Emergency preparedness. - The DRK urges improvements in water rescue equipment at a state level.
The German Red Cross in Saxony-Anhalt is urging for more financial support towards disaster management. While the region has generally been spared from major weather-related events, authorities are concerned about the increasing frequency of extreme weather situations in the future, including intense rainfall. Roland Halang, the president of the regional DRK branch, expressed the necessity of being prepared, stating, "As a relief organization, we need to be able to respond promptly and accurately in the event of a disaster. This involves having access to the necessary equipment, especially for emergency services, water rescue, and water rescue operations."
Currently, the DRK in Saxony-Anhalt is reported to be missing several essential resources. The organization suffers from a shortage of standardized equipment for water and flood rescue, lacks diving rescue equipment and boats suitable for both rescue and multifunctional purposes during floods. Recently, only six standardized water rescue vehicles have been distributed to the 14 districts and free cities in the region. The state directive for disaster management in Saxony-Anhalt calls for each separate district and free city to have access to such vehicles.
The DRK Saxony-Anhalt branch employs approximately 7,000 people and volunteers, as well as an additional 6,100 volunteers.
Read also:
The DRK in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also experiencing equipment shortages, echoing the concerns in Saxony-Anhalt. Civil protection agencies across Germany are facing financial challenges in acquiring and maintaining adequate water rescue equipment due to escalating storm situations. The future of emergency preparedness hinges on the availability of necessary resources for water rescue operations and disaster cases. Aid organizations worldwide have pledged their support, recognizing the urgent need for additional funding and equipment. Despite the ongoing financial constraints, authorities are working diligently to ensure that emergency responders are well-equipped for future emergencies.
