The Interior Ministry showcases enthusiasm for extensive drills

The Federal Technical Relief Agency (THW) in North Rhine-Westphalia recently held a large-scale emergency exercise over the weekend, with more than half of the approximately 900 deployment forces participating. The exercise, known as FÜLEX, took place simultaneously at several locations, including greater Aachen, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Cologne, and Mönchengladbach.

In these scenarios, more than 1,000 helpers demonstrated their capabilities in various rescue and recovery operations, involving people, animals, and property. The THW electricians, for instance, were tasked with restoring the energy supply, a crucial job in civil protection situations. The "Power Supply" specialist group provided power for the pumps used in the exercise.

Meanwhile, the "Water Damage/Pumps" specialist groups managed the failure of pumps in a wastewater treatment plant and laid out about three kilometers of hose to install pumps with a total capacity of 45,000 liters per minute. The "Water Hazards" specialist groups were active in the Düsseldorf Rhine harbor, where they conducted an evacuation exercise, deploying ten boats and two working platforms.

The "Unmanned Aerial Systems" team practiced taking aerial photographs using drones at major damage events such as flood disasters. The "Clearing" specialist group demonstrated their skills in dyke construction, while the "Mobile Flood Gauge" team set up several flood measuring points.

As part of the exercise leadership, specialists in leadership and coordination supported the control and coordination of FÜLEX. The forces of the "Logistics" unit ensured the well-being of the participants by preparing meals, managing the supply of consumables, and repairing faulty equipment.

Nicolas Hefner, THW State Representative for North Rhine-Westphalia, expressed enthusiasm about the exercise. Dr. Daniela Lesmeister, the State Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, praised the commitment of the deployment forces and the good and trusting cooperation between the THW and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

For more information about the Federal Agency for Technical Relief - North Rhine-Westphalia State Association Service Office, please contact Anna Wachowski at +49 2103-7910-421 or [email protected].

It's important to note that, as of the publication of this article, no information was found about any organization demonstrating rescue and recovery skills in Mönchengladbach on the upcoming weekends in September 2025.

This article was originally transmitted by the Federal Agency for Technical Relief - North Rhine-Westphalia State Association Service Office and was originally published by news aktuell.