Ahmadis in Germany, with Humanity First, continue work on the ground to aid flood victims

Zubair Khalil Khan, Humanity First Germany

After the recent floods in Germany, a wave of willingness to help the victims has set in. Rescue workers – from organisations and volunteer citizens – are also providing vital services to directly support those affected by the floods.  

One of these aiding communities is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat through its humanitarian organisation, Humanity First. 

Within a couple of days of the heavy rainfall, members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat set off in various directions to help people as well to cook and distribute food to those without access. 

Now, for more than two weeks, Ahmadi volunteers have been helping and cooking for people affected by the floods. 

Ahmadiyya Mosques and centres in Frankfurt, Wittlich, Cologne, Aachen, Koblens, Neuwied and Islerlon remained as central hubs for flood relief efforts.  

With the help of the Ahmadiyya youth organisation, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, almost 500 members are in the field to help the victims. Up until 30 July 2021, help services have been provided in 41 areas of affected regions.

One of the kitchens, administered by Humanity First, located in Bonner Strasse in the city of Meckenheim near Bonn, attracted the media and dignitaries of the city. This kitchen is established in the courtyard of a house that belongs to an Ahmadi and was underwater during the initial days of the flood.  

Mr Hans Dieter Wirtz, First Administrator of the City of Meckenheim, visited it to see for himself and to express his heartfelt thanks to the volunteers. 

“What is done here is extraordinary. Without any personal connection to the flood victims, these people put all their energy into helping their fellow human beings. That is just great.”, said Hans Dieter Wirtz, enthusiastic about the work on site.

The regional newspaper, Blick in its issue of 29 July 2021 reported about the field kitchen in Meckenheim:

“Here, a few cooks operate the gas stoves, while other helping hands fill the meals and make them ready for shipment, between 1,000 and 1,500 meals a day. Affected Meckenheim residents who come directly to the farm are also served. In order to cope with this workload, the volunteers travel from the Frankfurt region in the early hours of the morning and do not leave Meckenheim again until late in the afternoon, when even the last pot has been washed. They receive invaluable support from the citizens of Meckenheim, who have contributed equipment such as tables and chairs, or are involved in serving the food. ‘A big thank you to all of you,’ said Hans Dieter Wirtz, extending the warmest greetings of Mayor Holger Jung to the entire team.”

Ahmadiyya Missionaries were also at the forefront to help the flood victims in Germany.

Erfstadt is a town located about 20 km southwest of Cologne in the Rhein-Erft-District in the state of North Rhein Westphalia, Germany. The name of the town derives from the river which flows through it, the Erft. During the recent floods, due to the torrential rains, the river banks could not sustain the water pressure and the town was badly damaged due to flooding.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat along with Humanity First Germany reached almost 41 cities and towns that were affected due to flooding. Ahmadi missionaries also travelled to the disaster area of the town Erfstadt to lend a helping hand. 

A group of 25 missionaries reached the town on 29 July 2021, and spent the whole day clearing the dirt and residue from streets, basements and first floors of private houses. They also participated in the preparation, packing and distribution of food to those in need.