Spin/Olpe
Hours of heavy rainfall yesterday led to flooding in some districts of the Sauerland municipality of Wenden. According to a spokesperson for the volunteer fire brigade, the situation calmed down again late in the evening.
No people were injured. Due to flooded cellars and the disconnection of the power supply, some affected residents in the Ottfingen district stayed overnight with friends. No one wanted to be taken to a care home.
The district control center Olpe had previously warned through the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) in Bonn: “There is a risk of flooding in the municipality of Wenden.” Children, neighbors and people with reduced mobility should be helped, the official warning said. People in the area are also not allowed to enter basements and stay away from running water.
Due to the persistent heavy rain, the Großmicke river has burst its banks, the fire brigade spokesperson reports. The German Life Saving Society was on site with specialist flood units and everything Technical assistance organization active, a dpa reporter reported. Sandbags, among other things, were delivered.
Residents in affected areas were asked to turn off heating and cooking equipment, move to a safe place and follow emergency services’ instructions. The fire brigade spokesman said the rain initially subsided late in the evening. The flow speed of the river continues to be measured and the situation is monitored.
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