Detailed account of the psychological strain inflicted by a flood catastrophe
The Blue Light Rally pulls together every two years in the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim. Its purpose is to connect the emergency units of various aid organizations and strive to enhance disaster protection within the district. This year, Markus Mandt, the chief of the volunteer fire department in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, was among those attending the event and provided insights into the deployment forces' situation during and following the catastrophic flood on July 14 and 15, 2021.
Came sooner and more violently than anticipated
Mandy highlighted the speed at which the disaster unfolded and the obstacles the deployment forces faced during that time. "We knew a flood was imminent and even warned the public, but experts anticipated a peak with a manageable height for Thursday morning," Mandt stated.
However, the water arrived much earlier during the night and was over a meter higher than estimated. "Two of our equipment buildings were swiftly submerged, preventing us from accessing our supplies," he recollected. Fortunately, the deployment forces had already prepped sandbags, and the vehicles were fueled in the days leading up to the disaster.
Challenge: Phototourism and blocked roads
One significant issue during the flood night was thrill-seekers who refused to leave the bridges to take pictures, disregarding instructional closures. "We received numerous SOS calls, but even the rescue team could not get through due to eroded and collapsed roads," Mandt explained. The deployment forces managed around 1000 deployments that night.
Not only the fire department but also other emergency services were impacted by the flood. For instance, the Bad Neuenahr operating yard lost 20 vehicles to the deluge, and the large waterworks aggregates were destroyed.
"The flood ruined 17 out of the 19 bridges over the Ahr, shattered the entire gas pipeline, and disabled 98% of the electricity and water networks," Mandt stated. Some 10,000 households were forced to evacuate, and food provision was difficult, as many markets were submerged.
Water kept flowing relentlessly
"The issue was the constant surge of water—it wasn't a sudden wave, but a nonstop stream," Mandt said. Additionally, the emotional stress was immense, as 70 out of the fire department’s 120 active members suffered personal losses, and the remaining members saw their loved ones affected.
Another challenge was managing the donations of material goods and unexpected helpers, Mandt pointed out. Efforts before coordination led to unfocused actions.
"Insights gained from such experiences are vital, even though no two situations are exactly the same," said Jessica Markmann-Krüger, the second deputy district administrator. This sentiment was echoed by the 450 participants attending the symposium, as many perceived the disaster's long-term effects as novel.
Enrichment Insights:
- Disaster Context: The July 2021 flood disaster in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler was one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent German history, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and significant infrastructure damage.
- Scientific Support: The GFZ (GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences) contributed research and modeling to map potential flooded areas, enhancing preparedness and response efforts [1].
- Aid Organizations: Faced challenges such as rapid response, coordination, resource allocation, and navigating damaged infrastructure, making it difficult to respond effectively.
[1] “German Research Centre for Geosciences - News and Press Releases: 2021 Floods in Germany,” GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 2021, [https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/news/german-research-centre-for-geosciences-news-and-press-releases/2021-floods-in-germany]
Notable Lessons:
- Preparation and Coordination: The fire department's pre-flood preparation and coordination with other organizations proved crucial in ensuring some level of resilience.
- Communication and Information: Quick and regular communication between the disaster response teams, public, and media was essential in maintaining order and a sense of safety during the disaster.
- Mental Health: Aid workers must be prepared for the emotional impact of disaster situations, as well as have resources available to support their mental health during and after the disaster.
- Community Involvement: While homeowners must take steps to protect their property during natural disasters, the community must also band together for a coordinated response.
The flood disaster of July 2021, one of the most devastating in recent German history, not only tested the response capabilities of the deployment forces but also highlighted the importance of science in forecasting and disaster protection. Acknowledging the recent disaster's mental health repercussions, Mandt stressed the necessity of enhancing mental health support for emergency service personnel. Moreover, the incident underscored the need for health-and-wellness considerations in disaster preparedness and response, given the emotional toll such situations take on those involved.
