- The German military and civilian volunteers are involved in post-flood tidying efforts.
The German Military aided in the post-flood cleanup in Bruchsal, a town in Karlsruhe district. Numerous soldiers, as per city authorities, were present over the weekend, shoveling away mud and heavy debris using their trucks. Local workers from the municipal yard and many volunteers also joined in, particularly on Saturday. The cleanup process is still ongoing at full throttle, according to city reports. In neighboring Gondelsheim, cleanup efforts continued post-flood as well.
Housing and Emotional Support
Mayor Markus Rupp from SPD mentioned that individuals in dire need of temporary housing and distant helpers can avail themselves of accommodations at the Saalbach Hall. This facility will also serve as a platform for connecting potential helpers and affected individuals. For those seeking a bit of emotional comfort, the Saalbach Hall is the ideal place to be on Sunday.
Mayor Cornelia Petzold-Schick of Bruchsal, as well as the Greens, expressed gratitude towards the German Military for their voluntary service. Aid organizations and volunteers were nearing exhaustion after days of tireless cleanup. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl from CDU praised the efforts, emphasizing that we can always count on our Military.
Bruchsal houses the ABC Defense Regiment 750 "Baden" with approximately 1,400 soldiers and civilians. Based at the General-Dr.-Speidel Barracks, they are responsible for protection against atomic, biological, and chemical weapons.
Mayor discusses primal fears
A shocking deluge on Wednesday caused the Saalbach river to surge dramatically, breaking its banks within minutes. The Baden-Württemberg Flood Forecasting Center reported that the water level at the Bruchsal gauge peaked above 2.13 meters – surpassing the 100-year flood level (2.10 meters). Entire neighborhoods were suddenly submerged, with roads and basements flooded.
Mayor Petzold-Schick commented, “We faced a truly alarming flood situation.” The rampant flooding filled streets with water rapidly, resulting in destructive streams. Basements and living spaces became inaccessible, leaving one in awe of nature's power. Such circumstances awaken primal fears.
Over 400 spoiled refrigerators and freezers were collected
“Since then, we’ve been working non-stop,” noted the mayor. The city has provided all necessary aid and willingness to submit to the current cleanup situation. According to the city, more than 2,000 cubic meters of debris and around 250 cubic meters of mud have been cleared so far. Nearly 400 damaged refrigerators and freezers were handed in.
Reaching every street with electricity, said the city spokesperson, was accomplished by Friday evening. However, some houses have encountered electrical issues, or their basements are still too wet to reconnect to the power supply. For such instances, neighbors are being called upon for assistance. In affected homes centered along one row, power can be drawn using extension cables from makeshift distribution centers. Two emergency meeting points are also available.
Bulky waste should be placed by the curb in Bruchsal’s most affected districts (Heidelsheim and Helmsheim) by Monday evening at the latest. The construction operations office plans another massive collection and removal operation for Tuesday. While dealing with mud, it's crucial to avoid creating large heaps to avoid potential sewer system issues due to rain, the spokesperson warned on Sunday.
Dehumidifiers available on request
Cleanup efforts are also ongoing in nearby Gondelsheim, where floodwaters had initially caused damage. “Volunteer helpers are still needed,” the community announced on their Facebook page. “Just ask around in the streets.” More help is welcome.
Mayor Rupp requested that mud no longer be dumped onto the streets. “The streets have already been cleaned.” Building dehumidifiers remain available for loan, with additional units expected on Monday.
The German Military's assistance was highly appreciated by Mayor Cornelia Petzold-Schick and Mayor Markus Rupp, as aid organizations and volunteers were beginning to feel exhausted. Following the flooding, The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of the necessary Regulation to aid in the recovery process.
