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Helmut Lussi at the joint press conference with Angela Merkel: "Scars that you never forget"
Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
The mayor of the particularly badly affected town of Schuld, Helmut Lussi, was overwhelmed by his emotions at a press conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Malu Dreyer.
Lussi spoke about the relief that there were no fatalities in the place, that was his greatest concern.
The damage in debt is enormous.
The reconstruction will cost millions of euros, he said, an expert had come to an initial estimate of 31 to 48 million euros in the small village alone.
Many homeowners would not have natural hazard insurance.
Then Lussi's voice broke.
“This flood will scar the people in guilt.
Scars that you will never forget, that cannot be tackled.
Because our life has changed from one day to the next. "
Merkel wants to come back in August
Lussi had previously inspected the damage in debt with Merkel and Dreyer.
Dreyer also mentioned the emotional suffering of the flood victims.
It was a "surreal, ghostly situation," said Merkel.
"The German language hardly knows any words for the devastation that is wreaked here."
The pictures are "unbelievable".
Merkel promised: "The federal and state governments will act together to bring the world back to order step by step." The Bundeswehr will stay as long as it is needed.
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Photo: Christof Stache / AP
The federal government will adopt a program on Wednesday.
Quick help is required as well as perseverance.
Fortunately, Germany is a strong country that can afford the aid financially.
The Chancellor called on the population to donate money, the aid must be well coordinated.
Merkel also announced that she wanted to come back in August.
The country must step up the fight against climate change and prepare better for the effects of global warming.
After Merkel's appearance, Lussi said he had a good feeling that the necessary help would be provided.
"When they come back in August, we will be able to report the first progress report."
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