More than 400 emergency services carried out over 200 operations. NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst and NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul have announced that they will be there in the afternoon.
"Paderborn is horrified, Paderborn is shocked and Paderborn is more than deeply affected," said Mayor Michael Dreier at the official press conference on Saturday morning. “An unspeakable tornado raged over Paderborn and severely destroyed parts of the city. It's shocking when you see what can happen to a city in such a short amount of time.”
Michael Dreier was on Friday together with Ralf Schmitz, head of the Paderborn volunteer fire brigade, in the affected areas and got an idea of the destruction.
The tornado started in the Riemekepark area.
"The trees are snapped like matchsticks," the mayor explained. The tornado swept through Friedrichstrasse and Königsstrasse to the “green lungs” of the city, the Pader source area. Trees that had grown here for many years were uprooted and apartments are no longer habitable. Dreier: "The Pader source area has collapsed." In the further course, the tornado caused destruction around Benhauserstraße and finally reached the Dörenpark industrial park, where entire companies were destroyed and crash barriers flew around.
The Benhausen district of Paderborn was also severely damaged. "It's a picture of the horror that we saw," says Michael Dreier. "Our thoughts are all with the injured and we hope
District Administrator Christoph Rüther had to experience at first hand how tiles and roof tiles were thrown through the area.
District Administrator Christoph Rüther had to experience at first hand how tiles and roof tiles were thrown through the area.
Both the district office and the police authority are located in the Riemekeviertel, which was badly damaged. "It's a place of devastation - I'm deeply affected," said Rüther. "I'm so sorry for everyone who was injured. Our thoughts are also with those who can no longer live in their houses and apartments.”
All fire departments in the district were asked immediately. "The fire engines came over immediately and supported us." The police drove more than 100 operations last night and secured buildings when necessary.
The district administrator also thanked everyone involved: "I am grateful for the great support." Neighboring municipalities and districts also offer their help, which is coordinated by the city of Paderborn.
"We worked closely with the fire brigade, the city and the rescue services," said Ulrich Ettler, chief police officer, and reported that there had been constant emergency calls, calls and operations.
"We worked closely with the fire brigade, the city and the rescue services," said Ulrich Ettler, chief police officer, and reported that there had been constant emergency calls, calls and operations.
Problem of disaster tourists
"The willingness to help was immense," said Ettler, who also had to criticize in this context. "Some were so brazen and disregarded barrier tapes, went into danger areas and obstructed rescue and clean-up work."
The danger is not over yet. There are still many places in the city where work has to be done on roofs, for example. He appealed: cordoned off areas must be accepted, any obstruction must be ruled out. Onlookers have no business in the city center, there is danger to life.
The Paderborn fire brigade was alerted Friday evening at 5 p.m. by five fire alarm systems that suddenly stopped working, reported Ralf Schmitz, head of the Paderborn volunteer fire brigade.
The Paderborn fire brigade was alerted Friday evening at 5 p.m. by five fire alarm systems that suddenly stopped working, reported Ralf Schmitz, head of the Paderborn volunteer fire brigade.
"On site, we had to determine that the tornado was the cause." Especially at the beginning of the operation, access for the rescue vehicles was often made more difficult, so that units were primarily sent to areas to clear rescue routes. "We are still busy eliminating the consequences today," said Schmitz.
The shooters are currently taking care of all the helpers on the Paderborn Schützenplatz. Mayors of neighboring communities, companies, associations and many more have also offered their help.
The shooters are currently taking care of all the helpers on the Paderborn Schützenplatz. Mayors of neighboring communities, companies, associations and many more have also offered their help.
Hotels are helping by offering a roof over their heads to those affected by the tornado. However, the majority of those affected have stayed with family and friends.
The city of Paderborn accepts offers and requests for help preferably by telephone on the hotline 05251 880 and coordinates voluntary help from private to private. Companies (craftsmen) who would like to offer their help can also contact the information hotline.
The city of Paderborn accepts offers and requests for help preferably by telephone on the hotline 05251 880 and coordinates voluntary help from private to private. Companies (craftsmen) who would like to offer their help can also contact the information hotline.
The city of Paderborn asks for your understanding that due to the enormous volume of calls, not every call can be put through immediately and there are waiting times.
Public transport, which was down last night, is now back in operation. The crisis team has decided that the “Day of Paderborn Sports” planned for Sunday will be cancelled. The Lunapark including the Lunamarkt will be closed this Saturday.
Public transport, which was down last night, is now back in operation. The crisis team has decided that the “Day of Paderborn Sports” planned for Sunday will be cancelled. The Lunapark including the Lunamarkt will be closed this Saturday.
This afternoon, the mayor is also getting an idea of schools and daycare centers in the affected area. "No one should be endangered.
Where necessary, we will close the schools accordingly," said Dreier.