Artwork "The Cube" commemorates flood disaster in the Ahr valley - and its helpers
by Eva Schuler
Since today, a spectacular work of art with historical significance has been on display in Ahrweiler. In the giant cube, mementos from the night of the flood have been preserved for eternity like a time capsule. Also included is a FOCUS online microphone, which symbolises the commitment and ongoing reporting of the FOCUS online flood reporters
“Museum of Modern Ahrts” is the name of the memorial unveiled today in the Ahr valley, where personal objects recall stories of victims who only miraculously survived. Or of people who, through their courage and commitment, provided help during the devastating night of the flood or far beyond. One year and seven months after the deadly Ahr flood, the Flood Memorial is the centre of a nationwide campaign to commemorate the flood disaster. As a media partner, FOCUS Online reports on site about the extensive information and art campaign.
FOCUS online stayed in the Ahr valley after the flood, opened a "flood bureau" and reported continuously from the region. A permanent team researched, coordinated help and took care of people's concerns. The aim was to give those affected a voice, to report critically on political decisions and to accompany the reconstruction in the Ahr valley. A mammoth project that showed how responsible, solution-oriented journalism works.
FOCUS online, with the help of the wide reach of the BurdaForward brands, will continue to help ensure that the fates of the victims and their relatives are not forgotten through constructive reporting. Because every death is a reminder to the following generations of politicians: The Ahr valley stands symbolically for the consequences of extreme storms, for construction sins, bad planning and poor crisis management. This must be remembered again and again in order to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Learn more about the art project and the flood night or visit the "museum of modern arts" virtually!