The flood situation on the Rhine river is improving.
In the Rhineland-Palatinate region, there is a gradual improvement in the flooding situation. The Middle Rhine and some portions of the Upper Rhine are still seeing rising water levels, according to the flood forecasting center of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Office for the Environment. These water levels are predicted to reach their highest points in the evening and on Wednesday. After that, it is anticipated that they'll decrease at the Upper Rhine until at least Sunday and at the Middle Rhine until at least the upcoming weekend. At the Maxau gauge, the water level will rise again until Wednesday morning. But, it'll drop in Mannheim. The same goes for the Worms gauge, where the highest level has already been achieved, while in Mainz, it's anticipated to be reached on Tuesday evening or during the night. At the Kaub gauge, the highest level is also expected to be attained on Wednesday night. In Koblenz, the efforts made for flood protection measures will continue for now, as the city reports. The Mosel gauge has slightly decreased. However, the forecasting center predicts that the highest level at the Koblenz gauge will only occur on Wednesday morning. It's expected to be slightly below a two-year-old flood with a forecast of 570-590 centimeters.
In Austria, the Danube in Passau has once again dropped below the ten-meter mark after reaching that mark according to the flood warning service (HND) at noon. It's currently 9.93 meters. Earlier, the city had declared a state of emergency due to the expected rapid rise in the flood situation, as well as other districts like Regensburg.
Heavy rainfall in southern Poland has led to parts of the city of Bielsko-Biala in Silesia being submerged. The mayor has issued a flood warning, as mentioned by the news agency PAP. The fire department is making more than 700 interventions. Many cellars and plots are flooded. The water has blocked two railway tracks at the local station, which need to be rerouted, and some are entirely out of service. The city archive and the bus depot of the municipal transport companies are also flooded. The portal "Onet.pl" shares video footage showcasing streets, traffic circles, and a bridge under water. In the area's rivers, the water level is currently increasing, and at five locations, the crisis center of the regional administration has declared an alarm status. The state meteorological service foresees more heavy rainfall for the rest of the day.
There are varying numbers of missing persons per the Interior Ministry in Munich: initially seven, then five, and later, six. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) stated in a cabinet meeting earlier that the overall missing count in the state was up to seven. The situation is "extraordinarily volatile," says an Interior Ministry spokesperson. The number of missing could potentially include people who have registered with authorities on-site but whose report hasn't yet been sent to the situation center in Munich. "The numbers are therefore not very reliable," the spokesperson emphasizes. A firefighter in Swabia is also among the missing. The 22-year-old was in Offingen with other rescue workers in a boat when they capsized. The others were able to save themselves.
The flood situation in Bavaria remains "serious and critical," according to Prime Minister Markus Söder. In Regensburg and Passau, the highest water levels of the Danube are still expected. Söder, the CSU politician, stated after a cabinet meeting in Munich. "We're staying attentive." In the past few days, over 60,000 people have been involved in flood relief efforts in Bavaria, says Söder. Over 6,600 evacuations have been essential so far. The cabinet observed a minute of silence for the three known victims of the floods earlier. Söder also talks about "up to seven missing persons, with the number potentially increasing." The state government expresses its compassion for the affected, according to Söder. "Their pain is also our pain." The hope is that the next two days can be handled well in terms of the flood situation.
In Baden-Württemberg, Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann believes the region is well prepared for floods, stating, "We don't react at all."
The Baden-Württemberg authorities feel fully prepared to handle potential flooding in parts of the state over the weekend. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann remarked in Stuttgart to reporters, "We've been prepared for a long time and have been active for a long time." Kretschmann continued, "We don't react at all, because we've been reacting for a while." Thanks to the professional response from emergency services, a major catastrophe such as a flooded power plant has been averted. Kretschmann once again promotes the idea of a universal natural disaster liability insurance. "It's non-negotiable," he states. However, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann continues to oppose its implementation. Baden-Württemberg's Environment Minister Thekla Walker urges regular checks of existing protective measures. "We must stay vigilant," she says. Sadly, two lives have been lost in Baden-Württemberg due to flooding. In the meantime, the German Insurance Association is against enforcing a flood insurance mandate. (Read more at 13:00)
13:57 Donau water level reaches 10 meters: Passau declares disaster
Passau, a city in Lower Bavaria, has declared a state of disaster due to rising flood levels. According to the flood warning service (HND), the Donau water level reached 10 meters at around 13:30 p.m. The Inn's peak is also slated to reach Passau, says a city official. Heavy rains on Monday will lead to a water level of over 7 meters on the Inn. Several streets and squares in Passau have already been shut down due to flooding, causing school cancellations and disruptions to bus traffic. The city advises avoiding areas affected by the flood entirely. Passau sees the convergence of the rivers Donau, Inn, and Ilz. Flooding in Bavaria is anticipated to worsen along the Donau.
13:13 Swimsuit swimmer: Woman swims in flood in Deggendorf
In Deggendorf, Lower Bavaria, a woman has gone for a swim in a flooded pedestrian underpass, dressed in a bathing suit. The fire department noticed the swimmer during their patrol on Monday night and rescued her from the water. Fire Officer Tim Rothenwöhrer notes that people are often disregarding barriers and attempting to take photos, which is now "commonplace." The city requests citizens to comply with the bathing ban in flooded regions and to exercise patience. The swimming season in Deggendorf will commence on Thursday.
13:00 GDV: South Germany's floods will be a substantial event for insurers
Insurance companies in Germany are bracing for the considerable impact of flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Jörg Asmussen, the managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV), commented that "the images from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg suggest a lot of damage." He added that "our companies are already receiving numerous claims." However, it's premature for a damage assessment. "We can only make a prediction when the water levels have dropped everywhere." In Saarland, flooding on Whit Monday cost insurers around 200 million euros. The total expenses for the south Bavaria and Lake Constance flood would depend on how many houses are covered by insurance for such events. In Bavaria, it's 47 percent, while in Baden-Württemberg it's 94 percent. Asmussen is adamant against new political demands for mandatory flood insurance. "That was not a market solution; premiums didn't account for the actual risk," he expresses. "Insurance alone is not the solution." Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of flood protection; it involves stopping building in hazardous locations and implementing stronger dams. "Only in this way can we put an end to the cycle of escalating damages and higher premiums," says the GDV managing director.
After a flood disaster in various parts of the country, the Bavarian government asserts to offer at least 100 million euros in financial support for those impacted. Primarily, this aid package is designed to benefit both private households and business enterprises, independent workers, and farmers. Bavarian Prime Minister Söder mentioned in Munich following a decision by the cabinet, stating, "100 million plus X." The aid is intended to provide expeditious and bureaucracy-free help: "Bavaria helps swiftly and without red tape," says Söder,"we will not leave anyone alone in times of need." Furthermore, he urged the federal government to fulfill its promises and provide flood relief.
The revised plan suggests that households may be entitled to up to 5,000 euros in emergency aid, while the damage to residential buildings could warrant up to 10,000 euros, contingent upon insurance adjustments. In situations where existence is threatened, a 100% reimbursement may be possible, so Söder mentioned. Businesses and companies may apply for between 5,000 and 200,000 euros in emergency funds; however, those with insurance coverage may have their reimbursements reduced.
At present, the water levels in Passau's Donau river soar close to the ten-meter mark. The flood monitoring service (HND) indicated a water level of 9.95 meters at 12:00 noon. This figure surpasses the expected afternoon forecast of 9.50 meters. At the 8.50-meter water level, urban areas will acquire more significant flooding. Such a level was already reached in Passau during the afternoon.
The Weather Service (DWD) recently issued a preliminary warning for rain in the southern parts of Germany. According to DWD meteorologist Robert Hausen of Offenbach, rainfall over the next several days in flood-impacted regions remains relatively scant. However, a few scattered showers and thunderstorms may transpire without being calamitous. At present, these conditions persist nationwide until Thursday. Additional temprature details indicate a drift towards lower numbers in the north and northeast, correlating with seasonal norms, but the rest of the country anticipates temperatures between 21 to 26 degrees. Evening lows may dip below ten degrees. With time, increasing rainfall is foreseen with the potential for showers and thunderstorms in the southern segment—nevertheless, not in the severity encountered previously. "Let's hope these water levels have stabilized by then."
As of 11:48 a.m., the flood crisis in Bavaria noticeably abates; however, the flood warning service still asserts that tensions prevail as a result of higher water levels. The current situation revolves around the Danube. The Danube's state is stated to be improving, with benefits given to Danube tributaries as well. In Ingolstadt, the decisive apex of the flood is estimated to reach the highest alert level 4 come nightfall. In Kelheim, minimal variations are cited within level 4, resembling the 2005 flood's intensity. At Passau, it is expected that the Danube's water level will fall under the 2002 flood threshold. Today, high water levels continue in the Danube sector from Kelheim to Passau.
Concerning a police report, their total of five flood-related deaths has been registered in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In Markt Rettenbach, a woman inadvertently slid her vehicle off the road into the water on Monday. Regrettably, the woman expired amid these unfortunate circumstances: ill-advisedly driving on a flooded state road. Witnesses from the water management office discovered her vehicle, and at this stage, the authorities have classified the incident as a "tragic accident." Earlier announcements established a death toll of four.
In the aftermath of a dam breach in Upper Bavaria, the Autobahn 9 was partially shut down. However, the enforced limits were dismantled as early as this morning, allowing traffic to proceed unencumbered: "All lanes are now fully operable in either direction in the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck." In contrast, other areas like the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden harbor flood-induced road closures.
A prohibition concerning shipping on the Middle and Upper Rhine is enforced post-floods.
Following heavy rainfall, the Rhine, Germany's main waterway, has become unnavigable in many sections. According to a representative from the Waterways and Shipping Office Rhine (WSA), there's been a halt in shipping on the Middle and Upper Rhine. Until recently, only the Upper Rhine was closed in areas like Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms. However, parts of the Middle Rhine are now also affected, with Mainz and Bingen feeling the effects. The spokesperson states that numerous ships have already docked or remained in the ports, waiting for water levels to reduce to safer amounts. The peak is imminent, possibly later in the day or evening. Bingen's area could possibly be navigated again by Thursday. The WSA is making efforts to prevent damage to the banks from ships' movement, as these can lead to overflowing and flooding of basements, among other things.
10:20: Continuous disruptions on various lines in Southern Germany
Due to flooding in certain areas of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, German Railways (DB) is experiencing difficulties operating multiple lines in local and long-distance traffic. At present, four lines are experiencing disruptions: Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich on the Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich line, Donauwörth-Augsburg on the Nuremberg-Donauwörth-Augsburg-Munich line, Buchloe-Memmingen on the Munich-Memmingen-Lindau line, and the entire Ulm-Memmingen-Kempten line. Essentially, Munich is currently inaccessible from the west and north. Despite this, DB urges people to avoid travel to South Germany. On the following lines, there may be occasional disruptions and delays: 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 Nürnberg-Würzburg.
10:06: Search for a missing firefighter continues, but not in the floodwaters
The search for a missing firefighter in Swabia, as reported by police, is continuing; but not in the floodwaters for the time being. Police spokesman Holger Stabik explains that the current flow is too strong for the emergency services to search from the water, so they'll be looking from land and in the air. Drones and a helicopter will be utilized. The 22-year-old firefighter is feared to have drowned, making him the fifth known victim of the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
(Translated from German)
09:38: Corrected report: Search for missing firefighter continues
The search for a missing firefighter in the flooded region of Swabia is ongoing. The police have amended their previously reported cessation of the search. (See entry from 6:22 am) The 22-year-old man is thought to have drowned. The firefighter had been on a boat of the DLRG lifeguard service in Offingen near the border with Baden-Württemberg in the night from Sunday to Monday. The boat with five rescue teams capsized in strong currents. Four rescue teams aged between 24 and 70 managed to reach land unharmed.
08:45: Regensburg's mayor warns against high water tourism
The mayor of the flooded city of Regensburg, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, cautions against high water tourism. "We have a lot of tourists here, but now locals are also on the move. Please don't go and look, just see what's happening," Maltz-Schwarzfischer said on Bavarian Radio. She asks especially that people refrain from going onto the jetties because helpers could be there. The situation is tense in Regensburg on the Danube, the mayor says. High groundwater and the unstable subsoil pose a threat to evacuations. The high-water mark was reached during the night, she hopes that the pegs will drop further during the day. Whether the dams and protective structures will hold is unclear, says the mayor. "We're in a different situation than in 2013 because we have very high groundwater levels and the subsoil is becoming increasingly unstable, and the pressure on the dams with a shifting subsoil is already critical."
08:25: Passau is concerned - "Danube level already at 9.54 meters"
Passau is on edge – the Danube level is already at 9.54 meters. (Original translation: "Passau rangt es") Concern is growing in Passau due to the high water level. The authorities fear that the protective structures may not withstand the pressure. The city is also preparing for flooding at this point. The following statement was issued at about 8 am: "Currently, the Danube is about 9.54 meters high and is expected to rise slightly. The water levels in the city's historical center and in the floodplains are also rising."(Translated from German)
The scene in Passau, Lower Bavaria, is evolving drastically. The locale foreseeed a zenith in water stages at noon with a scale of 9.50 meters; however, it has already crossed this boundary, as mentioned by ntv journalist Felix Balß.
07:48: Bavarian Fire Brigade Association: Implementation of this extent is unprecedented
Bavarian fire departments anticipate being more significant than ever due to the floods based on the Bavarian Fire Brigade Association. "This situation and to this degree, it's truly unparalleled," states association president Johann Eitzenberger to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". "We have roughly 30,000 volunteer firefighters in service every day and are attempting to avert and minimize destruction wherever achievable." The position is currently under manageable conditions, but one never understands what may arise, says Eitzenberger. "There will still be a necessity for proficient skills, such as addressing fuel from warming frameworks."
07:28 Video: Danube puts pressure on dams and supplementary security barriers
With enormous water masses, the Danube is pressing on dams and supplementary safety barriers in southern Germany. Certain of the dikes are now bracing to break through. Passau's urban center is already under water and closed.
06:55 Ruin of Falkenstein Castle slides - occupants rescued
Sections of the Falkenstein Castle in Upper Bavaria's Flintsbach have detached due to consistent downpour. Per the Rosenheim province, 50 locals under the fortress have been transported to sanctuary. The Falkenstein Castle near the Austrian border is a renowned trekking place. The primary castle Falkenstein was erected around 1300, depending upon the Chiemsee-Alpenland Tourism Association. The outer fortification was built amid the 15th and 16th centuries. Following a thorough renovation amid the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was eradicated by fires at the conclusion of the 18th century. It is a constituent of the Petersberg heritage region with the Roman Peterskirche and connected Mesner House. The extent of the destruction to the relic is obscure.
06:22 Bailiffs no more actively scouring for missing firefighter
The pursuit for a missing firemen in the flood in Swabia is no more sustained. The 22-year-old chap is speculated to have vanished, discloses a police representative. He is expected to be encountered when the water lessens. The youthful man was on a mission to Offingen close to the Baden-Württemberg limit with a ship from the DLRG sea salvage during the hour of night from Sunday to Monday. The boat with five salvage specialists was rolled by fierce currents. 4 salvage operators in the age bracket of 24-70 were ready to stroll ashore and were unphysically harmed.
Note: The police have as of late declared that they will persevere the hunt (see section at 09:38 am).
06:03 Meterological Service approximates "century-rainfall"
In different spots in South Germany, a similar level of downpour has fallen as typically every 50-100 years, uncovers meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer of the German Weather Service. "That's relatively anomalous, however not completely remarkable." "All this is still in a preliminary stage, we must confirm the data." On occasion, stations impede or the estimations are too meager. "Frequently there is somewhat more, the current figures are partly angling conservative."
05:33 Danube in Passau surpasses nine-meter level
The water degree of the Danube in Passau has overshadowed the nine-meter degree during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. At 3 a.m., the Signal Service for High Water (HND) conveys a water degree of 9.27 meters. As of Monday night, the gauge perusing was still 8.83 meters. As per the HND projection, the culmination ought to be reached at noon on Tuesday with 9.50 meters. Passau's antiquated town had to be impeded from visitor traffic on Monday due to the flood. Since a water degree of 8.50 meters, shorelines are altogether more overflowed. This measure was reached in Passau on Monday afternoon.
04:07 200 individuals in Regensburg should be performed away
Because of an inhuman flood situation, 200 individuals in the Regensburg city focus have been inscribed to vacate their habitation. "Due to the expanding groundwater pressure in the Werftstraße, there is a brief danger that the flood insurance specialists will no longer hold," enunciates the Bavarian city on its site. Subsequently, the salvage administration chose to desert all tenants of the entire avenue.
02:47 Meteorological Service discontinues horrendous weather warnings
The flood circumstance in the southern Rosenheim district has eased a bit, claims the province. The schools and kindergartens in the influenced locales will thusly stay closed on Tuesday. In Raubling and Rohrdorf, ejections reportedly happened. Beforehand, it was obscure the quantity of individuals influenced. The locale recently declared a disaster. Approximately 1000 crisis laborers from the fire department and the Technical Aid Organization were present, the district moreover imparts. According to a claim from the German Meteorological Service, the clouds over Bavaria are sensed to subside overnight on Tuesday.
Amid the high-stress flood situation in southern Germany, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) recently lifted all weather alerts for the country. The agency shared this news. The intense rainfall in recent days had led the water levels of many streams and rivers, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, to significantly rise. Entire villages were swamped despite the breaking of dams. So far, at least four people have lost their lives to the floods. The tense situation in parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg persisted on Monday.
Update: Lots of water levels in the southwest are receding
Following the recent floods, water levels are decreasing in most water bodies across the southwest. However, large rivers, such as the Danube and Rhine, are still experiencing rising water levels, as indicated by the flood forecasting center. A spokesperson noted that while no critical values are expected to be surpassed, rivers like the Danube from the Hundersingen gauge in the Sigmaringen district and Lake Constance, the High Rhine, the Upper Rhine, and Maxau gauge near Karlsruhe are still rising. The water at the Neckar, on the other hand, is currently on the decline.
Update: Rosenheim district advises residents to stay home
Residents in the southern Germany's Rosenheim district have been urged to remain inside as the district grapples with the floods. "People's lives and safety are under immediate threat," reads a statement from the board. Folks are encouraged to steer clear of uncovered waterbodies and not hinder rescue services in any way. Schools in Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach won't be open tomorrow. The Regional Education Authority Rosenheim will subsequently notify the relevant schools about this. Kindergartens in town will also be closed.
Update: Burg Falkenstein collapses in Flintsbach
Heavy rains have led to sections of Burg Falkenstein in Flintsbach, Rosenheim, to collapse. The Landratsamt Rosenheim has issued this report. The community's fifty residents living below the castle are set to be evacuated as a result.
Update: Germany's largest camping site closed
Due to the flood situation, Grav-Island in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia - the biggest camping site in Germany with 5000 permanent campers - is being shut down within the next day. The operators of the Grav-Island have explained that the rising water levels in the surrounding rivers and bodies of water have prompted this measure.
Update: Regensburg's Werftstraße being evacuated
The Regensburg Werftstraße, which is located right on the Danube, will be cleared today as the city of Regensburg announces. The soil is likely to give way due to high groundwater, and the existing flood protection elements might fail, resulting in flooding. Nearly 200 residents have been told to pack up and leave by 21:00 tonight.
Note: You can follow all of the earlier developments here.
