Rhineland-Palatinate: New disaster protection law presented after Ahrtal flood!

Rhineland-Palatinate: New disaster protection law presented after Ahrtal flood!

The state parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate is today discussing a new disaster protection law that was introduced more than three years after the devastating flood in the Ahr Valley. The need for a reorganization of disaster management has been underscored by recent natural events. This law, which is intended to comprehensively reform the existing regulations, was presented on Monday and is intended to more clearly define the operational management in the event of a disaster. The deputy fire and disaster control inspector (BKI) of the Ahrweiler district, Johannes Jung, welcomed the draft law and emphasized that the new regulations would have been of great use during the flood disaster in order to be able to better deal with such a situation.

The new law stipulates that operations management generally remains with the municipalities, even in the event of a disaster. But the clear regulation as to when the state can take over operational management is significant progress. In the future, municipalities will be obliged to set up a technical operations management and an administrative staff. While the technical operations management takes care of the implementation of operations such as rescues and rescues, the administrative staff is responsible for regulating organizational matters such as the accommodation of evacuees. Jung praised the separation of these tasks.

New specialists in disaster protection

An important aspect of the new law is the establishment of a full-time fire and disaster control inspector in the districts. Until now, this task was often carried out by volunteers, which could lead to inefficient structures in crisis situations. Jung emphasized the importance of having an expert in this field in order to better respond to climatic changes. The state parliament also approved the establishment of a new state office for fire and disaster control in Koblenz, which will be staffed around the clock from January 2025 to support municipalities in disaster control.

Parallel to these developments, the political situation in the country remains tense. The Rhineland-Palatinate Court of Auditors has accused the AfD parliamentary group of not using tax resources correctly. These allegations were made at the plenary session, which also discussed the report for the protection of the constitution today. In addition, the Interior Ministers' Conference, which begins today in Bremerhaven, will provide discussions on key issues such as migration policy and internal security.

Current events in Rhineland-Palatinate

In addition, a major fire in Kottenheim caused concern after contaminated extinguishing water entered the Nette. Dog owners have been temporarily warned. In Weisenheim am Sand there was a fire in a residential community for the mentally ill in which two people were injured. On the positive side, the early potato harvest began, with Monji El Beji acting as ambassador for the “Pälzer Grumbeere”. Even after Rock am Ring, volunteers collected and donated non-perishable food and hygiene products.

The weather forecasts report highs of over 30 degrees for Rhineland-Palatinate, which, in addition to the current political and social situation, could contribute to an intensive discussion about climate protection. This complex situation reflects the course for the future of disaster control, which is being discussed in the state parliament today.

For further information on developments in civil protection, you can read the reporting from daily news and SWR see.