The diocese of Aachen wants to expand its financial support for those affected by the flood. After setting up a solidarity fund for children and families affected by the flood, another emergency fund is now being planned.
The fund should comprise a double-digit million amount, said the vicar general of the diocese, Andreas Frick, on Friday.
Technical equipment urgently needed
In the coming week, Caritas will start paying out aid that can be applied for in church parishes, Catholic institutions and regional Caritas contact points. “All auxiliary organizations are currently asking not to donate in kind. What is needed, however, are refrigerators, drying devices, washing machines and stoves,” stressed Frick.
According to the vicar general, the damage to the church facilities caused by the flood cannot yet be quantified. “The St. Antonius Hospital in Eschweiler was hit with full force by the flood.” The church of St. Kornelius in Kornelimünster was also extremely damaged.
Short-term and unbureaucratic emergency aid
“In total, we know of 14 institutions so far, including the episcopal St. Ursula grammar school in Geilenkirchen, where the cellar was under water,” explained Frick. So that drying equipment and building materials could be purchased, the diocese made immediate aid available at short notice and unbureaucratically in order to be able to ensure the ability to act.
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