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.

One year ago today, an earthquake devastated Haiti which caused one of the most serious natural disasters of this century. The earthquake was at the beginning of a year which was marked by several blows of fate affecting the island state in the Caribbean: The earthquake was followed by cyclones, cholera and political unrest. Since then, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has provided help in Haiti. After the immediate emergency help with water supply, the commitment of THW focused on sustainable relief measures.

From Bremen to Bavaria, from North-Rhine-Westphalia to Saxony – melting volumes of snow have made brooks, rivers and lakes across Germany overflow their banks. Since Thursday, more than 1,200 THW-volunteers have been operating nonstop, in order to support the fire brigade in their fight against the water volume. In many places, the peak level of the winter high water is expected on Monday evening.

For days, more than 1,000 THW volunteers have been active due to winter operations. They freed roofs from snow loads, cleared railway tracks from snow secured electricity supply and towed free stranded vehicles. At the weekend, THW anticipates further operations which are caused by the current weather conditions.

Sewage systems are disinfected, cholera infections more quickly identified.