Germany sends troops to assist Polish post-flood cleanup efforts

Germany plans to send 120 soldiers to neighbouring Poland to help with flood relief efforts including infrastructure repairs and clearance work, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said during a visit to the north-western city of Szczecin on Thursday.

The minister said Germany was sending support upon request from Poland and a forward command would initially be deployed for eight weeks.

Poland is one of several countries in Eastern and Central Europe that was hit by severe flooding earlier this month, with several towns in the south-west of the country completely devastated.

Pistorius was in Szczecin on Thursday to mark the 24th anniversary of the NATO headquarters responsible for the alliance's north-eastern flank. It is led by German Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart.

Last week, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, after a crisis management meeting in Wrocław, that Germany was ready to send soldiers to provide support.

"So if you see German soldiers, please don't panic. This is help. Just so there are no doubts," said Tusk.

He was referring to anti-German sentiment that remains widespread among parts of the Polish population, 85 years after Nazi German invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, which started World War II.