Alling / Eichenau - Around 150 liters of rain per square meter fell within 24 hours. Thousands of people were left homeless, some seriously injured, and many died. The catastrophe that occurred a good two months ago is known as the flood of the century. In mid-July, the flood masses in parts of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia carried away everything that stood in their way. No matter if bridges, houses, trees or cars. The local people didn't have much left - except a lot of rubbish, rubble and the will to rebuild everything.
Many residents can only achieve this goal with the help of volunteers who have come from all over Germany - including from the Fürstenfeldbruck district. Just like Marcus Korb from Alling and his partner Andreas Dachs from Eichenau. The two self-employed operate a caretaker service and, among other things, also carry out gardening work. Together with some friends, the two drove to the Ahr Valley in mid-August to help. A matter of course for the men. "I would like the same thing if something like this happened to us," says Marcus Korb. At the end of September, the two district citizens drove one more time to the area destroyed by the floods. It should not be forgottenthat there would still be people without a home and standing in front of the ruins of their existence.
Most of the rough work has been done, and reconstruction is important now. And basket and badger and their friends want to help. They keep in constant contact with the organizers on site via several Facebook groups. “This way I know what help is needed and can organize equipment or a truck,” explains Korb. However, that costs a lot of money and also the time of volunteers. The emergency aid was just a drop in the ocean. The many millions are put into building the infrastructure and hardly help in rebuilding individual fates. Here basket and badger tie in. Before their first trip, both of them collected donations from family and friends. Around 4,600 euros were collected in this way.
They borrowed machines from them, removed rubbish and cleared away the rubble.
“You can't imagine what it looks like on site, how it smells of diesel everywhere,” says Korb.
Due to the lack of electricity, emergency power generators had to be used.
Donation account set up
The Biburger Korb has now set up a donation account and is hoping for companies that want to participate.
"Many of the people in the Ahr Valley were not insured and have to start again from scratch - every form of support counts," he says.
Whether building materials or equipment such as washing machines - everything is needed.
Of course, skilled workers are also urgently needed.
Electricians, heating engineers and plasterers are in great demand.
“There is still enough work to be done,” said Korb.
"The rest of the donations that are left over will be given to aid organizations on site, so 100 percent of the money will go where it should go," explains the 40-year-old. Part of the money is to be used to build a playground. The village of Liers, which has a population of around 220, was also hit by the flood and flooded houses, streets and green spaces. Ralf Minwegen is an alderman and a great Lierser. “We were on our own for days. The bridge was badly damaged by the water, so that we were cut off from the outside world. "
The village fought its way through together.
In addition to the reconstruction of a community hall that had to be demolished, a project close to our hearts is also the playground.
“A meeting place for young and old,” says Minwegen.
To do this, he is now starting the project with heavy equipment such as excavators and wheel loaders, which clear the site of the dangerous mud.
All playground equipment was washed away with the flood and the people of Liers now wish that the reconstruction will bring a spark of hope for the children who have lost so much.
Claudia Becker
How can I help?
Companies that want to help can contact Marcus Korb directly on 0179 7325521.
Private individuals contact www.helfer-shuttle.de
Donations can be made to the following account:
IBAN:
DE 96701633700000914711
