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More than 500 Order of Malta volunteers are currently in action following devastating flooding in parts of Germany. They are supporting the people affected by providing food and care and helping with reconstruction where possible. According to current information at least 157 people have died as a result of the floods, while dozens remain unaccounted for.

Cologne. The news and pictures from flooded areas have caused sympathy and concern worldwide. The situation remains threatening for many. Douglas Saurma, European President of the Order of Malta International, said: “We have not seen destruction on the scale in some places since the Second World War. The operational situation is dramatic and constantly changing.”

Several days into the unfolding disaster, the willingness of Order of Malta volunteers to help remains unabated. “We are supporting fire departments, civil protection, emergency rescue, and police services by providing food, supplies, and places to rest,” said Saurma. “Our chaplains and trained volunteers are also available to provide psychosocial support to the emergency services – many of whom are seeing a disaster on this scale for the first time.”  

The situation is incredibly varied from place to place. “In some areas we are still rescuing and caring for people. In others, people are already cleaning up and we are trying to help,” said Saurma. “We especially want to support people in need of assistance who are not eligible for insurance payouts or government benefits. We would be very grateful for any further donations that we can put to use for those affected.”

Special thanks go to all of the people of the Order of Malta who have been working since last Wednesday. “We are very proud of our emergency services who help people in need under the most difficult conditions. This applies to our full-time employees, but also especially to the many volunteers who immediately signaled their readiness and tackled things”, said Saurma.

About the Order of Malta aid service in Germany:

The Order of Malta in Germany is a Catholic aid organization and carrier of inpatient health and social services under the umbrella of the German Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta. In Germany around 52,000 volunteers and 33,300 full-time employees of the Order of Malta work for people in need – regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions. The Order of Malta in Germany is active in civil protection and disaster control, first aid training, the accompaniment of old, sick or disadvantaged people as well as in youth work and work abroad – both in the ambulance service and transport, home emergency call and food service. The Order of Malta runs hospitals, elderly care facilities, schools and social facilities for young people, addicts and asylum seekers.

Malteser International is the humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. With over 100 projects in 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, Malteser International supports those affected by poverty, disease, conflict and disaster, helping them lead a healthy life with dignity – without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles build the foundation of our work.

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Note to editors: 
Douglas Graf von Saurma-Jeltsch, European President of the Order of Malta International

Press Contact: 
Patrick Poehler,
 +49 (0)221 9822 – 2220/2202
press(at)malteser.org