Ahrtal Flood Anniversary: 'A Night a Country Does Not Forget'

Five years after the devastating floodwaters ravaged the Ahrtal valley, the president of the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament, Matthias Lammert, has honored the victims and pledged continued support for the region's reconstruction. "There are nights that a country does not forget. The flood night in the Ahrtal was one such night," Lammert stated in a video message, acknowledging the "immeasurable suffering, loss, and destruction" caused by the disaster.

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There are nights that a country does not forget. The flood night in the Ahrtal was one such night.

The flood, which occurred on the night of July 14-15, 2021, transformed the Ahr river into a torrent after heavy rainfall. It resulted in the deaths of over 180 people, with 136 in Rhineland-Palatinate and 49 in North Rhine-Westphalia, making it one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent German history. Lammert emphasized that the disaster "changed the lives of many people forever and deeply shook our country."

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The flood caused immeasurable suffering, loss, and destruction, but also brought forth impressive solidarity and great commitment.

Despite the passage of time, Lammert noted that people continue to grapple with the consequences. He stressed the parliament's duty to remember, honor, and identify lessons learned. The state parliament has conducted a parliamentary review of the catastrophe, assigned responsibility, and drawn crucial lessons. Lammert reiterated the ongoing commitment to advance reconstruction and bolster disaster protection, assuring, "The state parliament will not forget the Ahrtal."

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The catastrophe of July 14 to 15, 2021, changed the lives of many people forever and deeply shook our country.