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Danger of heat in MV: Homeless people need urgent support!
Extreme heat in Western Pomerania-Greifswald on August 11th, 2025: Measures for homeless people at risk and health care are the focus.
Danger of heat in MV: Homeless people need urgent support!
The heat wave that is currently sweeping Germany is causing sweltering temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Vulnerable groups are particularly affected, including older, sick and homeless people. He also observes this NDR. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania an increase of up to 30 degrees Celsius is expected today, which poses a great danger, especially for the homeless.
The health risk should not be underestimated: circulatory failure, heat exhaustion and dehydration are just some of the consequences that await these people in extreme heat. Diakonie has therefore called for people to keep a special eye on homeless people during this difficult time.
Measures in the cities
In cities like Rostock, Schwerin and Greifswald, the heat is being actively combated. In Greifswald, for example, field staff are on the move to contact homeless people in high temperatures and to offer the necessary support. The health-related heat protection plan for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, drawn up in July, also places great emphasis on individual care in extreme situations.
Specific measures such as drinking water fountains are important for severely impaired groups. In Schwerin there are even five special fountains for the homeless and the public. The Daily Mirror also reports that the social association VdK criticizes the inadequate preparation of many care facilities for such weather conditions. A comprehensive heat protection plan for nursing homes and hospitals is required here.
Long-term solutions against heat
More far-reaching measures are needed. In addition to structural safety precautions in care facilities such as installing roller blinds and cooling systems, educational institutions have a duty to prepare for the coming heat waves. Anja Bensinger-Stolze from the GEW suggests providing free drinking water and organizing safety training for teachers.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes that climate change means that an increase in hot days can also be expected in the future. RKI emphasizes the urgency of effective heat protection, especially for weaker population groups such as the elderly or people with chronic previous illnesses.
In 2023, there were already 36 drinking water fountains in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that are available during the summer months. A clear appeal to all public institutions to open their doors and take appropriate protective measures is essential to protect vulnerable people at this critical time.
The current temperatures and the announcements from the German Weather Service make it clear: we have to act. The heat wave is not just a weather phenomenon; it has a direct influence on the lives of tens of thousands of people in Germany. It is estimated that up to 72,000 people have died in recent years due to extreme heat conditions. A worrying record that calls for action.