The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) remembers the operation during the floods in 2013, in which more than 16,000 volunteers from 650 local associations were involved. The operation, which lasted eight weeks, was the second largest in the history of the THW. The helpers secured dikes, pumped out water, prepared drinking water and cleared traffic routes. In total, several million sandbags were used, 1,800 vehicles were deployed and 60 boats were used to counteract the floods. The assistance also included supporting crisis teams, securing electricity and drinking water supplies and separating toxic substances. After the mission, THW forces were also deployed in clean-up operations. The helpers were awarded the Federal Flood Medal for their tireless efforts. THW is a volunteer organisation of the Federal Government with more than 85,000 volunteers and is in demand worldwide when emergencies occur.
Further information on THW can be found here or on the website.