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It was the worst natural disaster Germany has experienced in many years.
In July, extreme floods caused extreme destruction, especially in northern Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The water may have receded - but those affected are still shaken.
Jürgen Hoppe, affected person:
"Yes, it's still ... It's been three weeks, and I always feel in a state of shock and I'm just ... We're all exhausted, broken and ... Not beautiful."
Now that most of the rubble and rubbish has been removed, it's time to clean up and dry the buildings.
Dehumidifiers and building dryers run practically day and night.
Achim Korden is a heating fitter and helps those affected with his expertise.
For him, one thing is clear: the longer the renovation work, the greater the damage.
Achim Korden:
»The longer there is moisture in the masonry, the more likely it is that mold will form in the rest of the house.
So consequential damage occurs.
At the moment it is important to hurry to get the drying done. "
Affected people like here in the Ahr Valley have experienced a lot of solidarity through donations and voluntary helpers.
Given the extent of the destruction, however, they are primarily dependent on extensive state aid.
Jürgen Hoppe, affected person:
“Well, I now clearly expect: Lufthansa received very generous support during the pandemic, but now something has to happen here.
So we have now received 2,000 euros twice.
It's been three weeks.
So they really have to get their butts up now.
The people here need the money.
They are all finished.
I plead that really come to the minds of politicians now. "
The federal and state governments have pledged a total of 400 million euros in emergency aid.
In North Rhine-Westphalia or Rhineland-Palatinate, the most severely affected federal states, a single household is entitled to up to 3500 euros.
But that is not enough for many in the back and front.
Heiner Engel, affected person:
“If the money doesn't come or come right now, then I actually have to give up and can then say that I can't do it, it won't work.
So I get people who told me I can lend you money and all that.
But that is also the case if you think what sums are in the room.
So 1,500, 3,000.
These are not the sums we need.
So not just me, but all of us in town.
That is, yes, a desperate situation.
You really have to say that. "
In any case, there is still a long way to go back to normal life in the devastated regions. How well all of this and, above all, the emergency aid work - the federal and state governments will also have to be measured by this.
