Heat warning: demands for resignations in Hildesheim are growing!

Heat warning: demands for resignations in Hildesheim are growing!

The current heat wave in Germany not only brings record temperatures, but also serious problems for vulnerable groups. Homeless people are particularly affected in this context, as they often do not have access to the necessary resources to protect themselves from extreme heat. Hildesheim press reports on the allegations of the self-help group “Randnotiz Hildesheim”, which accuses the city and the district of having failed to set up heat shelters for homeless and homeless people. Spokesman Swen Huchatz calls for the resignation of District Administrator Bernd Lynack, Mayor Dr. Ingo Meyer and Head of Social Affairs Malte Spitzer.

Although the German Weather Service warned in advance of extreme heat stress, the “side note” believes that no necessary measures were taken. The consequences of this omission are particularly serious in urban areas with little cooling at night, including the center of Hildesheim. The situation was described in detail in an email to Prime Minister Olaf Lies and various political contacts. A central accusation is the disregard for the right to physical integrity of homeless people, who particularly suffer from the extreme weather conditions.

Heat as a health risk

Loud daily news Elderly, sick and homeless people are particularly at risk during this heat wave, which reaches temperatures of up to 40 degrees. The social association VdK criticizes the inadequate preparation of many care facilities for the heat, while Diakonie Deutschland calls for public facilities to be opened to homeless people. Nursing homes and social facilities urgently need to implement heat protection plans to provide a safe environment for these vulnerable groups.

The Federal Working Group for Homeless Assistance emphasizes that around 531,600 people in Germany are considered homeless and around 47,300 live on the streets. These groups often have pre-existing conditions and are at high risk of health problems, which are exacerbated by inadequate medical care and access to resources such as water and shade. RND describes that many homeless people hesitate to seek help centers due to chronic illnesses and a lack of insurance, which further exacerbates the situation.

Urgent need for action

In order to mitigate the dangers of the heat wave, BAG W is calling for a heat protection fund at the federal level and legal obligations so that municipalities can implement heat protection plans. In addition to the need for free water supply and shaded areas, emergency shelters that are open all year round are also important. Cansın Köktürk from the Left Party also points out that the government is increasing financial pressure on the poorest social groups and thus potentially increasing heat deaths.

The challenge is enormous: heat does not protect and hits the poorest people the hardest. It remains to be hoped that those responsible will hear the warnings and take the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of all citizens.