GERMANY — A Samaritan’s Purse disaster assistance response team (DART) has arrived in hard-hit Western Germany to aid in massive flood relief efforts. These international specialists are assisting a local team of 150 German staff and volunteers who have already been hard at work in the devastated city of Ahrweiler.

Since July 15—just 24 hours after the flooding began—local teams have been helping to pump out basements and clean up destroyed homes in this district that alone has seen 117 fatalities. The teams are also distributing meals and groceries to those affected by the tragedy.

Susanna Smolenski, Flood Victim:

This flood catastrophe hit the entire clinic so dramatically and so quickly including our residential building here. Thankfully, patients could be evacuated in time.

Jessica Martens, Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Western Germany to catastrophic flooding. Germany hasn’t seen flood like this in hundreds of years. Many homes are destroyed. Over a hundred people lost their lives. We’re cleaning out homes, distributing food. We’re giving encouragement to everyone that’s effected in addition to practical help.

Dan-Joel, Volunteer:

The Bible says we are to love our neighbor, and we want to apply that by serving God. We have come here to help clean up as well.

Norman, Volunteer:

I know what it’s like to lose everything. I was on the street for a long time and that’s why I’m here with the team today from Cologne, simply to help because it’s worth it. Always keep going. You should always keep going. That is very important.

Daniel Siemens, Pastor:

After the extent became known, the extent of the whole disaster the church reacted immediately. We sent out a relief team. The scouted the situation on the ground and then every day, we sent more and more people to the area. We collected in-kind donations. Jesus Christ is our role model and He always helped. He didn’t just preach. And we want to do the same. Here, the need is great and we help practically.

Susanna Smolenski:

We are so grateful for every helper who comes. And we think that’s really, really great.

Jessica Martens:

Please pray for everyone effected and also for all the helpers on the ground.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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