Back to the abyss

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Return to your own home in the middle of the disaster area - at least for some, at least in parts.

The authorities allowed residents of the Erftstadt-Blessem district to return to their homes on Thursday.

Finding damage and saving what can still be saved: The people from Erftstadt should be given time to look after their houses, which they had to leave in a hurry a week ago.

The prerequisite for return is that the buildings are safe.

Nikolas Bucher, resident:

“My niece's house is about 50 meters from the edge of the edge, she's lost everything.

Those are the really bad fates.

We have a couple of days to clean up and then when the water and electricity are turned on and the geologists say nothing seeps in, we’ll be on the good side again.

In Erftstadt, the storm had washed over streets and left huge craters in the fields.

The floods made their way into a nearby gravel pit, and houses slid into the abyss.

The city was evacuated and after the disaster it was hardly accessible for those who helped.

There is still mortal danger around the edge of the landslide.

A 100 meter safety zone applies.

Do Not Enter.

Nikolas Bucher, resident:

“The closer you get to the hole in the back, the more affected people are.

And those who had more values ​​in their basement have expanded basements.

I know a neighbor who completely renovated the basement for several thousand euros last year.

He's starting all over again, those are the really tough fates. "

On Thursday afternoon, the city lifted the ban on rescue organizations.

But the people who live - or have lived - within the security zone are not allowed to return home even now.

You are waiting for the results of a geological survey.