Kretschmann believes Baden-Württemberg has adequately prepared for floods, as they currently remain unfazed.
Baden-Württemberg authorities are ready for expected heavy rain following floods in certain areas of the state. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann stated, "We've been prepared for a while now and have been actively responding." He further added, "We're not even reacting to this event because we've already been responding for a long time." The timely response from emergency services has prevented any major disasters like power plant collapses. Kretschmann emphasizes the need for a general natural disaster insurance. "There's no way around it," he mentioned. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, however, opposes its implementation. Environmental Minister Thekla Walker emphasizes the importance of constant monitoring of existing protective measures. "We need to stay on top of it," she said. Moreover, two deaths occurred in Baden-Württemberg. The German Insurance Association resists the idea of a liability insurance for floods.
A disaster status has been declared by Passau in Lower Bavaria due to worsening flood conditions. The Donau water level is 10 meters at 13:30 pm, with the peak of the Inn imminent, according to a spokesperson for the city. The city expects a water level of over 7 meters due to heavy rain on Monday. Several streets and squares are closed, with school lessons canceled. Bus traffic is disrupted, and all connections to the old town are stopped. The old and inner city are mainly impacted. Authorities warn against entering flooded areas, advising everyone to avoid the entire flooded area. The city of Passau sees this flood situation deteriorating, especially along the Donau.
In Lower Bavaria's Deggendorf, a woman swam in the floodwater of a pedestrian underpass - in a bathing suit. Deggendorf's fire department spotted her during a patrol on Monday evening and rescued her. City fire inspector Tim Rothenwöhrer mentioned in a statement today that people no longer obey restrictions and try taking selfies, which is "typical." He hasn't observed a similar occurrence before. The city requested citizens to comply with the swimming ban in flooded areas and appeals for patience. The swimming season in Deggendorf starts this Thursday.
German insurers are set to face significant losses due to the flooding in South Germany. "The images from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are horrifying," says Jörg Asmussen, managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV). "Our companies are already receiving many damage reports." However, the GDV cannot yet estimate the exact losses. "We can only provide an estimate when the water levels have subsided in all places," he said. The flooding in Saarland during the Pentecost weekend resulted in insurer losses of around 200 million euros. The resulting damages and premiums depend on how many homes in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are insured against natural disasters. In Bavaria, it's 47%, and in Baden-Württemberg, it's 94%. Asmussen is against additional political demands for compulsory insurance against flooding. "That was not a private-sector solution. And the premiums did not reflect the actual risk," he mentioned. "Insurers alone cannot solve the problem." Flood protection measures are still in the works, including new building bans in hazardous regions and better dams. "Only then can we stop the cycle of increasing damages and premiums," Asmussen added.
Söder announced a 100 million euros financial aid package for those affected by the floods in Bavaria, with the possibility of additional funding. This assistance is intended for both private households and commercial enterprises, self-employed individuals, and farmers. "Bavaria is here to aid, promptly, and without red tape," says Söder. "We won't leave anyone abandoned in distress." Söder also urged the federal government to uphold its promises and provide flood relief. According to the Bavarian aid plan, households could receive up to 5,000 euros in urgent assistance, 10,000 euros for residential buildings with oil damage - with insurance benefits to be deducted later. However, if there's an existential danger, 100% may be reimbursed. Companies and commercial enterprises may claim between 5,000 and 200,000 euros in urgent aid. If the damage was insured, the amounts will be reduced.
It's 12:23 PM, and the water level of the Danube in Passau is just below the ten-meter mark. The flood warning service (HND) had reported a water level of 9.95 meters earlier today. This level has already exceeded the forecast for the afternoon of 9.50 meters. When it reaches 8.50 meters, more built-up areas will flood significantly. In Passau, this level was already reached in the afternoon.
At 12:06 PM, the weather service has issued an initial warning for rain in southern Germany. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) informs that the flood-affected areas will remain mostly dry in the coming days. However, occasional showers, and thunderstorms are possible but not heavy. This applies across the country, and temperatures will remain below 20 degrees in the north and northwest, which is usual for the season. Meanwhile, temperatures of 21 to 26 degrees are expected elsewhere. The nights will be colder than ten degrees. Rainfall trends are expected to increase again during the weekend, and rain and even thunderstorms are projected in the south. However, the severity won't be like the past few days. The DWD meteorologist Robert Hausen in Offenbach also mentioned that they hope the water levels will have stabilized by then.
From 11:48 AM, the high water situation in Bavaria has eased significantly. The official flood warning service Bavaria states that although the situation is still tense due to high water levels, there are no more heavy rainfall predictions. The Danube's water levels are expected to decrease, and the situation in Ingolstadt may reach almost the highest warning level four in the evening. In Kelheim, the water levels may only increase slightly within the warning level four, indicating a high water event similar to that in August 2005. In Passau, the Danube water level should be below the 2002 high water mark.
One more fatality has been reported due to flooding, making it a total of five in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, according to the police. A woman in Markt Rettenbach, Bavaria, slid her car off the road into the water on Monday and was later found dead. The DWD meteorologist Robert Hausen confirmed the news. The woman was on a flooded state road in Markt Rettenbach, disobeying the closure, when she slid sideways from the road into a meadow. The water level was high enough to immediately flush her car. The woman had made a distress call via her cell phone, telling the rescue services that her car was flooded. The employees of the water management office then spotted her vehicle, and it was almost completely submerged. The police consider this a "tragic accident."
By 11:03 AM, the partially closed Autobahn 9 in Upper Bavaria due to a dam break has reopened. The blockade checkpoint, set up towards Munich, has been discontinued. Traffic is now free on the section between Ingolstadt South and Langenbruck. The police had previously allowed only 300 vehicles in the blocked section. Later, the road was shut down repeatedly. Other roads in the district, such as the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden, remain closed due to flooding.
Since 10:40 AM, shipping has come to a halt on the Middle and Upper Rhine. The Rhine is Germany's primary waterway, and extensive rainfall has made it unnavigable in many areas. The Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) spokesperson confirmed that shipping has stopped on the Middle and Upper Rhine. Initially, only parts of the Upper Rhine in areas like Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms were affected, but now parts of the Middle Rhine, including Mainz and Bingen, are also experiencing issues. The vessels are moored or in the ports, and they're waiting for the water levels to decrease. The peak is projected for the evening or the next day. The WSA spokesperson said, "It's about several days of shipping suspension." The closures aim to prevent damage to the banks as the vessels generate waves that can overflow and flood cellars.
Due to the ongoing flooding in parts of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, German Railways (DB) are still unable to operate several rail lines for both local and long-distance services. The affected regions include the stretch between Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich on the Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Donauwörth and Augsburg on the Nuremberg-Donauwörth-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Buchloe and Memmingen on the Munich-Memmingen-Lindau line, and the entire Ulm-Memmingen-Kempten line. This means that Munich is currently inaccessible from the west and north. The Bahn continues to advise against any rail travel to South Germany.
In addition, the Munich-Nuremberg-Erfurt-Berlin, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm, Augsburg-Munich, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt(M), Munich-Lindau-Bregenz-Zurich, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, Augsburg-Kempten(Allgäu)-Oberstdorf, and Nuremberg-Würzburg lines are experiencing individual failures and delays.
10:06: Searching for a missing firefighter with drones and helicopters
Police reports indicate that the search for a reportedly missing firefighter in Swabia is ongoing, despite initial statements suggesting otherwise. The Swabian firefighter had been on a DLRG water rescue boat with five other emergency service personnel in Offingen, near the border of Baden-Württemberg, during the night from Sunday to Monday. The boat capsized in strong currents, leaving four emergency service personnel uninjured, but the 22-year-old is still missing. The emergency services now plan to continue the search from land and in the air, with drones and a helicopter set to help in the effort. Unfortunately, there are fears that the young man has drowned, which would make him the fifth known victim of the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
09:38: Police correct previous statement: Search for the missing firefighter is still ongoing
Contrary to earlier reports, the search for the missing firefighter remains ongoing. The police have since rectified their previous statement about the search being discontinued. The young firefighter was patrolling with the DLRG water rescue near the border of Baden-Württemberg when their boat capsized in strong currents. The boat was staffed by five emergency service personnel aged between 24 and 70. Four of the personnel managed to reach safety, while the search for the missing man continues.
08:45: Regensburg's mayor cautions against "flood tourism": "Don't watch what's happening"
The mayor of Regensburg has warned against flood tourism, requesting that people stay away from the affected areas. "We already have a lot of tourists, but now the locals are also on the move," says mayor Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer on Bavarian Radio. She particularly cautions against going on the jetties, as helpers might be present in those areas. The situation in the city, located on the Danube and currently surrounded by water, was reportedly tense overnight. High groundwater levels and an unstable subsoil threaten evacuations. The water level peaked at 9.54 meters, with evacuations being carried out in Passau. Maltz-Schwarzfischer hopes the levels will drop during the day on Tuesday, but the stability of the dams and protective structures is unclear.
08:25: Passau already exceeds expected flood level
The situation in Passau, Lower Bavaria, is worsening rapidly. The city had expected the peak of the floodwaters in the afternoon with a water level of 9.50 meters, but this level has already been exceeded according to reports from ntv's Felix Balß.
07:48: Historic situation: Bavarian Fire Brigade Association marshals resources like never before
The Bavarian Fire Brigade Association anticipates an unprecedented level of deployment, with 30,000 volunteer firefighters working to prevent and reduce damage as much as possible. "It is truly unprecedented in this way and to this extent," says association head Johann Eitzenberger to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. The situation is relatively under control at the moment, yet the future remains unpredictable, as more rain and high water levels continue to pose challenges. Furthermore, skills required for future work, such as oil spill management, will be essential.
6:55 Falkenstein Castle in Upper Bavaria Slides Due to Persistent RainThe famous Falkenstein Castle in Upper Bavaria has experienced part of it sliding away due to the relentless rain. 50 residents residing below the castle have been evacuated, according to the local Rosenheim district. This historical castle, near the Austrian border, is a popular hiking destination. It was built around 1300, with its courtyard being constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries. Following a massive expansion phase in the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was destroyed by fires at the end of the 18th century. It is an integral part of the Petersberg monument complex alongside the Roman St. Peter's Church and the adjacent Mesner House. The extent of the damage to the ruined castle isn't known yet.
6:22 No More Active Search for Missing FirefighterThe active search for a missing firefighter during the floods in Swabia has been discontinued. The 22-year-old is highly likely to have drowned, as per a police spokesperson. He might be found once the water recedes. The firefighter was on his way to a DLRG rescue boat in Offingen, located near the border of Baden-Württemberg, in the wee hours of Sunday to Monday night. The boat carrying five rescue personnel was overturned by strong currents. Four of the rescue personnel, aged between 24 to 70, made it to the shore safely, with no injuries.
Note: The police have updated that the search for the missing firefighter will continue (see entry at 9:38 a.m.).
6:03 "Century-Rainfalls" at Several Locations in Southern GermanySeveral locations in southern Germany have witnessed rainfall levels equivalent to what's seen every 50 to 100 years, according to preliminary data provided by meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer of the German Weather Service. These are called "century-rainfalls", he explains. "It's a unique occurrence, though not completely unheard of." "We're still checking the data", he adds. There've been some cases of stations not functioning or measurements being underestimated. "Now, it appears there's more to come, seeing that the current data seems a bit conservative."
5:33 Danube in Passau Exceeds 9-Meter MarkThe water level of the Danube in Passau has now surpassed the 9-meter mark overnight. At 3 a.m., the flood warning service (HND) recorded a water level of 9.27 meters. On Monday night, the reading indicated 8.83 meters. The HND predicts the peak to arrive on Tuesday afternoon at 9.50 meters. The Passau Old Town was partially closed to traffic on Monday due to the flood. Achieving a gauge reading of 8.50 meters will lead to greater flooding in the Passau region, per the HND. Passau reached this level on Monday afternoon.
4:07 Evacuation of 200 People in RegensburgIn the face of a worsening flood situation, 200 people in the Regensburg city center were instructed to leave their homes. The Bavarian city states that the rising groundwater level in the Werftstraße poses an imminent risk of the flood protection elements failing. Consequently, the disaster control has opted to evacuate the entire street.
2:47 Flood Situation Improves Slightly in Rosenheim DistrictThe flood situation in the southern Rosenheim district has slightly improved recently. The local district says as much. The schools and kindergartens in the affected areas are scheduled to remain closed on Tuesday. Raubling and Rohrdorf had to face evacuations, but the number of people affected isn't yet known. Earlier, the district had declared a disaster. Terming it a crisis, over 1000 emergency services personnel from the fire department and the Technical Relief Organization were present, the district reports further. As per a message from the German Weather Service, rainfall in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should subside overnight.
1:28 German Weather Service Lifts All Weather WarningsIn this tense flooding situation in southern Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) has now removed all weather warnings for the entire country. Notably, heavy rain earlier had significantly increased the water levels of various streams and rivers, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Whole villages were flooded even after some dams had burst. At least four people have lost their lives due to the floods thus far. Despite the tense conditions persisting on Monday in parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the situation is currently easing.
12:00 a.m. Water Levels in Most Southwestern Areas FallingFollowing the helicopter rescue operations performed during the last few days' flooding, the water levels of most waterways toward the southwest are receding. However, the large rivers, such as the Danube and the Rhine, are still reporting increasing water levels. A DWD spokesperson asserts that no more critical levels are foreseen, going beyond the ones already recorded. At the Danube near Pegel Hundersingen in the Sigmaringen district, all the way downstream, in addition to Lake Constance, Upper, and Upper Rhine, the water levels are still on the rise. The Neckar shows a downtrend.
11:53pm: Landkreis Rosenheim urges residents to stay indoorsThe Landkreis Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria is asking residents to remain at home due to the flooding. The local authority warns that there's an immediate threat to life and safety. Residents are advised to steer clear of outdoor areas and keep away from water bodies. Additionally, they're requested not to interfere with rescue operations. Starting today, several schools in the areas of Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach will be closed. The Rosenheim School Board will notify the concerned schools. Daycare centers in the town should also be closed.
9:47pm: Burg Falkenstein's collapse in FlintsbachIn Flintsbach, Rosenheim district, certain parts of Burg Falkenstein have fallen down due to the heavy rain. The information comes from the Rosenheim District Administration. The aftermath has left 50 locals needing to evacuate.
9:08pm: Grav-Island's largest camping site in Wesel to be evacuatedDue to the ongoing flood situation, the camping site in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia has to be emptied within the course of the next 24 hours. The managers of the Grav-Island confirm this. The increasing water levels in the encompassing rivers and water reservoirs spurred this decision. The Grav-Island is Germany's largest camping site accommodating 5,000 permanent campers.
8:53pm: Ersatzstraße evacuation impending in RegensburgThe Ersatzstraße in Regensburg is being evacuated, according to the city of Regensburg. Located right by the Danube, the ground of Ersatzstraße is becoming softer due to the elevated groundwater levels. The flood protection infrastructure installed might give way, causing the street to flood. Around 200 people will be shifted starting at 9:00 pm.
Catch up on all previous events Here
Read also:
- Minister President Kretschmann of Baden-Württemberg mentions that they've been prepared for potential floods and have been actively responding for a long time, in the context of the current flood situation in the state.
- The German Insurance Association notes that insurers are expected to face significant losses due to the flooding in South Germany, including Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, highlighting the impact of these disasters on the insurance industry.
- In the Live ticker updates, it's reported that two deaths occurred in Baden-Württemberg during the floods, underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for proper preparedness and response measures.
