Many had worked to the point of total exhaustion, stressed Chancellor Angela Merkel when she met some 160 volunteers from the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and staff of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. Both bodies are helping the federal states, rural districts, towns, authorities and aid organisations provide accommodation for asylum-seekers and care for them.

"You were the first impression that many of the people coming to us had of Germany," said the Chancellor. "Germany can be proud of you."

In the meantime much has been achieved, underscored Angela Merkel. The number of asylum-seekers arriving has dropped considerably. The focus now is on integrating those who will be staying in Germany. "A mammoth task faces us," said the Chancellor.

Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière also praised the dedication of the refugee helpers. He pointed out that some of them had faced attacks and loutish insults. "We were particularly outraged by that," said Thomas de Maizière.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief was founded on 22 August 1950 as a federal civil protection and disaster relief organisation. It provides technical assistance within the framework of civil protection and in the context of natural disasters, emergencies and large-scale accidents. About 80,000 volunteers work for the Agency.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance was founded on 1 May 2004 under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. It is responsible for protecting the civilian population and providing assistance when disasters strike.