ANSBACH, Germany (June 1, 2016) -- U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach contributed personnel and resources for the City of Ansbach's response and cleanup efforts in the May 29 storm that inundated the area with heavy rain and hail.
The downpour produced flash floods that swept through the streets of Ansbach and flooded residences, businesses and vehicles, while a barrage of hail damaged windows, roofs and automobiles all over town. The storm was part of a larger system that affected southern Bavaria and the neighboring state of Baden-Wurttemberg.
As Ansbach's emergency crews responded to reports of broken windows, damaged roofs and flooded homes, USAG Ansbach's Fire and Emergency Services Division lent a hand by providing two fire engines, five firefighters and a range of specialized equipment.
According to Stefan Groetschel, chief of Fire and Emergency Services for USAG Ansbach, garrison firefighters brought portable generators, cable drums, flood lights, submersible pumps, special vacuum cleaners for water and two pumps designed for waste water - called CHIEMSEE pumps.
"Our main response area was the Richard-Wagner Street where water came down the slope and swept along the mud and stones into basements, houses, streets, etc.," said Groetschel. "We pumped out several basements and had the mission to [place] the big CHIEMSEE pumps above the hill to pump away the water - preventing it to run down the slope."
"This kind of teamwork really exemplifies the very strong and enduring relationship between us and our host-nation counterparts," said James Walls, USAG Ansbach deputy garrison commander.
Emergency crews continued responding to calls throughout Ansbach into the next morning. Repairs and cleanup work are ongoing this week.
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach Official Home Page
USAG Ansbach Directorate of Emergency Services
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