Flood Chaos in Windehausen: Mayor's Dire Warning
The mayor of Heringen, Matthias Marquardt (Left Party), has issued a stern warning about the ongoing flood situation in nearby Windehausen, Thuringia. Marquardt, who has never witnessed anything as threatening as this in the Goldene Aue, compared the situation to a bathtub that has overflowed due to rising groundwater, making drainage nearly impossible.
As of now, water levels in Windehausen have reached over one meter, forcing a massive evacuation operation. The district of Heringen is currently undergoing evacuation using wheel loaders and disaster control vehicles, with residents being transported to assembly points before being bussed to a local gymnasium in Heringen.
Although Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow visited the area on Christmas Day to assess the situation, no forced evacuations are taking place, according to Mayor Marquardt. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in the face of this crisis. Despite the dire conditions, the town is currently without electricity, landline telephony, and operational toilets due to a lack of functioning drains.
Additional Insights
In the event of flooding, Germany deploys a comprehensive response, encompassing emergency operations, infrastructure, early warning systems, evacuation plans, and long-term planning initiatives. These measures aim to prevent, mitigate, and address the effects of flooding. Local authorities, emergency services, and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) collaborate extensively to implement these measures.
For the most recent information on the flood situation in Windehausen, Thuringia, consult local news sources, official government websites, or contact local authorities directly.