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The flood disaster is now, in mid-September 2021, more than two months behind us, and a great deal has changed in that time. Initially, the basements of the flooded houses had to be pumped out, cleared of debris, and then the mud removed. After the cleanup and mud removal, the affected houses were gutted, with plaster and flooring, including tiles and screed, being removed. At this point, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the helpers, without whom this work would have dragged on much longer.
The first houses are currently in the drying phase, during which moisture is primarily being extracted from the masonry and floors. If this step were not pursued diligently, the houses could become uninhabitable due to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Once the houses are dry, the actual reconstruction can begin. The necessary materials are currently being determined by the responsible specialists.
Our goal is to complete the necessary work, such as electrical, heating, and plumbing, before the onset of winter. Since we are currently (as of October 5, 2021) managing ten construction sites and have more planned, we need all the help we can get. If you need assistance, please contact Brother Leo Altmann at 01578-8773531.
Plans are currently underway for a joint platform where volunteers, especially experts, can be registered by community officials so that they can be accessed when needed.
Organizational problems:
Unfortunately, responsibilities on site keep changing: sometimes it's the THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief), then the Johanniter (St. John Ambulance), or the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Furthermore, the flow of information and communication on site is poorly organized. This significantly complicates the organization and hinders progress. We hope and pray to God for an improvement in these circumstances.
Leo Altmann & Markus Klippel,
Municipality of Ulmen
Dehumidifying the masonry is important for the upcoming renovation work.