The large family of “Krone” readers has opened their hearts wide. 1.2 million has already been donated to the victims of the devastating flood disaster!
It looks like a field of rubble, as if a hurricane has hit. Because the Danube, unleashed by the flood, washed away everything that was not firmly anchored here in the Strombad settlement in Kritzendorf – just outside Vienna. What remains is the rubble of life, but also concrete-hard mud that only becomes harder with every ray of sunshine.
“It is almost a race against time to remove the dirty brown traces and thus give the victims some dignity back, namely their home,” says Caritas director Klaus Schwertner at the local inspection “Krone” in the middle of this muddy desert.
The activist for humanity struggles – even to the point of exhaustion – with 76-year-old retiree Karla Stefanek. In front of the house that gave her a sense of security with her husband, who suffered from dementia, until this once-in-a-century flood, a Hollywood swing sways faintly in the autumn wind.
44,000 citizens participate in “Team For One Another”
“I have always sat here with him and have been able to recall his memories,” says the woman, who remains calm despite the blow of fate – before bursting into tears. At first she felt completely alone and was afraid that no one would help her. But the first Caritas angels and many other volunteers were already wading out of the mud.
The impressive balance of humanity: 44,000 citizens have so far overall registered with “Team Füreinand” and have fought against suffering and hardship in 115,000 hours of action. Caritas has also set up acute care contact points in 35 communities.
“In recent days we have been able to mobilize hundreds of volunteers from this humanitarian army. They clean up flooded apartments and homes and are also there to comfort souls when victims come their way,” says Schwertner.
What gives him strength: the small and large signs of hope and also the indomitability of some victims such as that of the retired Otto Kunz, who fearlessly and cheerfully fills drawer after drawer. But there is also 52-year-old Brigitte Hofegger. She points out a flowering hibiscus that has sprung up despite the flood. “When I saw the little natural wonder, I knew it would last,” the woman says.
On the way back we meet a lone helper and his companion. The man is carrying an unused shovel that appears to have been specially purchased and entered the disaster area without much fuss to help…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
