75 years of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief
The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) celebrates its 75th anniversary today. Since 1950 it has been active in civil and disaster protection – both nationally and internationally.
Bonn (d.de) – The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has been active in Germany and internationally for exactly 75 years.
The federal civil and disaster protection organisation provides worldwide assistance in emergencies and disasters. The tasks of the THW are wide-ranging: they include rescuing and recovering people and animals, securing buildings and infrastructure, providing water in crisis situations and giving logistical support to other aid agencies.
“In 75 years the THW has developed into a powerful operational organisation with enormous technical and logistical capabilities. Today, around 88,000 volunteers and some 2,200 full-time staff belong to the blue THW family,” says THW President Sabine Lackner. The volunteers also assist with reconstruction after natural disasters and civil wars. For rapid relief there are several specialist units: the Rapid Deployment Unit Search and Rescue Abroad (SEEBA) locates and rescues people after earthquakes, for example.
The THW is organised nationwide in local sections, which are grouped into regional and state associations. It works closely with government authorities, fire brigades and other aid organisations.