Evacuation in Porz: cooling churches as a refuge during the heat wave

Von Kl Redaktion

In the Cologne municipality of Porz, this Tuesday was an unusual but necessary event, in which the religious communities served as a refuge for those affected for evacuation. As a result of the defusing of a historical World War II bomb in the Westhoven district, around 7,000 people had to be removed from their households, including residents of old people's homes and patients from the LVR Clinic Porz.

a place of calm and security

Although the temperatures were above 30 degrees and an official warning against extreme heat, the evacuated not only visited cooler places, but also a community that offered them support. The churches in the Porzer Rhine area, especially the City Church of St. Josef and the St. Laurentius Church in Ensen, opened their doors and offered not only shadows, but also the feeling of security.

The decision to evacuate

The five -hour evacuation process started at 8 a.m., with the St. Laurentius Church being ready for the incoming people at 7:45 a.m. "We open early so that we can offer people a pleasant place before the heat turns into the uncomfortable," said Küster Susanne Streichhahn. In the church, those affected found an excellent retreat, away from the crowded and often unpleasant atmosphere of a gym.

a perfect solution in a difficult moment

The positive feedback from a visitor who has been in the St. Laurentius Church is particularly noteworthy. "It is much more pleasant here than in a gym that often smells of plastic," she said. Her contact with the church was loose, but the need for a cool, pleasant place during the evacuation was clear. With other people present, she did not spend the time alone, but in social conversations.

The role of the churches in times of crisis

This incident is an impressive example of how churches can act as a retreat in crisis situations. It can be seen that not only security aspects are taken into account when defusing dangers, but also human needs for community, protection and comfort. At a time when heat -related health risks increase, these common areas not only offer refreshment, but also important social interactions.

The entire event also raises questions about the future role of churches in urban areas. In many cities, church buildings face challenges that affect their preservation and use as a common good resource. Their multifunctional use in emergency situations could be a step towards a new community of responsibility that advocates the preservation and appreciation of cultural common areas.

The return of the evacuated will probably take place after the bomb has been defused, and the parishes are ready to continue to provide support for their neighbors in the future. This shows not only the practical role of the churches, but also their potential to act in challenging times as supports of the community.