First-class THW exercise in Haßmersheim: So we save life!

First-class THW exercise in Haßmersheim: So we save life!

Haßmersheim, Deutschland - On June 8, 2025, the Technical Relief Agency (THW) organized a large exercise in Haßmersheim. Around 300 emergency services came together to build a floating working bridge on the Neckar. This exercise was not only a valuable practical training, but also an important event as an occasion for two anniversaries: 75 years THW and 60 years of Haßmersheim. The exercise was a fictional scenario in which the municipality of Haßmersheim was under water after severe heavy rain cases and the population urgently had to be taken care of.

THW experts from all over southern Germany were involved in this day of action. A total of 22 trucks were mobilized, which provided materials for the construction of the 115 meter long swimming bridge. The helpers also built accommodations and provided their work for electricity and water supply. Assembly work took place at three locations, with the pontoons being left to water and connected. The symbolic "bridge strike" was carried out on Saturday at around 4 p.m.

important political and social support

The exercise also showed political interest. Among the guests present were the Baden-Württemberg minister Peter Hauk and Thomas Strobl, who found out about the performance of the THW. THW President Sabine Lackner expressed her praise for the know-how of the helper, while Interior Minister Thomas Strobl creates the decisive role of the volunteers for population protection. The day of action offered the population the opportunity to find out comprehensively about the work of the THW, which attracted numerous visitors that strolled through the completed swimming bridge.

The breakdown of the bridge marked the end of the large exercise on Sunday and underlined the efficiency of the emergency services. Such exercises are not only important for direct use, but also for long -term crisis management and the right action in emergencies. As the Environmental Federal Agency , it is crucial to carry out regularly such exercises in order to be optimally prepared for different extreme events.

population protection in the German system

population protection in Germany is a comprehensive task that is coordinated by the federal and state governments. The Federal Office for Population Protection and disaster assistance (BBK) the countries together to effectively protect the population in the event of disasters. The most common dangers include storms, floods and heavy rain. The legal basis for this forms the law on civil protection and the disaster relief of the federal government.