Fire department saves tourist in inflatable boat at 20:33
A female motorist had to be saved from her vehicle by the fire department after getting stuck at the flooded river bank of the Rhine in Mainz-Kostheim, Wiesbaden. According to a fire department official, the tourist, estimated to be in her late fifties, was on her way to Maarau with her car and trailer when she became panicked due to the rising waters. She made an emergency call, and the woman was successfully transported to safety using a rubber boat. Her trailer was also moved to higher ground by a rescuer.
At 8:04 pm, the A8 highway in Rosenheim was closed towards Munich from Frasdorf due to flooding. The highway was also closed in the opposite direction from Achenmühle.
In the Bodenseekreis, the situation related to the floods is gradually improving. The Pegel water levels of the Seefelder Aach, Rotach, and Schussen are now decreasing, and there has been less rain than initially anticipated. The Pegel level of the Argen is expected to reach its peak in the evening.
At 7:44 pm, police in Aalen revealed that two individuals who died during the flood in Schorndorf's Rems-Murr district were attempting to pump water out of the cellar when the incident occurred. They were a 58-year-old homeowner and his 84-year-old mother. The exact circumstances of the accident are still unclear, and their cause of death is unknown. The cellar of the house was completely submerged in water before being found empty by the fire department's emergency services.
The Rosenheim County has declared a state of emergency due to the persistent rain. This move allows for more rapid mobilization and coordination of emergency services.
Shortly after 6:43 pm, the Weather Service issued an all-clear, indicating that there are no longer any imminent prospects of heavy rain in Baden-Württemberg.
Green climate expert Lisa Badum is vocalizing the need for the suspension of the debt brake in light of the potentially massive costs associated with the damage from the floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
Hesse warns of the continued rise in water levels along the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The Rhine in Hesse is predicted to continue rising until Wednesday, and multiple gauges have already surpassed warning levels. The Main's water levels are expected to increase further on Monday as well.
In Dörzbach, Baden-Württemberg, firefighters and police had to rescue a 54-year-old man from his vehicle, which had become stuck in knee-deep floodwaters on a sports field early Sunday morning. The man was later informed that he would be responsible for the costs of his rescue.
Mayor Bernd Hornikel of Schorndorf narrated the tense flood situation in Rudersberg, stating that all seven fire departments had been dispatched for assistance, but only one fire vehicle actually reached the area. Three firefighting vehicles were left behind, and their occupants had to take refuge on the roofs of the vehicles to be safely rescued.
The woman had to be saved from the floodwaters by the fire department as she was driving her car at a flooded area of the Rhine in Wiesbaden's Mainz-Kostheim district. A fire department spokesperson mentioned that the tourist, who's in her 50s, was heading towards Maarau with her car and trailer. She then panicked after witnessing the flooding, thus making a distress call. The woman was brought safely to shore with the help of the rubber boat, and her trailer was moved to a higher elevation by a firefighter.
The A8 freeway is shut down in both directions; towards Munich from Frasdorf and the reverse direction from Achenmühle, due to flooding within the Rosenheim region.
The Pegel water levels in the Bodenseekreis are dropping. The district's administration affirmed that the Seefelder Aach, Rotach, and Schussen's water levels are currently resolving, while the cause of the Argen's water level increase is expected later this evening.
At 5:44 pm, the police in Aalen disclosed that the two deceased people in the Schorndorf flooding incident were attempting to extract water from their cellar when the accident took place. The two victims are a 58-year-old homeowner and his 84-year-old mother. While the event's specific occurrence is unclear, the cause of death has yet to be identified. Rescuers found their corpses in the vacated cellar. The district of Rems-Murr was severely hit by the floods in the southwestern part of Germany.
Rosenheim County issued a state of emergency due to the constant rain. This decision would help expedite the deployment and proper coordination of emergency response services.
Baden-Württemberg's weather service no longer warns of additional intense rain showers in the state.
Lisa Badum, a Green climate expert, has urged the elimination of the limit on the growth of public debt (known as "Debt Brake") due to the possible impending expense from the floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, which might reach millions.
Hesse's officials anticipate the Rhine and the Neckar rivers' water levels will keep ascending in the Hesse region until Wednesday. The water level of the Rhine already exceeded several warning levels in Hesse over the weekend, while the Main's water levels are also rising on Monday.
In Heilbronn, a 54-year-old man had to be rescued after driving onto a flooded sports field to watch the water. However, his vehicle only went a few meters before getting stuck. As the water rose to the side windows, he called for help, escaping with no injuries but stuck with the expenses of the rescue costs.
Mayor Bernd Hornikel of Schorndorf in the Rems-Murr district disclosed harrowing scenes of flood night with water levels rapidly rising across the town. The region's seven fire departments were all sent to Schorndorf, but only one vehicle made it, and its firefighters needed to be rescued. Three firefighting vehicles got stuck as well, forcing their occupants to take shelter on the vehicles' roofs.
Because of a broken dam on the Amper in northern Bavaria, several individuals in the area surrounding the river must leave their dwellings. This issue affects two smaller regions in Moosburg an der Isar in the district of Freising, as reported by the district office. Approximately a dozen people are impacted. A refugee shelter had already been evacuated on Saturday. The water levels of the Amper have gone beyond historical highs. The gauge at Inkofen was 3.98 meters on Monday morning - the previous record from 1994 was 3.66 meters.
3:22 More dam breaches anticipated in Swabia
Additional dam breaches are expected in Swabia due to the intense flooding. In the Donau-Ries district, people from the towns of Heißesheim and Auchsesheim are once again advised to leave the area, as dams may fail. "Total flooding of the entire residential areas must be considered," the district office in Donauwörth stated, after issuing a warning on Sunday night. Emergency shelters have been prepared.
3:02 Residents are advised to boil water in these regions
The Health Department at the District Office Donau-Ries has broadened the advice to boil water due to the ongoing flood situation. Initially, this recommendation only applied to the communities of Mertingen and Oberndorf. Now, the residents of the following towns and districts are also recommended to boil their drinking water before further use: Eggelstetten, Genderkingen, Bäumenheim, Heißesheim, Überfeldsiedlung, Asbach-Bäumenheim, Hamlar, and the Kaisheimer districts of Sulzdorf and Gunzenheim.
2:42 Severe weather warning for the middle and eastern Alpine foothills
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is warning of severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and strong winds in the middle and eastern Alpine foothills. According to the DWD, rainfall could reach 40 to 60 liters per square meter in six hours and wind gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour, as well as small hail. Affected areas in the Bavarian administrative region: District of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen, District of Berchtesgadener Land, District of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, District of Miesbach, District of Rosenheim, District of Traunstein, District of Weilheim-Schongau, and the city of Rosenheim.
2:27 Two deaths in Baden-Württemberg due to flooding
Two individuals have passed away in Baden-Württemberg due to the flood. As the Aalen Police Department spokesperson reports, the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a house in Schorndorf, Rems-Murr district. Thus, the number of fatalities from the flood in South Germany has increased to at least four, since two people had already perished in Bavaria.
2:02 THW fills 2000 sandbags per hour
The flood situation in South Germany keeps the aid workers working round the clock. The Technical Assistance Organization Donauwörth fills 2000 sandbags per hour. In Günzburg, volunteers from the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) are rescuing people from flooded structures. In Bavaria, the rescue operation is at full speed. Rest is not an option for many.
1:49 Cars are swept away by water masses in Rudersberg
Water masses have carried away cars in the flood-affected region of Rudersberg in Baden-Württemberg. Several vehicles ended up on railroad tracks, one on a well, as can be seen in the photos. On muddy roads, household items are scattered. On a bridge, a large pile of debris has accumulated. The town in the Rems-Murr district is especially affected by the floods due to the heavy rainfall.
https://www.ntv.de/nachrichten/deutschland/hochwasser-in-bayern-was-wir-wissen-ueber-die-lage-und-die-gefaehren-fuer-die-naechsten-tage,HoChwa190815004
1:30 Eleven years after the flood catastrophe, the Donau dam is in jeopardy
Eleven years after the flood catastrophe in the Bavarian town of Niederalteich, residents are facing another flood risk. In the coming years, the Donau dams will be repaired, but work is not yet finished at one of the sections. At this point, the dam may break.
12:54 Traffic on A9 resumes - Blockage toward Munich
The partially closed Autobahn 9 due to a dam rupture in Upper Bavaria is now open for traffic again. However, a kind of blockade has been set up in the direction of Munich, states a police spokesperson. At present, only 300 vehicles can travel on this stretch between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck in the south, and then the road will be closed for some period. The justification for this measure is unclear at this time. The A9 toward Nuremberg has been open once more since the morning. "Please be aware that this could change again!" warns the police.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a visit to the flood-hit area in Bavaria, and emphasized the urgency of help. He remarked, "The force of nature is immense," during his stay in Reichertshofen, south of Ingolstadt. Solidarity is crucial now. The government should continue to provide aid. Numerous rescue teams have arrived, including those from the Bundeswehr. Scholz expressed his gratitude to all those assisting, and also remembered a firefighter who tragically lost his life while performing his duty. Climate change is causing more frequent floods. He's been to an aid station four times this year.
12:50: Tourist stranded in flood - Fire Department saves 81-year-old man
A 90-year-old man was rescued by the Fire Department from the flood in the Upper Palatinate. The man drove onto a flooded street in Hahnbach, near Nuremberg, to observe the surging Vils river. He got stuck in his car as the water level kept rising. The driver climbed onto the vehicle and called for assistance. A passerby alerted the authorities. A team from the Fire Department arrived with a specialized vehicle and rescued the car with the driver.
12:25: Cruise ship caught on Danube - Cruise ship evacuation on the Danube
Evacuation of a Danube cruise ship is underway at Deggendorf, as per reports from Bavarian Radio. The ship carrying 150 passengers from the USA and England cannot proceed further on the Danube due to the flood. Thomas Kindel, head of the disaster control office at the Deggendorf District Administration, informed the radio station that a work boat is mooring at the harbor to pick passengers up, 25-30 at a time.
12:00: Danube flood resembles 2002 levels - Another surge likely
The water level of the Danube is steadily rising. The Bavarian Flood Information Service estimates that the Danube south of Regensburg will likely have the same volume of water it did in 2002. According to them, the situation is similar when the Isar flows into the Danube in Deggendorf. With a length of 2850 kilometers, the Danube is the second longest river in Europe. On August 13, 2002, a 10.80m water level was recorded at the Ilzstadt gauge. The current level is 7.77 meters but is expected to increase. NTV's weather expert, Paul Heger, provides a comprehensive account of the tense flood situation and the potential hazards for the next few days: https://www.ntv.de/news/germany/flood-in-bavaria-what-we-know-about-the-situation-and-dangers-for-the-coming-days,FlooCh190815004
11:27: Dead body discovered in Schrobenhausen's flooded cellar
Rescue teams discovered the body of a missing 43-year-old woman in a flooded cellar of a building in the severely affected town of Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. Police contacted said that she disappeared on Sunday.
11:21: Rems and Murr water levels continue to rise - Nursing home evacuated
In Ludwigsburg, authorities anticipate an imminent dangerous situation and rising water levels. "Even though there's no heavy rainfall at present, we still expect a rise in water levels on the Rems and Murr," District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier stated. The Rems peak level has not yet been attained in Remseck. The command center is monitoring the situation and coordinating the emergency response. Around 250 firefighters are deployed. A nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was evacuated on Monday morning. The occupants were moved to different facilities.
10:54: Upper Rhine closed for inland shipping
Germany's most significant waterway, the Rhine, is partially closed for inland shipping because of heavy rainfall. "Inland shipping on the Upper Rhine is halted," a WSA (Waterways and Shipping Agency) representative commented. "The critical levels at the gauges have been surpassed." The affected regions include Maxau near Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Worms. At the Middle Rhine, that is between Mainz and Bonn, potential closures may happen on Tuesday or Wednesday. "The closures ought not to be of long duration, based on current projections," the spokesperson added. The shutdowns are necessary to prevent the banks from getting damaged as a result of waves created by the vessels. The waves overflow the banks and cause basement flooding.
10:27: North Rhine-Westphalia offers aid, boats to the Bavaria's flooded zones
North Rhine-Westphalia is sending five water rescue teams boasting 48 volunteers, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats to the flooded areas in Bavaria's vicinity - Landau an der Isar. The Düsseldorf Ministry of the Interior revealed that the Free State of Bavaria accepted the aid offer on Sunday evening. The rescuers were then dispatched.
In the heavily impacted community of Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, people from various streets are getting evacuated for their safety. The exact number of affected individuals wasn't immediately provided by a city representative. The residents had already received warnings and requests from the city to pack their essentials and documents. Due to the ongoing flood situation, all schools and district kindergartens will remain closed today as stated on the city's Facebook page.
09:41 Search for a 43-year-old woman in Schrobenhausen continues
The police in Schrobenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district, are still in search of a missing woman using a helicopter and divers. A false report circulated throughout the night that the 43-year-old had been found lifeless. However, Bayerischer Rundfunk has since clarified the statement, and the search for the woman is still ongoing. The day before, divers couldn't access the flooded basement of the house due to the rising water levels. Now, pumps are being used in the building in hopes of finding the 43-year-old woman, who was last seen in her basement.
09:12 Söder: Floods to plague Bavaria for several more days
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder anticipates that the flooding will keep occupying disaster control authorities in the state for several more days. "It's getting better, but we can't issue a complete warning yet," he stated on Monday morning on Deutschlandfunk. Even if it stops raining, the water levels of the major rivers will continue to rise due to the inflows, he reaffirmed. "Most people say it'll last until Wednesday, Thursday."
08:41 Third dam breach in Pfaffenhofen district
The dam of the Paar river in the Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen district has now been breached at three points. A spokeswoman for the district office confirmed this. Affected areas of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching are instructed to leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments and move to higher floors. Around 800 people evacuated in Baar-Ebenhausen were accommodated in the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen in the meantime. The Paar is a tributary that flows into the Danube. In Vohburg, the Danube is being monitored more closely, and safety measures are underway. The A9 motorway remains closed on both sides between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck, based on the latest information.
08:21 Dam broken in Manching
In Manching-Pichl, a dam has also broken in the Pfaffenhofen district, several media outlets have reported after receiving the news from the district administration. Residents are asked to leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments and seek refuge in higher floors. The affected streets are: Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
08:01 Firefighters in Rudersberg stranded by water
In Rudersberg, Rems-Murr district, Baden-Württemberg, even the firefighters were taken aback by the rapidly rising water levels. Firefighters attempted to rescue residents but had to abandon their efforts when they realized they couldn't enter the water due to its speed and height. The firefighters could only save themselves by climbing into upper floors of buildings. The fire station was also flooded, and local vehicles were driven onto raised platforms that flooded shortly afterward. Two vehicles couldn't be rescued in time.
07:39 Regensburg declares state of catastrophe
The water level of the Danube continues to rise - Regensburg has now also declared a state of catastrophe. The water level at the Eiserne Brücke measuring point has reached a height of 5.90 meters, according to the Bavarian flood warning service. On Tuesday, the average value was approximately 2.70 meters. According to experts, exactly 6.82 meters were measured during the previous major flood on June 4, 2013.
07:20 Rescue teams save family in Günzburg via helicopter
Flood rescue specialists from the Water Police have rescued twelve people from balconies and roofs in Günzburg using a police helicopter. In one case, it involved a family with three children, including a newborn baby. Rescue attempts by boat were no longer possible due to the raging water masses.
06:50 Rescue services fear dam break in Manching
The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt warns of a potential dam break in Manching, Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen. People are advised to remain in upper floors and avoid basements and underground garages. A dam broke in Baar-Ebenhausen on Sunday.
At 6:16 AM, locals from Uhingen, situated south of Stuttgart, were ordered to leave their houses due to rampant flooding in the Filstal area. According to police sources, the evacuation took place in Göppingen's Uhingen district, and fortunately, no one was harmed. While situated east of Ebersbach an der Fils, there were fears that numerous residents were at risk. The inundation led to an extensive residential area being affected. A state of emergency was subsequently declared.
In a similar scenario, the Ostalbkreis in Baden-Württemberg faced worsening flood conditions during the night. Communities such as Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen were among those affected, with Täferrot's entire population slated for evacuation. The crisis staff stated that the first instances of flooding had reached Täferrot in the early hours. Around 250 to 300 individuals were relocated to secure locations.
In a bid to aid those impacted by the flood crisis, the Baden-Württemberg government deployed rescue teams to the neighboring region of Günzburg. Bavaria had requested their support. The Interior Ministry confirmed that three "Sanitation and Care" units were dispatched, alongside a water rescue vehicle from Ulm for the same purpose.
Around 4:30 AM, Esslingen am Neckar, situated in Stuttgart's vicinity, commenced the construction of a provisional dam to avoid flooding in its inner city. The peak of the flood was predicted at dawn, with potential inundation of canals in the area. To erect the dam, 1,500 tons of stones and sand were to be piled up during the night and early on Monday morning. Traffic disruptions were anticipated.
Some residents in the heavily hit Ebersbach an der Fils received preemptive evacuation notices. They were advised to bring essentials and documents to spend the night outside of their homes. The city's fire department also planned to visit and assist the affected residents, according to an early morning announcement on Facebook.
At 1:14 AM, the German Weather Service (DWD) revoked all storm warning notices for severe thunderstorms with heavy rain in Germany. However, they cautioned that southern Germany, specifically around the Danube and Bavarian Forest, could experience local rain showers that might produce heavy rain. These regions were forecasted to experience these showers starting at midday.
The District of Augsburg expressed frustration with the influx of "flood tourists" impeding relief efforts. These tourists had visited flood zones, even after all warnings were issued, leading to extra rescue missions. The administration urged residents to stay away from dangerous areas near dikes, underpasses, or bodies of water. In addition, they warned pedestrians and motorists against entering flooded streets or underpasses, citing the potential for trampling on weakened dikes and being sucked into manholes by water buildup.
German Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl were scheduled to inspect two flood-affected regions in Baden-Württemberg on Monday. The districts of Meckenbeuren and Erbach were earmarked for their visits. Though Kretschmann had previously planned to visit the flood-stricken areas on Sunday, he ultimately chose to remain in constant contact with authorities working on-site instead. The rescue service staff were at their limit, he explained.
In the city of Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, an urgently declared alarm is in place due to a severe flood incident on Sunday evening. All firefighters are on the scene. A video on the city's Facebook page shows that water mass has breached a noise barrier on federal highway 10, causing significant flooding on the road. The authorities issued a strong warning to the public: "Kindly remain at home and refrain from visiting the affected areas. Life could be at risk, as evident in the video." Instruction regarding staying on the upper floors rather than the basement is given to residents.
At approximately 23:16, a missing person, 43 years of age, was found dead in a cellar. Unfortunately, an error occurred in the initial report that stated a woman had been found dead; Bayerischer Rundfunk later corrected it, clarifying that the search for the 43-year-old is still ongoing.
There was a disruption in regional train traffic near Dresden between 22:16 and 22:00 due to a control tower's power failure caused by lightning at precisely 5:10 p.m. The affected lines were the Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz railway. Train operations returned to normal by the evening, says a railway spokesperson.
A nursing home near the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated out of safety concerns due to the flood. According to the city's website, the evacuation is necessary to ensure continuous care for all residents. The evacuated individuals will be moved to an educational center.
At 21:30, the authorities have instructed evacuation of various settlements between the Danube and Schmutter rivers in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries. The reason: a dam breach. Affected are Auchsesheim and Heißesheim, as well as parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. Authorities request calm from residents and advise them to adhere to emergency service guidelines while following evacuation instructions. Emergency shelters are readily available.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will pay a visit to the Bavarian flood site on Monday, accompanied by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The president of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner, will also be present on this occasion.
Over 40 schools in eight Bavarian districts will close on Monday due to the ongoing flood situation. These districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In Aichach-Friedberg, all Grund-, Mittel- and Realschulen, as well as local gymnasiums, vocational and professional high schools, and special needs centers, will be shut down. Wertingen in the Dillingen district, and several schools in the Pfaffenhofen district will close as well. The Pfaffenhofen district administration reports that some kindergartens are also scheduled to remain closed. On Monday and Tuesday, in-person classes at Grund-, Mittel- and Realschulen in Schrobenhausen, and the vocational school, special needs center, and gymnasium, are canceled.
About thirty towns in Swabia worldwide have experienced power disruptions, with some local grid outages affecting individual streets and households. LEW, the power grid operator, confirmed this. Emergency crews are making efforts to restore electricity by connecting the affected areas to other lines. The duration of individual outages varies depending on the on-site conditions.
[The above text is a paraphrased version of the original story.]
Almost 1,000 individuals have been relocated to safety in Günzburg, as declared by the Günzburg district administrator, Hans Reichart, to Bayerischer Rundfunk. These individuals are being brought to sports halls and, partially, to Legoland. The rising level of the Günz River necessitated the need for further evacuation measures within the last few hours.
The German Weather Service has issued a warning about additional heavy rain, particularly in southern Germany. Voluminous rainfall is predicted in the Stuttgart area on Sunday night, as well as in the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alpine foothills up to the Bavarian Forest. For Monday morning, showers are expected in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube, with thunderstorms commencing from Monday afternoon onwards. There is a possibility of heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour in specific locations.
Straubing's mayor, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a disaster due to the aggravating flood situation along the Danube. The motivation behind this decision is the degree of intensity and the consequent requirement for an enormous workforce. The water level in Straubing surpassed 6 meters. The disaster level is forecasted to surpass 4 in the horizon of the following hours, as it currently stands at level one indicating small overflows while level four indicates significant flooding of built-up regions. Rescue measures are being carried out effectively and continuously. Some roads are already closed due to the flood.
The area facing partial flooding in Meckenbeuren is asking for avoidance of "flood tourism." Spectators would hamper rescue teams and jeopardize their safety and that of others. The spokeswoman from Friedrichshafen urged people to stay away from the flood area and to adhere to road and bridge closures. Last evening, the Schussen River overflowed and submerged streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
There's an alert for extreme thunderstorms in Brandenburg's Oder-Spree district from the German Weather Service. Until Sunday afternoon, lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, or falling objects at the third highest level of warning are potential dangers. Furthermore, substantial house damage, landslides, and hail are possible.
Due to the floods, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have declared a disaster. Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer, affirms that "the current situation, combined with the forecasts about the water levels, remains precarious." The administrator of Dachau, Stefan Löwl, echoes similar thoughts. Both stress that the disaster is a necessity because the local forces are unable to address the numerous emergency situations in the upcoming hours. This will allow assistance to also be dispatched to these districts from other areas.
German Railways is continuing its leniency policy to Monday, extending it for passengers who have acquired tickets from Sunday to Monday. Train travelers that wish to delay their journey due to weather damage can do so later. The length of connection for these tickets gets cancelled, according to the company's announcement. The extent of the traffic disruption on Monday hasn't been revealed, but there are currently several long-distance routes in the south that are experiencing train cancellations. Trains have been cancelled on the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, as well as Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. German Railways caution against traveling in locations in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg experiencing floods.
Roughly 3,000 people have been impacted in Bavaria by the evacuations triggered by the flooding. This information has been shared by a spokeswoman from the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. Over the course of this situation, there have been 40,000 individuals involved in the rescue efforts.
The prospect of the south's flood situation improving is seemingly far off, as per weather expert Bernd Fuchs. "Every drop is too much," he asserted on ntv. Inquired about a connection to the climate crisis, he perceives the current scenario as a "clear signal of where the journey is heading."
2:22 An electric shock inflicted during flood work – a man endures grave injuries
During work relating to the floods within Upper Bavaria's Freising district, a man was profoundly injured due to an electric shock. The 27-year-old worker appended to an energy company was retrieved from a waterlogged area near Allershausen's town hall and air-lifted to a hospital via a rescue helicopter, clarified a spokesman for the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters. The action in question was assumed to be associated with the floods.
14:57 Navigation on the Upper Rhine discontinued
As externalities from intensive precipitation in South Germany, waters along the Upper Rhine have seen a rise, causing the termination of river navigation in some locations. On a stip of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, oceangoing craft have been barred from sailing since Saturday, relayed the Rhine High Water Prognostication Center Rhineland-Palatinate. The water level in Maximiliansau shot up to the pivotal maritime high water mark II of 7.50 meters during Saturday night. By mid-afternoon on Sunday, it soared to 8.20 meters, but a reduction was foreseen on Monday night. However, enhancing water levels are anticipated further downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Both the Middle and Lower Rhine stand poised as problematic vessels in regard to shipping on this vital waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, for instance, a level of nearly 6.10 meters is anticipated on Tuesday, above which shipping is precluded. On Wednesday, the most significant levels are anticipated in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
13:51 Autobahn A9: 50-kilometer stretch shutdown due to dam breach
The Autobahn A9 has been closed on a 50-kilometer expanse in Pfaffenhofen's district, courtesy of a dam failure. Affected is the area between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where the artery is partly submerged, stated a spokesman for the Upper Bavaria North Police Jurisdiction. Encompassing this scenario is a novel predicament for the police. Power failures are also afoot. A multitude of individuals are affected. Endeavors are ongoing to circumvent the quandary. A missive from the district authority is prompting inhabitants of the municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to relocate from the ground floors of their domiciles and apartments to higher levels.
Update 2:23 p.m.: According to Autobahn GmbH, the seclusion between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is prohibited for both directions. Besides, the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn connector Neufahrn is critically deprived. It's recommended to bypass the entirety of the region.
12:27 Economy Minister Habeck advocates additional measures for climate protection
Economy Minister Robert Habeck demands tenacious endeavors for climate change mitigation as the flood disaster in South Germany is tamed. "The subjugation of CO2 emissions, so we have ample duration to adapt, should not be diminished or neglected, but our top priority," declared Habeck during his visit to the flood-stricken Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The frequency of natural disasters indicates, "a convincing marker that nature and climate are undergoing alteration." Century floods now occur "every few years."
12:11 Chancellor Scholz intends to assess flood-affected locations on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to traverse the flood-plagued areas in person on Monday to attain a direct perspective on the state of affairs. (Source: German)
11:45 Firefighter missing following flood operation in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter has vanished following an evacuation task in Offingen in Günzburg's district. This was confirmed by a representative of the Schwaben Süd-West police headquarters. Supposedly, the gentleman was partnered with a colleague from the volunteer fire department and three helpers from the DLRG in a boat for a rescue mission around 2:50 a.m., when the boat overturned. Four of the assistants were obtained from the water, while the 22-year-old is still absent. Exhaustive searches have been carried out. Two helicopters are currently employed. A 42-year-old firefighter has already perished in a flood endeavor.
11:31 Climate change solidifies storms and heavy rainfall
The new week proffers no reconciliation to the flood-ravaged lands of Southern Germany. As per ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander, "the ample and widespread heavy rain is still present, but new and local thunderstorm hubs are emerging."
In the Paar region, residents are urged to move to higher floors due to the increasing risk of a dam break. This affects the municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Authorities warn against using the ground floor or basement, and in case of emergencies, people are advised to call the fire department at the emergency number 112.
12:39 Emergency personnel numbering 40,000 in Bavaria to address floods
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder reports that 40,000 emergency personnel are being mobilized to deal with the floods in Bavaria. Söder, while visiting Upper Bavaria’s Reichertshofen, added that it's vital to organize relief efficiently within the next few hours. Fatigue can lead to carelessness and potentially dangerous situations, so replacements are crucial.
(Source: German)
12:29 Dam guards to be set up in Straubing
The Donaupegel in Straubing is projected to reach alert level four, the highest level, by the end of the day, as per Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND) Bayern. Starting at 3 pm, dam guards will be established to monitor the dam and report on water levels and any potential damage to the dam. Additionally, more sandbags are being filled.
12:03 Dam collapse in Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district
In the Pfaffenhofen district, a dam has broken near Baar-Ebenhausen. In a warning message, the affected cities are Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. People are urged to leave the ground floor of their houses.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz pays tribute to rescue workers and flood victims
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz extends his gratitude to the rescue personnel and helpers in areas impacted by flooding. He mentions that the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen hit him hard. "My sympathies and thoughts are with the colleagues and fellow firefighters," Scholz writes on X. Late Saturday night, a firefighter from the Volunteer Fire Department perished during a rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen district.
11:25 Flooding discussed at Catholic Day in Erfurt
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, alerts the crowd at the Catholic Day in Erfurt's closing mass, addressing flood victims. "We hope that lives are preserved and protected," Bätzing states in front of the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis experiences flooding
The communities of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are under water. The Schussen river has overflowed and inundated streets, says a municipal spokesperson. Approximately 1300 volunteers have already evacuated their homes to seek safety on Sunday. Some residents remained in their houses, taking refuge in upper floors. The water level in Schussen reached 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, over five times its normal depth.
10:34 Bavarian Minister President Söder honors deceased firefighter
Bavarian leader Markus Söder pays tribute to a firefighter who passed away during a rescue operation in a flood-stricken area, as noted in a social media post. "His service and dedication to his fellow humans will be remembered. Our deepest sympathies are with his colleagues and comrades. We all grieve. This hurts," Söder writes. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter from Affalterbach-Uttenhofen met his demise when a rescue boat turned over.
10:09 Ukraine's football team moves training due to heavy rainfall
Due to heavy rainfall, Ukraine's national football team must relocate their final training session before the EM test match against Germany. Instead of practicing at 6:00 pm at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion, they will hold their exercise in Erlangen on Sunday. The grass surface at the stadium is being protected, according to a representative from the Ukrainian team. The Ukrainian team plays against Germany in Nuremberg on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD).
The region around Munich is being hammered by heavy rains that have persisted for hours. Since 6:00 am on Saturday, the fire department in Munich has responded to over 290 emergency calls, primarily to pump out flooded cellars and underground garages. Additionally, several trees have been uprooted due to the loose soil, and roads have had to be shut down. On Saturday night, the flood warning level 2 on the Isar River was surpassed.
Update: 09:24 - Water surges through after dam fails in Anhausen
The situation in Anhausen is starting to stabilize after a dam failed five kilometers away and rapidly flooded the area. "Residents who were evacuated to this location are slowly returning," says ntv reporter Niklas Diemer. However, critical water levels persist in other locations.
Update: 09:08 - THW sends more personnel to assist in flood-stricken South Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more personnel to aid in the flood-ravaged areas of South Germany. Currently, more than 1800 individuals are actively involved in the rescue efforts, according to a spokeswoman. These aid workers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting in evacuations of people living in flood-prone areas. The fire department and other emergency services are also hard at work.
Update: 08:47 - Landslide in Baden-Württemberg impacts train and car
The flooding in portions of Germany persists, heavily affecting the south of the country. In the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg, there is even the potential for a 100-year flood. The rescue teams and helpers are nearing their limits.
Update: 08:30 - Recovery of ICE to commence in Schwaebisch Gmuend following landslide
The landslide-stricken ICE train in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg is set to be recovered during the day. The regional train can't pass through the damaged track, according to a spokeswoman. Another rescue locomotive is on the second track of the line to assist in the recovery. The length of the closure is undetermined. In the meantime, the regional train has bypassed the stranded ICE.
Update: 08:16 - One person missing in Schrobenhausen
In Schrobenhausen, a person is unaccounted for. It's believed this individual was in the cellar of a house during the flood. The cellar and parts of the upper floor are now submerged, says a spokesperson for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. The rescue teams can't currently enter the house.
Update: 07:44 - Firefighter fatality in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm
A firefighter has passed away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He was involved in a rescue operation with three colleagues, using a rescue boat that ultimately capsized. The firefighter was found deceased in the morning, as reported by a representative from the Landratsamt.
Update: 07:29 - Flood peaks downstream, many areas at level 4 alert
Critical flood levels persist in Bavaria, particularly along the southern Donau tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The peak flooding has been reached in these locations. The focus is now shifting downstream, towards Swabia, Lower Bavaria, and Upper Palatinate. Affected areas may include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, where peak flooding is expected to reach by the beginning of the week. In particular, rising water levels are expected in Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching, and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, as well as in Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
Update: 06:54 - DWD forecasts more intense rain in the south
In many parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, there is a risk of more heavy thunderstorms with torrential downpours, according to the forecast from the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Heavy rain is expected from Saturday afternoon until Monday night. This may result in flooded streets and basements once again. There is also the possibility of damage from lightning strikes.
Update: 05:39 - Evacuations expanded in Augsburg district
In flood-affected regions of the Bavarian district of Augsburg, authorities are broadening evacuation orders. Residents in the communities of Kühltal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave their homes immediately, advises the Integrated Control Center early in the morning. Buses are being made available to people who can't evacuate on their own. Numerous other parts of the district received evacuation requests on Saturday evening and throughout the night. The affected towns are predominantly located along the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden takes action against rising floodwaters
Officials in Wiesbaden are putting measures in place to combat rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. In the district of Kostheim, a flood barrier has been constructed, as reported by the local fire department. In the Schierstein district, a pump has also been installed. People are advised to stay away from parking spots near the rivers, due to warnings from the fire department. It is currently thought that no further measures will be required.
4:04 Long-distance train service halted between Stuttgart and Munich
A landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg has led to the temporary halt of long-distance train services between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway spokesperson couldn't give an estimated reopening time in the early morning. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, with no long-distance services operating between Ulm and Augsburg due to floods in southern Germany. Trains have been rerouted as a result.
3:13 THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags
The Technical Relief Organization in Ulm has been filling sandbags for flood-prone and flooded areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria during the night. The head of the THW Logistics Center, Bernd Urban, stated that approximately 30,000 sandbags were to be delivered overnight on Sunday. The organization can fill 400 sandbags every hour. Requests for sandbags are coming from various deployment areas in the southwest and from neighboring regions in the neighboring federal state. Heavy rain has caused elevated water levels at many locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
2:25 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Günzburg from Unterfranken
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescuers from Unterfranken to join the recovery efforts in Swabia. The water rescue unit is set to be deployed in the heavily flooded district of Günzburg, according to Red Cross reports in the evening. The water rescue teams from Unterfranken are specifically trained for flood relief operations, including two boat and diving teams. The affected district of Günzburg has seen several waterways reach the levels of a one-centenary flood. This corresponds to a flood that occurs or exceeds the statistical average of once every 100 years.
1:27 Derailed ICE wagons after landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend
Two wagons of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers have derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend due to a landslide. No passengers were injured, and they are currently being evacuated from the train. A railway spokesperson said that the first two wagons left the tracks at around 23:20, but did not tip over. The landslide had a width of approximately 30 meters. The passengers are to stay in a nearby Kindergarten and will be taken to Plöderhausen by bus.
12:59 Car struck by landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend
A car was hit by a landslide in the Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend. Initial reports from the police suggest that the driver of the car suffered no injuries. The landslide took place at the intersection of the affected country road and the railway line. Schwaebisch Gmuend is around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rainfall has affected many areas of Baden-Württemberg.
12:14 Neu-Ulm surpasses flood level - extent of damage undetermined
Neu-Ulm has overcome the high water level on the Danube and Iller rivers, as estimated by the city administration. The risk of a 100-year flood, which was feared, has been averted. City Mayor Katrin Albsteiger said in the evening, "We will only see how much damage there is when the situation becomes more normal again." According to the mayor, two streets, Donau banks, and cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will remain closed for the time being.
22:44 Munich - Isar River Bank's Danger
The Munich Fire Department issued a warning due to the rising floodwaters at the Isar River Bank. On top of that, the city administration shut down two popular walking paths beside the river. The Isar River has reached flood level 2, meaning flooding of non-built areas or traffic disruptions due to high water levels on the streets.
22:23 Evacuation of 670 people in Upper Bavaria's Schrobenhausen
Firefighters and rescue teams have begun evolving 670 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. Excavators and boats are being used in Mühldorf and a street along the Weilach River, as reported by the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Administration. The administration also set up a hotline for emergency assistance. The town had previously declared a state of emergency. The situation is particularly concerning in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
Intense showers and thunderstorms are leading to numerous firefighter interventions in Eastern Thuringia, as reported by the Gera control center. Particularly hit is the region around Ronneburg in the Greiz district, with flooded roads, fields, and cellars. Additionally, a small stream in Gera has spilled over.
At present, the German Weather Service (DWD) notices a slight decrease in rainfall in southern areas. However, more showers and thunderstorms are expected from the north, which could lead to more localized flooding this Sunday afternoon. The shreds could be heavy and persist for some time. "If these reach the already saturated ground, flooding will occur again," said a DWD meteorologist. Areas prone to these storms include the Swabian Alb, regions northward, and the vicinity of Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
The district of Freising has also declared a disaster due to rivers and streams nearing record-breaking levels. The administration of the Upper Bavarian city states that Hohenkammer and other areas along the Amper are at risk. Residents are urged to prepare for this critical situation by, for instance, emptying their cellars. This is the tenth Bavarian district to declare a disaster.
The Dillingen district in Bavaria, now under a disaster situation due to continuous rainfall, is requesting aid from the Bundeswehr. Experts anticipate a 100-year flood affecting towns like Buttenwiesen and Wertingen along the Zusam, a Danube tributary. To manage this situation, they're planning to drain the Danube into the Riedstrom, an erstwhile natural floodplain. Farmers are directed to keep their livestock in sturdy shelters by the district administration.
In Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, the district administration has proclaimed a disaster due to the Danube and its tributaries swelling. According to the Water Management Office Ingolstadt, the Neuburg gauge could reach a level 4 alert. The Landratsamt reports that the conditions on the Paar and Weilach, both tributaries, are critical. The district itself is planning to drain water from the swollen Danube.
In Mühlried, Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed, inundating a residential area. The district authorities are preparing to evacuate residents. The situation is alarming in the southern part of the district, with the protection of roads, bridges, and paths being prioritized. This enables the fire department to attend to emergencies.
The Bavarian Red Cross rescued two individuals from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. A BRK spokesman explained that they were in immediate peril because the house risked collapsing under the immense water masses. Residents were also saved from their homes using inflatable boats. Firefighters retrieved over 100 people - including numerous kids - from threatening situations.
Numerous motorists were also freed from their cars as the water masses rose high, potentially making the situation life-threatening. People in several locations near Augsburg are being urged to leave their homes due to the severe flood conditions. The situation will get worse in the evening in the northern section of the district. This affects regions in Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and Nordendorf. Swabia's government has set up an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
Members of the Bundeswehr are stepping in to aid flood-stricken areas in Bavaria. A spokesperson from the Bavarian command told Antenne Bayern that the military will lend assistance to the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both have filed an official request. In Günzburg, they're distributing blankets and field beds. In Aichach-Friedberg, roughly fifty soldiers are set to assist in the area, while two additional Bundeswehr trucks are taking part in the rescue efforts.
19:20 Interior Minister Faeser offers more aid
Social Democrat Nancy Faeser, Germany's Interior Minister, has pledged further support to the afflicted regions in Southern Germany. Faeser says that THW emergency forces will be called in due to the persistent heavy rainfall and expected flooding. She also stressed that all available resources will be provided to help the affected states. So far, over 520 THW personnel and helpers have been dispatched. They're busy with rescuing people, shoring up dikes, and pumping water. Faeser expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the struggle against the water masses, and urged those living in flood-prone areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the instructions given by authorities.
18:58 29 climbers saved at Zugspitze
Distressed climbers at Zugspitze, who were mentioned in a previous Live Ticker entry (15:15), have been successfully rescued. According to the mountain rescue service, 29 climbers were accompanied to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Several distressed groups had made calls for aid, as they could no longer continue on at approximately 2500 meters above sea level, some 900 meters away from Sonnalpin because of bad weather and new snow. The mountain rescue service's employees, alongside staff from the Zugspitzbahn, were mobilized for the rescue mission.
18:42 Storm alert for parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for some parts of Brandenburg, Germany. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second-highest warning level is in effect until the evening. This indicates the potential for lightning strikes, falling trees or high-voltage lines, collapsing objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, and hail.
18:11 Partial closure of the A3 motorway in Bavaria
In Bavaria, a section of the A3 motorway near Regensburg has been closed for approximately ten kilometers between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The road has been flooded, as reported by the Upper Palatinate Police Headquarters. The waist-high water is advancing from the fields. The Traffic Police in Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, and fire department are all on site. The authorities have devised a detour for traffic.
17:51 Memmingen prison evacuated
Due to the threat of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, has been evacuated. This information comes from the Nonstopnews news agency. Approximately 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The prison sits next to the Memminger Ach river, which has swollen into a raging stream and threatens to inundate the prison. Parts of the courtyard are already underwater, potentially leading to a power outage. Consequently, the prison administration initiated the evacuation. Police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to execute the evacuation. They had to navigate through flooded streets to reach the prison. The fire department joined the rescue effort, bringing pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35 Surging water levels reach level 4 in Swabia
The relentless rainfall has caused the water levels to rise to a Stage 4 alert in various gauges in Swabia. Rivers are swelling in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate. Gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischhausen (Paar) have already reached this level. Dasing's (Paar) gauge is expected to hit Stage 4 as well. Centenary floods are signaled by the Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) gauges, according to the HND.
The River Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is projected to peak at Level 3 on Saturday through Sunday. Uphill along the Iller, the water is already decreasing. Various separate gauges in the Donauzuflüsse Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab show signs of Levels 1 and 2 with ongoing upward trends. In the region between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are predicted to reach Level 3 several times throughout the day, for instance at Günzburg, Donauwörth and Neuburg. Level 3 is also imminent for Kelheim at night. Higher upstream along the Donau course to Passau, Levels 1 and 2 are expectant.
17:23 Consequently, regular service at Munich Airport persists
At Munich Airport, flight operations remain unaffected in spite of the heavy rain experienced by numerous areas in Bavaria. So far, not a single flight has been canceled. The airport has been built slightly elevated, and its runways incorporate grooves to facilitate quick water drainage. In addition, the runways are recessed on both sides, preventing the accumulation of water. These factors render instances of aquaplaning unlikely. The airport anticipates minimal difficulties in the foreseeable future.
17:07 Söder: "Whatever's on the horizon, we're preparing ourselves well"
Minister-President Markus Söder is surveying the state of affairs in the heavily affected region of Swabia. He expresses gratitude towards the rescuers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf, in the Augsburg district. Söder considers Bavaria well-prepared for crises and is mindful of the strain this situation is imposing on the citizenry. "This is not the end", he emphasizes while Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann is present. "Now things are getting interesting", he adds. The focus of the storm is centered in Swabia, and resources like sandbags are being consolidated there. "We are completely reliant on the volunteers", Söder emphasizes his recognition of the assistance provided by first responders such as the fire department, the Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. Adhering to instructions is imperative. Evacuation orders should be adhered to, and avoiding the basement or driving your car out of the garage is encouraged.
16:35 Rail travel disrupted due to storm and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria impacted train operations. According to Deutsche Bahn, there are disruptions and train cancellations in southern Germany. Two ICE lines have particularly experienced issues. There will be no ICE trains traveling between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The same goes for the line between Ulm and Augsburg. Deutsche Bahn provides ongoing updates on track closures, cancellations, and delays on their website.
16:12 A disaster situation has been declared in the district of Unterallgäu - Individuals requiring help should display a white cloth
In Unterallgäu, Bavaria, the disaster status now includes the district of Unterallgäu. The city of Babenhausen reported a portion of its mobile phone network failing. Residents in need of assistance who can't call for help should hang a white sheet or cloth out of their windows or make themselves visible at the window to draw attention to their situation. In Babenhausen, rescue operations are being conducted with inflatable boats.
15:57 The Technical Relief Organization has mobilized 400 forces to respond to the situation in South Germany
In response to the storms in South Germany, approximately 400 responders from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are actively participating. The THW in Bonn has disclosed these developments. They are undertaking measures such as pumping water, securing dams, and precautionary evacuations. "Given the persistent and sometimes heavy rain, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW forces", it states. THW is installing and monitoring mobile flood sensors in the affected areas. "Given the forthcoming weather predictions and imminent flooding in the upcoming hours, the THW is prepared to dispatch more THW forces", they continue. Each group contains approximately 40 THW staff, with the capability of managing three sewage pumps, a generator, a survey vehicle, and a command center. Each group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 An overview of all flood alerts is consolidated in this map
This map showcases all active flood alerts. The illustration is updated regularly.
15:15 Report: 26-member mountaineering party trapped below the peak of Zugspitze
A team of 26 climbers is said to be stranded a few hundred meters below the summit of the Zugspitze. Reports indicate that Zugspitze has received over 60 cm of new snow within a short span of time, while heavy rain is falling in the surrounding valley. Temperatures are well below freezing point, with visibility so poor that it's barely 100 meters. Local rescue teams, as confirmed by BR citing Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service, have been dispatched to search for the climbers during the storm. The climbers are exhausted and may not be properly equipped for these extreme weather conditions. It's still unclear why they decided to attempt climbing Zugspitze despite the severe weather forecast.
14:52 Donau-Ries district declares emergency state
The district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria has declared an emergency state. This move is to "bring everyone together and prepare ourselves quicker and more effectively for the anticipated water levels," explained District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. Roßle added, "It's crucial to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible," Roßle continued.
14:20 Dam break near Augsburg - Emergency measures underway
A dam and a dike have collapsed in the Swabian district of Augsburg. The Augsburg Landratsamt reported this incident. Residents in certain streets in Diedorf have been asked to leave their homes. Measures for evacuation are being carried out in Anhausen district, Diedorf. "It's no longer safe to move to upper floors," the Augsburg Landratsamt reports. A dam basically failed in Burgwalden, and a dike in the Anhauser Weiher gave way. All residents of the affected areas should vacate their homes individually within the next hour and move to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities also urge people to stay away from railway underpasses. Floodwaters could flow into these areas. Evacuation is highly dangerous.
Soeder and Herrmann visit the flooded area
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are heading to the flooded region in the Swabian district of Augsburg on Saturday. The two CSU politicians want to assess the flood situation in Diedorf firsthand. As per the Interior Ministry, they're visiting Diedorf to understand the current flood conditions. District Administrator Martin Sailer is also accompanying them. The location of the visit was hastily changed due to the emergency situation. Initially, the politicians had planned to visit nearby Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuation preparations for residents are currently underway. The flood crisis is particularly critical in the Swabian region, with Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts also declaring an emergency situation.
Flood situation in Meckenbeuren is still critical
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is continuing to worsen. The level of the Schussen river reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon, as per a municipal representative. It's expected that the zenith will be reached shortly. During the previous flood in 2021, the river attained 4.50 meters. Normally, it holds just 45 cm of water. On Friday evening, the municipality advised around 1300 people to pull out of their homes as a precaution. Most of them have gone to stay with family members or friends. Only a few people resorted to the emergency shelter. To prevent potential damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens and community halls were cleared beforehand. In the municipality of 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed as a preventive measure.
