Storm deep Bernd: Massive damage and chaos in the North Palatinate Land!

Storm deep Bernd has caused considerable damage to the Donnersberg. Fire brigades and roadmasters were deployed until the evening to remedy the consequences of the storm. The country road between Gerbach and Dielkirchen was particularly affected, which was temporarily closed due to wind break. However, a train that was traveling between Alsenz and Oberndorf drove into a tree crown, but did not lead; No injuries were reported. As a result, there were several train failures on the Alsenztalbahn.

The effects of the storm were noticeable in various parts of the North Palatinate Land. Trees kipped again and again and there were wind breaks, especially in the area of ​​the Wolfsmühle near Waldgehweiler. A larger boulder loosened below the Randeck Castle near Mannweiler-Cölln, but remained next to the road. In addition, the Moschel water level in Waldgrehweiler increased significantly, with forecasts to point out possible flood values ​​from Wednesday to Thursday. The storm brought gusts of over 100 kilometers per hour, especially in the western part of Germany.

The effects in Düsseldorf

After reporting on Sturm deep Bernd, who also hit Düsseldorf heavily from July 14, 2021, the fire brigade was in constant use for five days. More than 1,900 areas of application were reported after productive rains. Citizens reported full basement, underground garages and high water levels on water. Up to 500 emergency services from the professional fire brigade, volunteer fire brigade, THW and DLRG were mobilized.

A tragic event occurred when a 57-year-old resident in his basement apartment in Vennhausen had a fatal accident. The cause of death is examined by the criminal police. Around 15 houses in the Ostparkiedlung were still affected, although the emergency services could not pump any basements due to the high groundwater level. The fire brigade established contact with the environmental office, city drainage and building inspectorate to coordinate the situation.

On July 14th, over 300 damage reports were registered with the fire brigade, the number of operations to over 1,900 increase. The fire brigade classified the operations after urgency and coordinated the city measures with the city's crisis management. The level of the Düssel reached over three meters and stepped over the bank, which led to the evacuation of endangered areas. Warning vehicles and strips of footers informed the local residents while other aid organizations supported the fire brigade. Heating oil partially contaminated the water, which is why measures were taken to contain. Despite intensive efforts by the fire brigade, the 57-year-old resident could only be recovered dead. The Düsseldorf fire brigade was able to work out the most missions by July 19, but some cellars remained under water due to the groundwater situation.