THW Bavaria Celebrates 75 Years of Saving Lives, From War Rubble to Global Disasters
The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) in Bavaria is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Around 16,000 volunteers dedicate their free time to protect the population, a tradition that began in the aftermath of World War II.
Founded on August 22, 1950, the THW originally focused on protecting the local population from war effects and clearing rubble. Today, its tasks have evolved to include disaster control and civil defense, as seen in the recent flooding disaster in southern Bavaria and the THW's response to the Russian attack on Ukraine, procuring aid goods worth over 138 million euros.
The THW's role has expanded globally, with Bavarian forces providing technical assistance abroad, such as in Slovenia and Turkey in 2023. Locally, they have been instrumental in incidents like the tragic train crash in Bad Aibling in 2016, where over 400 THW forces were on site.
To mark this significant anniversary, the Bavarian State Chancellery is hosting a reception for around 350 THW members in Munich. The THW's commitment and adaptability over the past 75 years are a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and the organization's vital role in Bavarian society.
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