"Joanna, the flood victim, would break the connection"

Ahr Valley Tragedy: Remembering Johanna, the 26-Year-Old Lost in the 2021 Flood

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Communication ceased abruptly - "Joanna, the flood victim, would break the connection"

On what should have been her 26th birthday on June 1st, the enchanting memories of Johanna continue to linger. Instead of celebrating with a cake made by a pastry chef, her loved ones will gather at her parents' home to honor her. Her parents, Ralph and Inka Orth, will be joined by family, friends, and others (though some may find the reunion too emotionally challenging).

Johanna was swept away by the Ahr Valley flood of 2021, leaving behind a trail of heartache and emptiness for her family and friends. Ever since the catastrophe, the Orthes have been tirelessly pursuing justice and accountability in its aftermath, through legal action, public letters, and media interviews to ensure Johanna's legacy lives on and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

"Furniture moving, darkness, can't open the door"

The Orthes can vividly recall that fateful night, four years ago. Their phone rang at midnight with a frantic call from their daughter, describing a chaotic scene of darkness, moving furniture, and her inability to open the apartment door. Johanna was normally a slim individual, so her father, Ralph, attempted to comfort her and find a way out. But the connection was lost before they could find a solution.

Desperate to reach her, the Orthes called repeatedly, but to no avail. On that day, they had left for Mallorca in the morning. If Johanna had managed to escape her apartment, she could have reached the staircase and possibly survived, her mother recalls.

"Quick-witted, loving, always conscious of harmony"

Johanna is one among the 136 victims of the Ahr Valley flood disaster in Rhineland-Palatinate. Her spirit is preserved through cherished memories of their then 22-year-old daughter. "She was a dream of a child," Inka Orth remembers with misty eyes. "Johanna was incredibly resourceful, always thinking on her feet, and enamored by harmony." Her family and Johanna were inseparable, with constant communication throughout the day.

The last moments they shared with Johanna before their vacation would now carry a different weight. On that day, she had come into their office for a meeting and bid farewell with tears welling up in her eyes. Though the vacation would have been exciting, it was tinged with a sense of melancholy, as they knew they would miss her dearly.

"The past can't be changed, but responsibility must be established"

Since the disaster, the Orthes have made it their mission to fight for legal accountability. They have filed complaints against the suspension of investigations, pleading for a clear understanding of the chain of events and responsibility for future catastrophes. The public prosecutor's office's assessment that the flood was merely a "natural event" falls short in addressing the gravity and complexities of the situation, the Orthes believe.

"No emergency evacuation plan, life isn't the priority"

Overwhelmed with grief and confusion, the Orthes question the absence of emergency evacuation plans. "It just doesn't make sense that human lives aren't the top priority. Officials should take this seriously," Inka Orth expresses. Despite their struggles, they continue to find solace in the Ahr Valley, where they have a shared history, a cemetery, and a profound connection.

The valley, though painful, serves as a reminder of Johanna's dream: to run her own patisserie. The Orthes have fulfilled her dream, establishing "Patisserie Johanna" in Hamburg since late 2024.

The Orthes' wishes for the future revolve around a call for people to value what truly matters in life. "The state can provide protection, but we learned first-hand that it might not be there when needed," Ralph Orth reflects. "Anyone can be affected by such a disaster. It's crucial to stand together to prevent tragedies like these from happening again."

1. The community policy should include measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in the event of natural disasters.
2. The employment policy should account for work-from-home options during emergency situations to maintain productivity.
3. The health-and-wellness initiatives in the workplace should address medical conditions, chronic diseases, and mental health to ensure employee well-being.
4. Fitness and exercise programs can help employees manage conditions such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin care.
5. Sexual health and family health education should be part of the workplace-wellness programs to promote a holistic approach to employees' well-being.6.Autoimmune disorders, aging, and women's health are significant areas that need to be addressed in the employment policy to support women employees.
6. Men's health, skin care, and therapies and treatments should also be considered in the employment policy for comprehensive employee wellness.
7. Career development and productivity training can help employees navigate difficult situations, such as car accidents or job searches.
8. General news and self-development programs can help employees stay informed and grow personally, fostering resilience and adaptability.
9. Crime and justice, accidents, and fires are matters that should be included in the employment policy to ensure employee safety.
10. Goal-setting and skills training can provide employees with the tools to cope with setbacks and bounce back from adversity.
11. In the aftermath of the disaster, Johanna's family advocated for better education and self-development opportunities to help them navigate their changed circumstances.
12. Johanna was deeply interested in mindfulness, which helped her navigate her personal life and find balance.
13. Chronic diseases, such as psoriasis and neurological disorders, often require specialized treatments and therapies.
14. The Orthes believed that the Ahr Valley flood was not just a natural event but a complex chain of events that required investigation and accountability.
15. The Orthes' pursuit of justice for Johanna led to changes in the community policy, with increased focus on emergency evacuation plans and prioritizing human lives over material possessions.
16. Johanna's legacy inspired many in her community to focus on their health and wellness, leading to increased fitness and exercise, better nutrition, and improved mental health.
17. The fitness and exercise programs in the workplace encouraged employees to take care of their health, reducing sick days and increasing productivity.
18. Johanna's story served as a reminder for everyone to cherish their loved ones and live each day to the fullest, always conscious of harmony.
19. Johanna's parents, Ralph and Inka Orth, continued to advocate for better health and wellness initiatives in the workplace, believing that happiness and fulfillment must be integral parts of employment policies.

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