Inundation - The flood situation in the southwest has noticeably improved.
Due to the recent downturn in weather, causing significant flooding in the southwest, cleanup efforts have commenced. In Rudersberg, a town in the heavily impacted Rems-Murr-Kreis, cleanup operations are well underway, as reported by the town hall on Tuesday. A crisis team is currently deliberating over further steps. The heavy rainfall had left the streets caked in mud, household items, and washed away cars.
The situation in Leutkirch (part of the Ravensburg district) was relatively stable on Tuesday, with the Eschach water levels dropping back to normal. The city spokesperson asserted that the precautions taken against flooding had once again proved effective; the 1.5 million cubic meters capacity overflow basin was unable to contain the water, but fortunately, it was able to flow into the predetermined area of Taufach-Fetzach-Moos.
Two casualties have been confirmed in Baden-Württemberg. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl estimates that the worst of the post-flood situation is now under control. "We have our civil protection measures down pat in Baden-Württemberg," he said on Monday evening in Ebersbach, south of Stuttgart. While streets in Göppingen were flooded, leading to numerous evacuations, the district administration of Göppingen cautioned against entering flooded forest areas. The extensive water masses posed many hazards, according to the responsible forestry office.
The deaths of two individuals were confirmed: a man and his mother were discovered dead in a house in Schorndorf, Rems-Murr-Kreis. Two others had been recovered in Bavaria previously. Approximately one thousand members of the German Red Cross (DRK) have been actively involved in Baden-Württemberg since Friday. The DRK regional association stated on Tuesday that their focus was on the Ostalb and Rems-Murr areas, as well as the district of Ludwigsburg.
The water levels at the majority of waterways in the southwest are decreasing, reports the flood forecasting center. However, an ascending trend is still present at the Baden-Württemberg Danube, Lake Constance, and the Lower Rhine downstream from Kehl.
Strobl emphasized the need for investments in disaster and civil protection as well as flood prevention. "It's a costly affair." The recent flooding highlights the importance of these investments in the millions.
Train travelers should adapt to the constraints and cancellations. Deutsche Bahn announced that trains could not reach Munich from Stuttgart, amongst other disruptions. "We advise against traveling to the affected flood regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and suggest rescheduling unnecessary journeys," recommended the railway company.
