Although many major countries coordinate and drive disaster response at the federal level, in Germany, the various counties and municipalities are typically responsible for coordinating assistance in the event of a disaster, such as the recent floods that struck the nation’s southwest, explains an article in Deutsche Welle (DW). The article, which outlines the benefits and drawbacks of such a system, talks about situations where, if an emergency outstrips their ability to respond, local officials can request assistance from other less impacted regions, in an informal pooling of their resources.
Only in the event these regional alliances are unable to handle a disaster does the federal level get involved, via such organizations as the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, which can call on the Federal police or armed forces, in the event a state of emergency is declared.
The article also points to the high level of volunteerism in the country, with more than 1.7 unpaid volunteers working on civil protection activities. The Federal Agency for Technical Relief, an organization of semi-professional volunteers can also be called on for help, to assist in tasks like re-establishing water and electricity after disasters. Volunteerism is also critical in many other areas of emergency and disaster response, with groups like the German Red Cross, the DLRG German Life Saving Association, and various church-based humanitarian organizations also relying on individuals donating their time.
Source:
https://www.dw.com/en/why-germanys-disaster-management-works-from-the-bottom-to-the-top/a-58571507
