Celebrating 75 Years of the THW in Bavaria: A Legacy of Service and Resilience
Bayern'sTHW Marks 75 Years of Civic Service: Reflecting on a Moving History, THW Bayern Honors Its Anniversary in Commemoration of Years Dedicated to Protecting the Population.
The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) in Bavaria is marking a significant milestone this year, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded on August 22, 1950, by Gustav Heinemann, the then Federal Minister of the Interior, and Otto Lummitzsch, the THW has grown from a small local association in Nuremberg to a renowned federal voluntary emergency organization.
One of the oldest local associations of the THW can be found in Nuremberg, having been established in 1950 as one of the first nationwide. Today, around 16,000 volunteers in Bavaria dedicate their free time to the THW, a testament to its enduring impact and importance.
The THW's primary task initially was protecting the population from war effects and cleaning up post-WWII. However, over the years, the organization has had to adapt due to changing global political situations. It has expanded its competencies in emergency supply and emergency restoration, among other things, in civil defense. This adaptation has been crucial, as the civil defense capabilities of the THW have gained significance due to Russia's aggressive war on Ukraine.
The THW's first international mission was a storm surge in the Netherlands in 1953. Since then, the organization has been deployed worldwide on behalf of the federal government, including within the EU's civil protection mechanism and on behalf of UN organizations. In 2023, around 50 Bavarian THW members provided technical assistance in Slovenia after heavy rainfall, rebuilding destroyed bridges, clearing stream beds, and restoring roads for over two weeks. The THW Bavaria also supported efforts on site in Turkey after a severe earthquake, involving search and rescue operations and ensuring power supply.
Bavarian THW members are specialized in treating contaminated drinking water and pumping out water quantities of up to 15,000 liters per minute in flooded areas using high-performance pumps. This expertise has been essential in various disaster relief efforts, demonstrating the THW's commitment to helping those in need.
On behalf of the federal government, the THW has so far procured aid goods worth over 138 million euros, including vehicles, construction machinery, and power generators, primarily using funds from the Foreign Office. This significant contribution underscores the THW's vital role in disaster relief and emergency response.
As the THW celebrates its 75th anniversary, it continues to be a sought-after supporter for various organizations. Its reputation as a reliable and efficient emergency response team is well-deserved, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its volunteers.
For more information about the THW Bavarian Regional Association, please contact Annelie Schiller at (089) 15 91 51-655 or [email protected]. The THW's legacy of service and resilience continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.
