“Vehicles, tools and a good training are the cornerstones of efficient support in emergency cases“, said THW-President, Mr Albrecht Broemme yesterday in Tunis on the occasion of the handing over of 18 THW-vehicles to Tunisian civil protection. The handing over took place in the presence of THW’s Federal spokesman, Mr Frank Schulze on the Tunisian day of the honorary office. On behalf of the Foreign Office, THW is supporting Tunisia in developing honorary structures in civil protection.

Thumbs up for THW’s Rapid Deployment Unit for Salvage Operations Abroad (SEEBA): it fulfils the United Nations’ (UN) framework for humanitarian emergency relief operations after earthquakes. This was confirmed by the auditors of INSARAG after a 36-hour large-scale exercise in Wesel. Thus, SEEBA will continue to be represented in the assignment catalogue of INSARAG as a so-called “Heavy Team”.

The situation in Syria had gradually deteriorated. More and more people leave the country and seek refuge in the neighbouring states. THW supports the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in supplying a refugee camp in Jordan with water. THW’s contribution to the provision of the refugees is financed by the Foreign Office.

Against the background of the crisis in the Arabic country, the neighbouring countries of Syria react to the increasing flow of refugees. In Jordan, THW supports the preparation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in building refugee camps.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) sent two flood experts Friday evening to support the German Embassy in Bangkok. There, they support the embassy staff in presenting the situation and in assessing relief measures. Since mid-August, heavy and prolonged rain fall as well as numerous tropical storms have led to large-scale flooding in South East Asia.

On Monday, THW-Vice-President, Mr Rainer Schwierczinski ceremoniously retired from his office. After almost 50 years on the job, including more than 46 years in the Federal sector and the last five years as THW’s Vice-President, Mr Schwierczinski was given an official farewell by Mr Klaus-Dieter Fritsche, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior. At the same time, the new Vice-President, Mr Gerd Friedsam, was introduced to his office.

On behalf of the Federal Government, THW is preparing the delegation of a task force to Ethiopia. In Camp Dolo Ado a team of 13 volunteers will provide help.

Today, on Sunday, on behalf of the Federal Government, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has sent out a reconnaissance team of five to Ethiopia. The experts are to advise the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on managing the hunger crisis on the Horn of Africa and to assess support possibilities provided by THW.

Yesterday, on Thursday, the Haiti mission of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) ended after 18 months. The operation included 150 volunteers, 75 million of drinking water and relief measures in more than 50 emergency camps. To mark the completion of the project, the German ambassador, Mr Jens-Peter Voss, visited one of the camps in Port-au-Prince, which is operated by THW. THW started its humanitarian aid for Haiti immediately after the devastating earthquake of January 2010. After providing emergency aid in the sector of water, the commitment of THW focused on sustainable relief measures.

Whether it is water and bread, fruit or vegetables – staple foods are scarce commodities on the vessels which are stranded on the Rhine in front of St. Goar. Since Saturday, more than 30 THW volunteers have been active in order to supply the mariners with the bare necessities. The reason for THW’s special operation is because a vessel with 2,400 tons of sulphuric acid was damaged a week ago and, since then, has been blocking the Rhine. Shipping on one of the busiest waterways in Europe was stopped. At the moment, more than 200 vessels are waiting to continue their journey.