Berlin police sends hundred-strong team to flooded area

The Berlin police are also supporting the rescue work in the flooded areas. A team of one hundred is on its way to Rhineland-Palatinate after the state asked for support. This was announced by the Senate Interior Administration on Twitter on Saturday evening. In the crisis area, the Berlin task forces are to help in the search for missing persons.

"I wish the Berlin police much strength and success," said Interior Senator Andreas Geisel (SPD). "My great thanks go to you and to all the helpers on the ground. Berlin has promised quick help. We are ready if more support is needed - whether in terms of personnel or technology."

He added that what the emergency forces were doing deserved the utmost respect. He added that his thoughts were with the relatives of the victims and the people who are currently still missing. "Even those who have lost belongings or fear for them should know that our country stands together in times of crisis," it said on Twitter.

Already on Thursday, Berlin had offered help to the flooded areas in western Germany. The SPD interior ministers had agreed on such an offer in a telephone conference, Interior Senator Andreas Geisel said Thursday. Brandenburg's Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) also assured the affected regions of his state's support.

Brandenburg then sent a special helicopter to Rhineland-Palatinate. There had been a corresponding request from there, explained Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) in Potsdam on Thursday. "Of course, we immediately help where we can," Stübgen said. The police helicopter with a crew of three is equipped with a special winch for recovery and rescue.