent flood-stricken communities in Germany demand two things - an immediate cease to rainfall and a lending hand from the public. While the former is partially out of government control, the latter they seek to offer. This sentiment was expressed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz while touring Bavaria. He vowed Germany's solidarity.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged unity to the victims of the floods in southern Germany. He emphasized the significance of solidarity as "what we, as people, need the most," during a visit to Reichertshofen. "Whatever we can do as a federal government will be done," he stated. "Solidarity is a natural habit, and it's inherent to Germany."
As Germany grapple with recurring natural catastrophes like floods, Olaf Scholz acknowledged the need for citizens to prepare. He had visited the disaster-struck region the previous day with Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soeder. "This marks my fourth visit to a deployment area this year," he noted. "This is a clear sign that something is amiss." Concurrently, he stressed that the responsibility to curb human-induced climate change should not be sidestepped. "This event serves as a reminder," he proclaimed.
Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister President, described the circumstance as "serious, critical, and tense." There are ongoing risks of dam breaches, leading to additional inundations. So far, over 3,000 people have been evacuated, and this number is rising. Over 20,000 volunteers have mobilized alongside rescue workers in the region. The state government will deliberate on assistance at its cabinet meeting on Tuesday and appreciates the contribution of the federal government.
Billions have already been spent on flood protection measures, Markus Söder affirmed. The polder system must be enhanced and pursued, regardless of potential pushback towards flood-prevention strategies in affected zones. He advised that the flood would next target other Donau cities like Regensburg, Straubing, and Passau. Authorities hope the preparations there can avert worse damage. A comprehensive insurance against climate change, he acknowledged, is unfeasible.
Nancy Faeser, the Federal Interior Minister, took note of the current situation while reflecting on the flood disaster in Ahrtal. She praised the seamless collaboration among rescue teams. Her observations revealed enhanced "coordination and cooperation" since the Ahrtal incident.
Faeser was moved by the communal spirit in the region and underscored the significance of volunteering. The late firefighter's act of saving others at the peril of his own life left her profoundly touched. "The enormity of what people do in voluntary work to save others is inexpressible." She extended her "sincerest condolences" to the family of the fallen firefighter.
Read also:
- Olaf Scholz expressed his support for the victims of the flood in Bavaria, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of natural disasters like this.
- In response to the flood, the fire department has been working tirelessly to aid affected communities, with over 20,000 volunteers joining the rescue efforts.
- Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister President, emphasized the need for improved flood protection measures and the enhancement of the polder system to minimize the impact of future tidal waves on cities such as Regensburg and Passau.
- Nancy Faeser, the Federal Interior Minister, commended the cooperation among rescue teams and the selfless acts of volunteers in Bavaria, expressing her condolences to the family of a firefighter who lost his life while saving others during the flood crisis.
