Flooded Streets under Fire Department's Attention: Major Rescue Efforts Underway - Severe downpours inundate roadways: Firefighters remain vigilant, ready for action
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Evacuations in North Rhine-Westphalia
Extremely heavy rainfall hit the southwest of North Rhine-Westphalia on Tuesday morning, causing streets and basements to flood. The German Weather Service recorded 118.7 liters per square meter of rainfall in Mönchengladbach in 24 hours, leading to numerous incidents.
In Mönchengladbach, water entered a hospital supply basement, but powerful pumps prevented a technical failure and evacuation. Firefighters rescued a family from a flooded apartment and a person from a flooded basement. An earth wall was built at a school center in Mönchengladbach, and pumps prevented further damage. However, the school center will remain closed at least until Wednesday due to water-related technical defects and contamination.
Around 200 people were evacuated from houses near the Niers in Willich as a precaution. Firefighters pumped out numerous basements, built dams against floodwaters using sandbags and excavators, and cleared streets of mud.
In Bedburg, 134 liters of rain per square meter fell, leading to water levels of up to 60 centimeters. Some residents were rescued to upper floors, while others were rescued by firefighters. The specific identities of the firefighters dispatched to Bedburg on Thursday morning to support the rescue of 14 individuals from their flooded homes are not detailed in available reports. The rescues were carried out by a large team of firefighters, including about 160 personnel from Bedburg and neighboring towns, supported by other emergency services.
The water levels of the Erft river reached the highest of three alert levels ("significant danger") at the NeubrĂŒcke gauge in Grevenbroich. Fire departments were in large-scale operations for hours, rescuing many people from flooded areas. On the A4 near Frechen, a truck overturned likely due to aquaplaning, causing traffic jams.
The police supported the operations, flying drones to assess the situation and providing assistance. In the Oppendorf district, firefighters rescued 14 people from their homes and temporarily housed them in a school center.
Weather experts predict scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms for the coming days. The connection from the A1 to the A59 towards DĂŒsseldorf was closed due to the rain at the Leverkusen-West motorway interchange. A highway tunnel on the A46 in DĂŒsseldorf was temporarily flooded, causing traffic jams during rush hour.
Significantly increased water levels were also recorded on the Wurm, a tributary of the Rur, in Herzogenrath. The police were involved in the incident on the A4 near Frechen due to the truck overturning.
The control center in Mönchengladbach received almost 1,200 requests for help during the incident, with up to 152 emergency calls received within ten minutes at peak times. The fire department recorded 618 technical assistance operations and 15 fire operations by late afternoon.
Despite the challenges, the emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the community. The people of North Rhine-Westphalia are encouraged to stay informed and heed any warnings or advisories regarding heavy rainfall and flooding.
