{"id":14271,"date":"2024-09-17T17:01:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T15:01:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vostel.de\/blog\/hochwasserhilfe\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T15:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:30:25","slug":"flooding-germany-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vostel.de\/blog\/en\/flooding-germany-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Flooding in Germany: here’s how you can help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Heavy rainfall repeatedly causes flooding in Germany and Europe, most recently in southern Germany in June 2024<\/a> and currently in parts of eastern Europe and in eastern and southern Germany<\/a>. Professional rescue teams and aid organizations are primarily responsible for providing safety and supplies on site. But private individuals are also constantly asking how they can help those affected. We provide an overview here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How you can help people affected by flooding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. <\/a>Support emergency services & aid organizations with a donation<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Learn what to do in the event of a disaster<\/strong><\/a><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Get involved in civil protection and get trained<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Support rescue workers & aid organizations with a donation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      While the first impulse is often to lend a hand as a private individual, most aid and disaster relief organizations call for monetary donations instead.\nThis is because it is crucial, especially at the beginning, that professional forces can bring people to safety and provide them with the essentials.\nHere you will find a range of donation options from various aid organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Aktion Deutschland Hilft<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      Donations can be sent to various emergency and disaster relief projects here.\nThese include the current flood disaster in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      German Lifesaving Association (DLRG)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      In emergency situations such as the current flooding, it is important to help quickly.\nThe DRLG volunteers regularly train for emergencies.\nA donation supports them with the necessary equipment and materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      German Red Cross<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      The German Red Cross is in close contact with its local partners during floods in Central and Eastern Europe and supports them where ever possible. With a donation you support their work on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      Caritas International<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      Caritas also supports flood-affected people in the Czech Republic, Poland and Austria with food, repairs and other everyday necessities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      Diakonie<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      Diakonie’s disaster relief also supports people in disaster situations on the ground with the most important things.\nDonations can also be sent directly to the flood relief organization for Central and Eastern Europe or Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      Johanniter<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      In addition to providing acute help in the event of a flooding, Johanniter also provides medium and long-term local support for reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Donate now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      2. Learn what to do in the event of a disaster<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      It is not only professional emergency services that need to know what to do und how to help in the event of flooding. The right behavior in the event of a disaster can also be crucial for private individuals. The German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK)<\/a> has compiled general informatioon basic rules in three phases on its website<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Before the flood: stay informed and take precautions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      In regions that are particularly at risk of flooding, the Federal Office recommends two things: being well informed and taking precautions in the event of an emergency.\nThe cross-state flood portal<\/a> provides an overview of the current flood situation and advance warnings, while the NINA warning app<\/a> can also provide timely warnings of hazardous situations.\nIf flooding is imminent, the BBK lists a number of precautions that should be taken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Tips for precautions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      2. During a flooding: act prudently and help others<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      In the event of a disaster, it is particularly important to first of all stay calm and get an overview. The BKK provides a few helpful tips on which protective measures in the house or car will help you to protect your own belongings and yourself. You can also take part in rescuing other people, but always without putting yourself in danger!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Advice for emergencies<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      3. After the flood: stocktaking and cleaning up<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      After the flooding waters have receded, there are also a number of things that should be considered when it comes to cleaning up the damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Recommendations for afterwards<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      3. Get involved in civil protection and get trained<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Due to the climate crisis, the probability of flooding events<\/a> will continue to increase in the future. And with it the importance of civil protection, which is largely supported by volunteers. If you want to be prepared for the next flood and help directly, you can join over 1.7 million other Germans in volunteering in civil protection and also undergo training. Employers have to give you time off work for this and you benefit from a meaningful leisure activity together with other committed people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Civil protection organizations<\/h5>\n\n\n\n