Frankfurt: A valiant firefighter tragically lost his life while endeavoring to rescue residents ensnared by severe flooding in southern Germany amid relentless rainfall that persisted into Sunday.
The 42-year-old firefighter was aboard a rescue boat carrying four firefighters when it capsized late Saturday. His body was discovered early Sunday, as reported by a spokesperson for the Bavarian town of Pfaffenbach an der Ilm, situated approximately 50 km (30 miles) north of Munich.
Despite municipalities having days to brace for the deluge, rescue teams found themselves grappling with the exigency of evacuating hundreds of individuals as the rising waters severed access to various areas, authorities disclosed.
“We owe our thanks and respect to the rescue workers and helpers who are battling the consequences of the floods in many places,” remarked Chancellor Olaf Scholz on X.
Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, during a visit on Sunday, pledged unwavering support for the stricken regions, underscoring that climate change is precipitating more frequent and severe weather phenomena.
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“Natural disasters have always accompanied mankind. What we are seeing is that the frequency of these events is increasing significantly. Record floods occur every few years … record rainfall every few years,” elucidated Habeck, a member of the Greens Party, in an interview with public broadcaster n-tv.
The calamitous flooding that beset parts of Europe in 2021, claiming nearly 200 lives, predominantly in Germany, underscored the deleterious effects of climate change and prompted fervent appeals for enhanced precautionary and safety protocols.
