Augsburg area expands evacuation orders.
In flooded regions of the Bavarian district of Augsburg, authorities are escalating their evacuation requests. Citizens in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave promptly, as advised by the Integrated Control Center in the early morning. Shuttle buses are being offered to individuals who can't evacuate themselves. Moreover, in other parts of the region, people were asked to leave their homes and flats throughout the night. Communities situated alongside the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube, are hit hardest.
05:05 Wiesbaden braces for surging water levels
Wiesbaden's authorities are preparing for rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood defense wall is under construction in the district of Kostheim, notified the fire department early in the morning. In Schierstein, a pump has also been installed. It's recommended to shun parking lots near the river for the coming days, alerted the fire department. There's no need for further steps currently.
04:04 Long-distance train service between Stuttgart and Munich ceased
The landslide in the Baden-Württemberg municipality of Schwäbisch Gmünd has suspended long-distance train transportation between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway representative early in the morning couldn't estimate how long the route's closure would persist. The landslide has obstructed the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as well as the stretch between Ulm and Augsburg, where long-distance travel has been suspended owing to the flood in southern Germany, and trains have had to be redirected.
03:13 THW in Ulm manufactures 30,000 sandbags
During a covert operation, the Technical Relief Organization in Ulm has produced 30,000 sandbags for inundated and potentially inundated regions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Bernd Urban, head of the THW logistics center, stated that 400 sandbags are being filled per hour. Requests for sandbags originate from various crisis areas in the southwest and also other neighboring regions in the adjoining federal land. The constant downpour has caused notably increased water levels at several locales in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross deploys water rescuers from Unterfranken to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is dispatching water rescuers from Unterfranken to assist the mission in Swabia. The water rescue crew is expected to be employed in the heavily impacted region of Günzburg, as the Red Cross revealed in the evening. The water rescue teams from all over Unterfranken are proficiently trained for flood rescue tasks, including two boat and diving squads. Several watercourses in the Swabian district of Günzburg have reached the intensity of a century inundation. This indicates a flood that occurs, on average, once every 100 years.
01:27 Schwaebisch Gmuend: ICE carriages derail due to landslide
Two carriages of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers veered off the tracks in the Baden-Württemberg municipality of Schwaebisch Gmuend because of a landslide in late evening. The passengers sustained no injuries, confirmed a railway spokesperson and they'll be moving the passengers from the train. The first two carriages departed the tracks around 11:20 pm, but didn't topple over. The landslide stretched around 30 meters across. The train's passengers are anticipated to remain at a nearby kindergarten and then be transferred to Pluederhausen by bus.
00:59 Car crushed by landslide
A car was hit by a landslide in the Wuerttemberg municipality of Schwaebisch Gmuend. According to initial police statements at night, the driver of the vehicle escaped injury. The landslide happened at a location where the affected street and the railway course parallel. Schwaebisch Gmuend is about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rains have been prevalent in many districts of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
00:14 Neu-Ulm surmounts high water mark - damage extent undetermined
The city of Neu-Ulm has surpassed the high water mark on the Danube and Iller rivers, according to a city administration assessment. Despite the elevated water levels, the 100-year flood did not materialize. "We can only determine the extent of the damage once the situation has stabilized," emphasized Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Donau and Iller riverbanks, and the bike trails along the Danube and Iller will remain closed for the moment.
23:44 Munich: Danger on the banks of the Isar River
The Munich fire department is warning of peril at the Isar River bank owing to rising water levels. Plus, two well-liked strolling trails along the Isar River are shut. The river has attained Meldestufe 2, denoting inundation of non-developed locations or disruptions due to high water levels on roads.
Emergency crews are preparing to rescue around 670 individuals from the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. The districts of Muhlried and a street situated alongside the Weilach river are being utilized by tractors and boats, as indicated by the district administration of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen. They have also established an emergency hotline for residents. The municipality had earlier announced a disaster. The circumstances are particularly concerning in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian quarter, as stated by District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
At 23:03, various fire department responses were necessary in eastern Thuringia because of the heavy rains and thunderstorms. The control center in Gera confirmed this. The region surrounding Ronneburg in the Greiz district is being severely affected. The streets, fields, and cellars are flooded. A smaller stream has also overflowed in the Gera district.
There has been a slight reduction in rainfall in the impacted or endangered regions in southern Germany, per the German Meteorological Service (DWD). A DWD meteorologist claims, "We won't be witnessing the heavy rainfall like last night any longer." However, new showers and thunderstorms are headed towards the region, which could potentially increase the risk of local flooding in the afternoon on Sunday. These showers could be Rather intense and move slowly. "If they hit the already soaked ground, there will be more flooding," states the meteorologist. The Swabian Alb and areas to the north of it, as well as the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg, are at the most risk from the showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.
The Landkreis Freising has also proclaimed a disaster situation due to the overflowing rivers and streams. In the evening, the district administration in the Upper Bavarian community revealed that record-breaking water amounts were expected in the Amper and Glonn rivers. The administration is concerned about a serious flooding in the town of Hohenkammer in addition to all the settlements along the Amper. Residents are advised to take measures for such a severe situation ahead. A total of ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster situation.
The district administration in Dillingen in the Bavarian segment of Swabia has also announced a disaster situation due to continuous precipitation. In the evening, the situation on the Zusam, a small river that flows into the Danube, aggravated, as the administration reported. The local crisis team is requesting assistance from the Bundeswehr. They project a flood that has not been seen in 100 years on the small river, which could impact the adjoining towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While the authorities are also preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, the former natural floodplain of the river, the district administration is appealing to nearby farmers to put their livestock in secure stables.
The district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster situation as the eighth Bavarian region as a result of the expansion of the Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the Bavarian county office. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation is even more intense for the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and for the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. The Weilach has flooded a residential area in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühlried, as announced by the county office in Schrobenhausen. Emergency services are getting ready to relocate residents, like County Administrator Peter von der Grün, who declared. The situation is worrisome, especially in the southern segment of the quarter. Von der Grün highlighted that the protection of roads, bridges, and pathways is of utmost priority. "Only then can the fire departments continue to address emergencies."
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two individuals from the roof of their home in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The two were in a dangerous position, says a BRK spokesperson. Their house in the district of Unterallgäu was at risk of collapsing due to the vast water bodies. Other people were picked up from their homes with inflatable boats. The rescue teams provided refuge for more than 100 individuals - including many children.
Water rescuers also needed to retrieve individuals from their vehicles, who were unable to unlock the doors themselves due to the water masses. According to the spokesman, this circumstance can promptly become life-threatening owing to the current and the rising water in the vehicle.
In several municipalities within the Augsburg district, residents have been instructed to vacate their homes and apartments in light of the ongoing flood situation. Authorities anticipate that conditions will worsen in the region's north later this evening. Affected areas include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and Nordendorf's entire municipality. The Swabian government has established a temporary shelter at Augsburg's fairgrounds to accommodate evacuees.
19:48 Bundeswehr provides assistance in the flooded regions of Bavaria
The Bundeswehr has been deployed to assist those affected by floods in Bavaria. According to a spokesperson from the Bavarian Bundeswehr Command, the military forces have received requests from the Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts. In Günzburg's vicinity, blankets and mattresses are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, 50 female and male Bundeswehr personnel are expected to arrive shortly. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are currently in use.
19:20 Faeser promises ongoing support
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has pledged ongoing support to the regions in southern Germany experiencing flooding. She stated in Berlin that the Technical Relief Organization (THW) remains ready to deploy additional forces nationwide. So far, 520 THW personnel have been dispatched, who have been involved in rescuing people, securing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser also expressed gratitude towards volunteers: "I'd like to thank all those helping to combat the water masses and working tirelessly to save lives." Those residing in areas impacted by flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should heed the warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.
18:58 Rescue of 29 mountain climbers at Zugspitze
The mountain climbers who were in distress at Zugspitze (Live Ticker entry at 15:15 p.m.) have been successfully rescued. A total of 29 climbers were escorted by the mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Due to weather conditions and new snow, several groups had been unable to advance further at an altitude of approximately 2500 meters, around 900 meters before reaching Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was dispatched to the scene, and employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also on their way with snow groomers to locate the climbers.
18:42 Storm warning issued for sections of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a storm warning for certain parts of Brandenburg due to the potential dangers of severe thunderstorms. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under the second highest warning level until the evening. The DWD indicates that lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, and hail are possible risks.
18:11 Water on the motorway - Partial closure of A3 near Regensburg
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, between the Parsberg and Beratzhausen exits near Regensburg, is partially closed for approximately ten kilometers in both directions. The motorway is submerged in some areas. "The water is flowing into the motorway from the fields," explains a police spokesman. The motorway administration, fire department, and police are all present at the scene. Traffic will be diverted, according to a representative in Regensburg's traffic police.
17:51 Prison in Memmingen evacuated
Due to the threat of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. The news agency Nonstopnews reports that approximately 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ach, which passes directly in front of the prison, is now a raging torrent that poses a risk of flooding the facility. Parts of the courtyard are already underwater, potentially leading to a power failure. The prison administration ordered the evacuation. Local law enforcement arrived with numerous vehicles to carry out the evacuation. Eventually, the evacuation had to be completed via flooded streets because the access road was already inundated. The fire department was also on site, pumping water out of the prison.
5:35PM: Heavy rain raises water levels to level 4 in Swabia's gauges
The persistent downpour in Swabia has raised water levels to level 4 at several measurement stations, according to the flood warning service (HND). The rivers in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate are nearing their limit as well. The nearing level 4 has already been reported at Neu-Ulm's Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Dasing (Paar). The Regen river in Cham is also at the brink of a hundred-year flood.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is anticipated to peak at Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, with the lower Iller's water levels already declining. Some gauges in the northern Donau tributaries - Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab - have exhibited upsurges of Meldestufe 1 and 2, with an increasing tendency. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are forecasted to reach Meldestufe 3 over the course of the day, including Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim will likely follow at night. Expectations are of a similar pattern further down the Donau section, en route to Passau.
5:15PM: Munich Airport operations remain normal despite heavy rain
Regardless of the intense rainfall in various regions of Bavaria, Munich Airport's operations are continuing on a regular basis. There have been no cancelled flights so far. Robert Wilhelm, the airport spokesman, highlighted to BR that the water can be seen in the fields adjoining the runways. The airport is situated at a higher elevation, which offers an additional layer of protection. Moreover, the runways are slanted towards the edges, aiding better drainage. They also have grooves that speed up the water clearance. Thus, avoiding the risk of aquaplaning. The airport anticipates no notable issues for the weekend.
5:02PM: "We're really getting started now," Söder says in Swabia assessment
Attending to the situation in severely hit Swabia, Minister President Markus Söder thanked the helpers and authorities stationed at Diedorf, a place in the district of Augsburg. Stressing on Bavaria's resilience, he acknowledged the intensity of the burden for the residents. "This is not over yet," Söder empathized. The spotlight of the storm presently remains in Swabia, and resources like sandbags are concentrated in that region. "Without helpers, we would have no chance," pleaded Söder to the rescue services, including fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Service, whose responses were commendable. In addressing the residents, he urged them to "follow the rules," exemplifying the importance of heeding evacuation orders and not returning to basements or attempting to drive cars out of their garages.
4:30PM: Western Bavaria train operations interrupted
The downpour and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also disabling train services. Deutsche Bahn reports disturbances and train cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE lines have been particularly impacted, according to a spokeswoman. Between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich, no trains will ply throughout Saturday due to flooding. The route between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. The Deutsche Bahn website holds further information about track interruptions, cancellations, and delays.
4:06PM: Unterallgäu district turns into a disaster zone, automatic rescue system in place
The crisis is escalating in the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, part of the mobile network has gone offline. Residents needing assistance but unable to make calls are recommended to hang a white cloth or sheet in their windows - or preferably, make themselves visible via the window - to signal their need for help. Rescues have already been conducted in Babenhausen, using inflatables boats.
4:01PM: 400 THW members aware of the situation in South Germany
Over 400 forces from the German Armed Forces' Technical Relief Service (THW) have waded into the crisis in South Germany. THW is involved in managing the effects of the storm and undertaking rescue operations, leveraging their expertise in addressing hydrological emergencies.
In light of the storms in southern Germany, around 400 members of the Technical Relief Service (THW) are currently active. This information has been shared by the THW in Bonn. Their tasks include removing water, securing dams, and evacuating people in a preventative manner. The THW has said that due to the persistent rain, they are ready to deploy additional THW forces. In the affected regions, mobile flood sensors will be installed and monitored. "Considering the upcoming weather forecasts and potential flooding in the near future, the THW is prepared to have more THW forces on standby," they add. THW teams consist of approximately 40 members who operate three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
[15:37] Check out this map for all the current flood warnings. It's updated continually.
A 26-person mountain climbing group is reportedly stranded several hundred meters beneath the Zugspitze peak. As per broadcaster BR, the Zugspitze has experienced over 60 cm of new snowfall in recent hours, while it's still raining in the valley. The temperature is below freezing, and visibility is around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the climbers in the snowstorm, as per the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service, according to the BR's report. The climbers are believed to be tired and likely not fully equipped. It's unclear why they chose to climb the Zugspitze despite the adverse weather forecast.
The Landkreis Donau-Ries in Bavaria has also declared a disaster emergency. This measure is aimed at "bringing together all forces to prepare ourselves more quickly and efficiently for the predicted water levels," District Administrator Stefan Roßle says in a statement. "It's crucial to maintain composure and, if possible, avoid low-lying areas."
A dam and a dike have collapsed near Augsburg. The district administration confirmed this. Residents in specific streets in Diedorf must relocate their homes. Preparations are being made for an evacuation in the Anhausen section of Diedorf, the district administration of Augsburg reported. "It's no longer sufficient to move to higher floors," they state. A dam has burst in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher has been breached. All inhabitants in the affected areas are advised to depart immediately and head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also urge residents to steer clear of railway embankments. Floods could happen there, posing a risk to life.
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann will visit the flood zone in the Swabian District of Augsburg on Saturday. The two CSU politicians plan to get a first-hand glimpse of the flood situation in Diedorf, as the Interior Ministry has announced. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also accompany them. The location of the visit was suddenly altered due to the circumstances. The politicians had initially intended to visit Fischach. Currently, evacuation preparations for inhabitants of Diedorf are underway. The flood situation is particularly acute in the Swabian area. In addition to the district of Augsburg, the districts of Aichach-Friedberg and Günzburg have now also declared a disaster emergency.
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren is growing more tense. The level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis is increasing further. According to a spokesperson for the municipality, the level reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon. It's hoped that the peak will arrive soon. The river reached 4.50 meters during the last flood in 2021. Under normal circumstances, it only holds 45 cm of water. On Friday evening, the municipality advised approximately 1300 people, precautionarily, to leave their homes. Most of them have gone to stay with friends or relatives. Just a small group used the emergency shelter. Steps were taken in advance to prevent possible damage from flooding. Schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared. In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed precautionarily.
