Thunderstorms take over from constant downpour without any break
A fresh flood disaster has hit the southern regions of Germany, with no reprieve in sight. Metrologist Bjoern Alexander of ntv emphasized, "The substantial and widespread torrential rains have in fact passed, but new and local thunderstorm centers have developed."
12:52 Additional dam breach risk in Paar region
Another potential dam failure is looming in Paar. The towns of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen are at risk. Authorities advise that inhabitants should quickly move to higher floors. Cellars and basements must be eschewed. In emergencies, the fire station can be reached at the emergency number 112.
12:39 Emergency teams at 40,000 strong across Bavaria
As disclosed by Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, over 40,000 emergency personnel are now on the move, tackling the flooding crisis throughout Bavaria. Söder emphasized, "The utmost requirement in the coming hours will be to properly organize the relief efforts." Söder underlined the importance of relieving those who have long been on duty, "As operators become more fatigued, there's higher risk of mistakes and exhaustion, which can escalate into danger."
12:29 Straubing launches dam surveillance
The water level on the Danube in Straubing is continuing to rise and is expected to surpass the highest alert level four. Straubing's city commissaries have announced a patrol at 3 p.m. to closely monitor the dam, while a constant stream of reports on damage and water levels will be relayed. Moreover, more sandbags are being prepared.
12:03 Further dam collapse in Pfaffenhofen district
In the Pfaffenhofen area, a dam has collapsed in Baar-Ebenhausen. Based on an official warning, communities such as Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching face imminent jeopardy. Residents are required to evacuate the ground floor of their houses.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz salutes flood rescuers
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lauded the courage and dedication of rescue workers and volunteers in the flood-stricken areas. Scholz articulated his condolences for the passing of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen, expressing, "My thoughts are with his colleagues and family members." In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, the firefighter met with fatalities during a rescue operation at night.
11:25 Catholic Day's closing Mass brings prayers for flood victims
The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Baetzing, offered a special message to those impacted by the aforementioned storms, particularly in southern regions, while concluding Catholic Day in Erfurt. Baetzing expressed his ardent hope, "May humans' lives be protected and safeguarded."
10:59 Portions of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis submerged
Districts Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis are now submerged, stemming from the Schussen river's overflow and flooding several streets. Around 1,300 individuals evacuated voluntarily, leaving their homes to ensure their security. However, some stay within their houses on upper floors. The Schussen's level reached more than 4.86 meters on Saturday night, eventually declining. Naturally, the river is just 45cm deep under normal circumstances.
10:34 European Cup soccer game postpones training at Max-Morlock-Stadion
Heavy rainfall adversely affected the Ukrainian national soccer team's final pre-game rehearsal. The squad was slated to complete their practice at 6 p.m. on Sunday in Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion before engaging in their Euro semi-final bout against Germany. However, due to the perilous lawn conditions, Ukraine will now travel to Erlangen for their practice.
10:09 Heavy rainfall compels Ukrainian team to revise training plans
The Ukrainian soccer team is unable to complete their concluding pre-match training on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadium as originally scheduled, prior to the EM encounter with Germany. To mitigate the disruption to the stadium's lawn, the session is being shifted to Erlangen. The match between Germany and Ukraine is scheduled for Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD).
Munich is also experiencing continuous rain, with the fire department responding to over 290 missions since Saturday at 6:00 a.m. Most of these involved pumping out flooded basements and garages. Additionally, many trees were uprooted due to the wet ground, causing street closures. On Saturday night, the flood warning level 2 for the Isar River was surpassed.
9:24 Water rushes in after dam failure in Anhausen
The situation in Anhausen is gradually stabilizing after a dam failed five kilometers away and quickly inundated the town. Niklas Diemer, a reporter for ntv, stated that people who had been evacuated from the area are gradually returning home. However, the water levels remain dangerous in numerous locations.
9:08 THW sends additional teams to affected areas
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is deploying more teams to the flooded areas in southern Germany. At present, more than 1800 teams are in action, according to a spokesperson. These teams are responsible for securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting in the evacuation of those living in flooded areas. The fire department and other emergency services are also actively engaged.
8:47 Landslide in Baden-Württemberg disrupts train and car travel
The flood situation in certain regions of Germany continues to cause anxiety. Southern Germany is experiencing significant water flow, and in the east of Baden-Württemberg, there is even a potential for a century-old flood. Rescue teams and volunteers are reaching their breaking point.
8:30 ICE train to be recovered from landslide in the coming morning
In Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, the ICE train impacted by a landslide is expected to be reclaimed in the morning. The regional transportation cannot pass through the track, noted a spokesperson. A rescue locomotive is available on the second line of the track to help with the recovery. It is unknown how long the shutdown will last. In the interim, the local transportation has managed to navigate around the ICE train. On Saturday evening, two carriages of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed after a landslide.
8:16 Missing person in Schrobenhausen
There is a missing person in Schrobenhausen. The individual was believed to have been in the cellar of a home when the flood occurred. The cellar and parts of the upper floor are now submerged, stated a spokesperson for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. Rescue teams cannot currently access the house.
7:44 Firefighter passes away due to floods
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter has died in Upper Bavaria. He experienced capsizing with three colleagues in a rescue boat and was discovered dead the following morning, shared a spokesperson for the district administration.
7:29 Higher flood levels at alert level 4 in various places
Bavaria continues to face dangerously high flood levels of alert level 4 in several locations. The focus is on the southern tributaries of the Donau, such as Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the main Danube River. Peak waves were observed overnight. As the wave progresses downstream, areas such as Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing may be affected. These locations are expected to experience rising water levels on Sunday. Specifically, areas like Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria and Abensberg in the Kelheim district are anticipated to have increasing water levels on Sunday.
06:54 Weather service predicts additional heavy rain in the south
The German Weather Service (DWD) has forecasted thunderstorms with heavy rains for wide areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. From noon until late Monday night, there is a likelyhood of flooded roads and basements. There may also be damage due to lightning strikes in certain locations.
5:39 Augsburg expands evacuations
In the flooded areas of the Augsburg district in Bavaria, authorities have expanded their calls for evacuation. Residents are urged to leave the neighborhoods of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen promptly. Buses will be provided for individuals unable to leave these areas independently. The majority of evacuations are taking place in communities along the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube.
05:05 Wiesbaden Taking Precautions Against Rising Water Levels on Rhine and Main
Officials in Wiesbaden are implementing actions against increasing water levels on the Rhine and Main. Authorities in Kostheim have erected a flood protection wall, and a pump has been installed in the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein. The fire department advises avoiding parking lots near the river in the coming days. No further action is anticipated at this time.
04:04 Train Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich Halted Due to Landslide
There is currently no long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd. The railway spokesperson cannot ascertain how long the line will remain closed. The landslide has impeded a bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, leading to the suspension of long-distance train service between Ulm and Augsburg. These trains were re-routed due to floods in southern Germany.
03:13 Technical Relief Organization in Ulm Fills Sandbags
The Technical Relief Organization in Ulm has been working throughout the night to pile 30,000 sandbags for waterlogged and flood-prone areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. According to Bernd Urban, head of the THW logistics center, they are currently filling 400 sandbags per hour. The sandbags are being requested from multiple regions. The persistent rain has led to elevated water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at various sites.
02:25 Bavarian Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to Gunzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending a contingent of water rescue personnel from Unterfranken to the flood relief efforts in Swabia. The water rescue squad is expected to assist in Gunzburg, as the Red Cross announced during the evening. The water rescue teams in Upper Franconia have specialized training in flood rescue operations, including two boat and diving teams. Several water bodies in Gunzburg have reached levels comparable to a once-in-a-century flood.
01:27 Schwäbisch Gmünd: ICE Wagons Derail Due to Landslide
Two cars of an ICE train with 185 occupants experienced derailment in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, around 23:20 due to a landslide. The train passengers were unharmed, and they were being evacuated from the train. The landslide measured around 30 meters wide. The train passengers were to be relocated to a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Plüderhausen via bus.
00:59 Car Impacted by Landslide
A landslide struck a car in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, as per initial police reports. The driver of the vehicle escaped unscathed. The landslide occurred at a point where the affected road and the railway line run parallel. Schwäbisch Gmünd is roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rains have been occurring in Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm Surpasses High Water Mark - Extent of Damage Unknown
The city of Neu-Ulm has apparently surpassed the high water mark on the Danube and Iller rivers, according to the city administration's assessment. Despite elevated water levels, the feared 100-year flood did not materialize. "We won't know the extent of the damage until the situation stabilizes," said Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. The city's sections along the Danube and Iller riverbanks and the cycling path alongside the Danube and Iller will remain closed for the time being.
23:44 Munich: Danger at Isar River Bank
The Munich Fire Department has issued a caution about the Isar River Bank due to high water levels. In addition, two popular walking trails alongside the Isar River have been closed. The river is at Alert Level 2, according to the Fire Department at the X platform. Alert Level 2 entails flooding of uninhabited areas or slight disruptions to traffic on roads.
23:23 Upper Bavaria: 670 Individuals to be Evacuated
The fire department and rescue teams are readying to evacuate 670 individuals in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. In the District of Mühlried and a road adjacent to the Weilach River, excavators and boats are being employed, as per the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office. The authority also established a crisis hotline for emergencies. The municipality had previously declared a state of emergency. The Upper Bavarian district official, Peter von der Grün, stated that the situation is particularly concerning in the district's southern region.
In the Eastern Thuringen region of Germany, continuous heavy rain and thunderstorms have resulted in a significant number of fire department interventions. The Gera control center reports that the area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district has been particularly affected, resulting in flooded roads, fields, and cellars. Additionally, a small stream in Gera's Liebschwitz district has also overflowed.
22:45 The heavy rain in the south is set to ease slightly - but no real reprieve
According to the German Meteorological Service (DWD), a minor reduction in rainfall is expected in the impacted or potentially affected areas in southern Germany. A DWD meteorologist stated, "Tonight, there will not be the large amounts of rainfall we experienced last night." However, new showers and thunderstorms are advancing from the north, which may continue to pose a risk of local flooding in the afternoon on Sunday. These storms could potentially be very strong and last for an extended period. "If they hit the already saturated ground, flooding will result," the meteorologist cautioned. Regions such as the Swabian Alb and those to the north of it, as well as the areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg, are particularly at risk.
22:25 Disaster status declared in Freising
The district of Freising has also been subjected to a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and streams. According to the district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality, record-breaking water levels are expected in the Amper and Glonn rivers. The district administration anticipates major flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all other settlements along the Amper. Citizens should be prepared early for such a severe situation and take actions such as emptying their cellars. A total of ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster status.
21:50 Dillingen district also declares disaster situation
The district of Dillingen in the Bavarian Swabia region has also declared a disaster situation as a result of persistent rainfall. As per the district administration, the situation on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has deteriorated further. The local crisis management team is seeking assistance from the German military. The officials anticipate a 100-year flood on the small river, which may affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. In the meantime, authorities are making arrangements to release water from the overloaded Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district administration is also urging local farmers to ensure the safety of their livestock in secure stables.
21:09 Disaster status declared in Neuburg-Schrobenhausen
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district in Bavaria has declared a disaster due to the swelling Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the district administration. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt is predicting level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation is even worse for the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and the Weilach, which then flows into the Paar. According to the district administration, the Weilach has already burst its banks in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf, causing a residential area to flood. Emergency services are preparing for the evacuation of residents there, as district administrator Peter von der Grün mentions. The situation is particularly alarming in the southern part of the district, where von der Grün emphasized that the protection of roads, bridges, and roads is currently of paramount importance. "Only then can the fire brigade continue to carry out rescue efforts."
20:34 Urgent rescue: Red Cross rescues people from house roofs with helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has employed a helicopter to rescue two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen. A BRK spokesperson explained that the pair was in a life-threatening situation as the large water masses were putting their house at risk of collapse. Other individuals were also transported to safety using inflatable boats from their homes. The rescue teams managed to save more than 100 people, including many children.
20:13 People in several places near Augsburg are asked to leave their homes
Water rescuers have also been required to free people who were trapped in their cars, their doors being inoperable due to the large amounts of water. As the spokesperson noted, this scenario can quickly develop into a life-threatening situation due to the powerful current and the rapidly rising water levels in the car.
In various municipalities of Augsburg's district, residents are being asked by authorities to leave their houses and apartments due to the imminent flooding. The Augsburg district administration anticipates a worsening situation in the evening in the northern part of the district. Places affected include parts of Babenhausen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Government of Swabia has made temporary accommodation available at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr Aids in Bavaria's Flooded Areas
German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, offer assistance in the flood-stricken regions of Bavaria. A spokesperson for the Bavarian Army Command tells radio station Antenne Bayern, "The Bundeswehr is supplying support to the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, since these districts have requested help." In Günzburg's vicinity, blankets and mattresses are distributed. The Aichach-Friedberg area will soon welcome 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers along with two Bundeswehr trucks.
19:20 Faith in Reinforcements: Faeser
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser ensures additional help for Southern Germany's flooded areas. Speaking in Berlin, she maintains that the Technical Relief Organization (THW) stands prepared nationwide to deploy more forces if needed. "We're committed to supporting the impacted federal states with all available forces," Faeser states, revealing that 520 THW personnel are currently on the ground. The THW workers have been performing rescues, securing dikes, and pumping out water, according to Faeser. She also thanks volunteers, "To all those tirelessly fighting against the massive influx of water: my gratitude."
18:58 Zugspitze: 29 Stranded Traversed
The distressed mountain climbers at Zugspitze (refer to Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been successfully rescued. Rescue service reports that they're now safe at the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Several climber groups had issued distress signals on approximately 2500 meters above sea level. Although the weather was foul and fresh snowfall occurred, mountain rescue service jumped into action. Members from the Zugspitzbahn were also assisting by going out with snow tractors to look for the mountain climbers.
18:42 Brutal Storm Warnings Issued for Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues menacing storm advisories regarding sections of Brandenburg. Dangers associated with the storms include lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, airborne debris, flash flooding of roads, landslides, and even hale – all through the evening in the regions of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree.
18:11 Water Closures on A3 Highway
The A3, a stretch of Bavaria's highway between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen, is partially shut down due to flooding. An AOW representative states, "The water is advancing from the fields onto the motorway." Corroborating the statement, the traffic police in Regensburg, along with the Autobahnmeisterei and fire department, are onsite attempting to divert traffic.
17:51 Memmingen's Prison Evacuated
Due to potential flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being cleared out. According to the news agency Nonstopnews, the facility - housing approximately 150 inmates - will temporarily relocate to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Front and center in the flooding dangers is the Memminger Ach river, rapidly swelling and posing a risk to the prison. The courtyard is already immersed in water, potentially leading to a power outage, which caused the prison management to order the evacuation. Concurrently, police arrived on-scene alongside various emergency vehicles aiding in the operation. This required traversion along inundated roads given that the driveway was already submerged. Concurrently, the fire department was using pumps to pump water from the premises.
17:35 Chronic Storms Fuel Swabia’s Rising Water Levels
Enduring rain continues to raise water levels to level 4 in several Swabian zones. Gauges in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate are encountering further water surges. Sheets from Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), and Fischach (Schmutter) are monitored by the Flood Warning Service (HND), reflecting potential 100-year floods at Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar). The same circumstances apply to the Regen in Cham, located in the Upper Palatinate.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is projected to reach a level of Meldestufe 3 on Saturday and Sunday, while water levels have already started receding in the lower regions of Iller. In the tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber and Naab, there are individual gauges exhibiting increases of Meldestufe 1 and 2 with a continuous incline. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 all throughout the day, affecting areas like Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim will likely follow suit at night. In the subsequent Donau section leading up to Passau, elevations in Meldestufen 1 and 2 are anticipated.
17:23 Flight procedures at Munich Airport remain functional
Despite the heavy downpours in several Bavarian regions, Munich Airport's flight operations are running smoothly. As of yet, no flights have needed to be cancelled. Diverse factors contribute to this situation. According to airport representative Robert Wilhelm, BR, the water is visible in the fields adjacent to the runways. The airport is slightly elevated in addition to its runways being indented towards the sides, allowing water to drain efficiently. They are also equipped with grooves, hastening the water drainage process. As a result, the danger of aquaplaning is negligible, states Wilhelm in his chat with BR. The current forecast predicts few difficulties for the remainder of the weekend.
17:07 Soder, "Now things are truly beginning"
Minister President Markus Soder receives a glimpse of the ramifications in the hardest-hit Swabia territory. He expresses gratitude towards the rescue workers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Bavaria has been subjected to a test, asserts the Minister President in front of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The current circumstances represent a "massive burden" for citizens. Not only that, "this isn't over yet. Now matters are really starting to commence", added Soder amid his speech before the rescue crews such as fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. He called for the rescue services to continue their unwavering commitment. To the local populace, he urged: "Please adhere to the regulations." In case of evacuation orders, those affected must comply instead of attempting to return home or drive their vehicle out of the garage.
16:35 Train services disrupted
The catastrophic weather conditions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are impacting train operations. Germania Bahn declares that disruptions and cancellations are prevalent in Southern Germany. ICE 2 and ICE 7 lines, in particular, are severely affected. The line between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich will remain operational, unable to handle more trains on Saturday. The pathway between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. For current information on track disruptions, cancellations, and delays, consult the train's official website.
16:12 Disaster situation prevails in Unterallgäu - Plighted citizens should hang a white cloth
The Unterallgäu faction in Bavaria now endures a disaster situation. In Babenhausen, part of the mobile phone network has ceased functioning. Individuals in need of aid and unable to undertake emergency calls are instructed to showcase a white cloth or sheet at their windows or, if possible, make their presence known at the window, according to the district administration. There are already evacuations underway in Babenhausen employing inflatable boats.
15:57 Up to 400 THW forces enlisted in South Germany
As a result of the ongoing South German weather disaster, over 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) personnel are mobilized. THW communicates this information from their base in Bonn. These forces are tasked with numerous duties like pumping water, enforcing dam security, and safeguarding the populace through preventative evacuations. "Considering the continuous rainfall and at times torrential rain, the THW prepares to add further personnel to its ranks," the statement reads. Mobile water level monitoring devices are installed and monitored at these sites. Given the weather forecast suggesting further floods in the ensuing hours, the THW is ready to mobilize added THW forces. Teams, comprising approximately 40 THW forumla operators, manage three sewage pumping stations, a generator, an investigation vehicle, and a headquarters. Each of these teams can pump up to 30,000 litres per minute.
15:37 A comprehensive map with all the current flood advisories
This map displays all existing flood alerts. The map is updated regularly.
15:15 'Report: A 26-member mountain climbing group is trapped beneath Zugspitze peak'
A mountain climbing team comprising 26 individuals is said to be stranded several hundred meters shy of the peak of Zugspitze. As per a report from BR, the Zugspitze has received approximately 60cm of snow in the past few hours, while it's raining heavily in the valley below. Temperatures stand well below the freezing point, and visibility isn't much better than 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been mobilized to locate the climbers in the midst of a snowstorm, as mentioned by BR, citing Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue. Exhausted and likely not equipped well enough, it is unclear as to what prompted the climbers to undertake the mountain during such extreme weather conditions.
14:52 Disaster situation announced in Donau-Ries district
The district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation. The aim of this action is to "bring together all possible resources and be better prepared for the expected water levels," as clarified by District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It is crucial to remain calm and, if possible, stay away from low-lying areas," he adds.
14:20 Di ke and dam breach near Augsburg - Evacuation procedures underway
A dike and a dam have collapsed in the Swabian district of Augsburg. The district administration has broke the news. Residents in certain streets of Diedorf should evacuate their homes. Due to the high water levels, evacuation arrangements are being made in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. As stated by the authorities, moving to higher floors is no longer a viable option. In Burgwalden, a dam has burst and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher has caved in. The residents of these regions are ordered to evacuate their homes within the next hour and shift to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Furthermore, people are warned to avoid railway underpasses. The water could force its way through them, posing a threat to life.
Söder and Herrmann visit flood area
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are heading to the flood-hit region in the Swabian Augsburg district today. Both CSU politicians intend to assess the flood situation in Diedorf firsthand. They will be accompanied by District Administrator Martin Sailer. The visit's location was altered at the last moment due to the unfolding circumstances. Earlier, Söder and Herrmann had planned to stop by Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuation plans for residents are being enacted. The flood situation is particularly alarming in the Swabian region. After Günzburg, Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts have declared disaster situations.
The flood scenario in Meckenbeuren worsens. The height of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, which is part of Bodenseekreis, has increased further. According to a municipality spokesperson, the level reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon. It's hoped that the peak will be attained soon. During the 2021 floods, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. In normal circumstances, it barely carries 45cm of water. On Friday night, the municipality suggested approximately 1300 individuals to leave their homes as a safety measure. Most of them have found refuge with friends or family members. Only a tiny fraction of the population has chosen a shelter. To prevent any potential damage caused by overflowing waters, schools, kindergartens, and halls have been emptied. In the 14,000-inhabitant town, bridges have also been closed in anticipation.
