If you talk to Jörg Schäfer about that night in July 2021, even today, almost nine months later, he can't hide his shock. "I didn't believe how bad it was until the end," he says in the one_conversation. "It was incomparable to anything, no matter how extreme the floods were. The water came at night and it came very quickly." It was comparable to a tsunami. A tsunami that triggered a domino effect and cut a swathe of devastation through the entire town. The full extent of the devastation only gradually became apparent: dead, seriously injured and people who had lost all their belongings. Some waited on the roof of their house for a whole day, waiting to be rescued.
The Kurhaus and casino in Bad Neuenahr are currently a building site. You get an idea of how high and powerful the water roller must have been

Even the night-time journey was a challenge for Schäfer. Many roads were impassable and the REWE supermarket could only be reached via detours. When they finally arrived, the full extent of the destruction was revealed. Most of the goods stored downstairs had to be destroyed - over 40 cubic metres in total. At best, wine bottles and tinned food could be salvaged with some effort. The freezer electronics: a total loss. But Schäfer refused to give up. Together with employees, business partners, friends and acquaintances, he got the store back up and running in record time. "In six weeks, we had 21 new chests of drawers," he says, citing an encouraging example. In general, the close team spirit and huge willingness to help were a source of strength in the extreme situation - a kind of light in the dark days when one piece of bad news followed the next.
Big clean-up in the REWE supermarket warehouse (left). Masses of frozen pizza ended up in the rubbish I Photos: Jörg Schäfer

Although he was fully occupied with cleaning, repairs, renovations and new furnishings, the REWE salesman and his team helped wherever they could.

The customer car park quickly became a collection and distribution point for donations of goods of all kinds. There was strong support from REWE, which provided a refrigerated lorry and donated a high six-figure value of food. "The cooperation with REWE West worked really well, most things were sorted out quickly and easily," praises Schäfer, who was on the phone non-stop in the days after the disaster to organise relief supplies and coordinate their delivery. "We brought some of the goods to the residents in wheelbarrows," he says, describing the experience with emotion. As a local, he was well connected and knew where the fires were - unlike many of the helpers from outside. Although they were highly motivated, their efforts were slowed down considerably due to a lack of centralised coordination, says Schäfer.
The aid distribution point in the REWE car park was the central contact point for flood victims in summer 2021

Ready to sell again in record time: Jörg Schäfer in his refurbished REWE store In the meantime, however, the 55-year-old REWE merchant is looking to the future: he hopes that those responsible in politics and administration will recognise the opportunities and use the reconstruction to polish up the dusty image of the spa town and make it more attractive to young people. Jörg Schäfer has already set the course for his market: Beyond the refurbishment, he is planning significant investments, including in new, trendy fresh food product groups.