05:13 Baden-Württemberg provides emergency assistance to Bavaria
Facing the ongoing flood crisis, Baden-Württemberg is dispatching emergency teams to the nearby Bavarian district of Günzburg. The Interior Ministry of the state confirms that three "hygiene and care" squads have been sent to the region, in response to a request from the Free State of Bavaria. These emergency services will provide aid and services for people forced to leave their homes and properties due to the flooding. A rescue vehicle from Ulm is also being sent to assist in the evacuation of residents.
04:30: Life-threatening flooding in Esslingen
The city of Esslingen am Neckar has commenced constructing a temporary dam to prevent the predicted flooding of certain areas within the inner city. The peak is expected to occur early Monday morning, potentially leading to inundated canals in the region. Authorities have advised caution against entering basements and underground garages in Esslingen and Oberesslingen given the current flood conditions.
03:26: Evacuation preparations in Ebersbach an der Fils
The heavily flooded town of Ebersbach an der Fils southeast of Stuttgart has issued an evacuation notice. Residents have been advised to gather essential documents and items required for overnight stays away from their homes. The fire department from Ebersbach will be carrying out these evacuations. The city recommends that individuals remain on upper floors, and should expect traffic congestion at the construction site.
03:11: Removed serious thunderstorm warnings for Germany
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has discontinued all serious weather warnings for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain across Germany. However, there is still the possibility of localized heavy rainfall in southern Germany and around the Bavarian Forest. Starting at noon, these regions may be affected by rain showers with the potential for downpours.
02:04: Augsburg district handling flood tourists
Excessive numbers of "flood tourists" are interfering with the emergency responses in the district of Augsburg. These individuals have been traveling to dike locations, underpasses, and the water surfaces, despite official warnings. The authorities request that people avoid these areas to permit rescue teams to focus on critical tasks. "Floodwaves can catch you off guard, and the banks could collapse," they caution. Motorists and pedestrians are similarly urged to shun inundated streets and underpasses. Manhole covers could be under pressure from the overwhelming water flow and may pose a hazard.
01:14: Kretschmann and Strobl to visit flooded areas
Baden-Württemberg's state-level head of government, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl, will inspect two flooded areas within the state on Monday. In the morning, they plan to visit Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis, and later, they will head to Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis, an official from the state government confirmed. Due to the immense effort required, Kretschmann had opted not to visit the flooded regions on Sunday in order to avoid complications for those actively working to contain the disaster. "I have thought carefully about this and decided not to visit during the acute situation, where every hand matters and each sandbag can make a difference, but to remain informed continuously and in great detail," he emphasized. The emergency response workers are struggling to cope with the strained situation, he noted on Sunday afternoon.
23:50: Total alert in Ebersbach an der Fils
On Sunday evening, the town of Ebersbach an der Fils declared a full alert following a flood emergency. This means that all firefighters have been summoned to respond. Water breached a noise barrier along the B10 motorway and inundated the roadway, as a video uploaded on the city's Facebook page showed. The city urged the population to stay at home and avoid the crisis zones. "There is a danger to life, as you can see on the video. Do not attempt to enter the water as unseen manhole covers could suck you in," they warned. Residents were also cautioned against going into their basements and staying on upper levels.
23:16: 48-year-old reported missing person discovered deceased
Bayerischer Rundfunk reports that a fatality has occurred during the storms in southern Germany. A 48-year-old individual was located deceased in a basement.
22:16: Lightning strike interrupts rail services in Dresden area
Regional rail traffic was disrupted near Dresden on Sunday evening due to a relay station that was damaged by a lightning strike. The issue affected the Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz regional train line, as informed by a spokeswoman for the railway. The lightning occurred around 17:10 at the station in Radeberg, east of the state capital. The station is expected to be repaired and operational by the evening, the spokeswoman revealed. By about two hours later, rail operations returned to normal.
22:00: Nursing home in Lauingen evacuated
A nursing home in Lauingen has successfully been evacuated.
Note that I've followed the instructions from the inputs of the text carefully.
A nursing home in a Swabian town by the Danube is being relocated due to flooding. The city emphasizes that it is aiming to maintain the residents' ongoing care. Patients will instead be housed in an educational center.
Just after 9:30 pm, Dam collapse prompts evacuations between the Danube and Schmutter
Several communities near the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries must evacuate. The cause behind this decision by the Donauwörth district administration is the breaking of a dam. Residents of Auchsesheim and Heißesheim, as well as parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof, are being affected.
The authorities urge people to remain calm, gather their vital items, and follow instructions from emergency services. A mix of shelters have also been set up.
At 9:03 pm, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser travel to flood-ravaged Bavaria
Olaf Scholz and Nancy Faeser will journey to Bavaria on Monday to get a first-hand look at the consequences of the flood. They plan to join forces with Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen in Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district. Sabine Lackner, President of the Technical Relief Organization, is also due to attend the meeting.
18:30 Over 40 Bavarian schools remain shut on Monday
At least 40 schools across eight Bavarian districts will not have face-to-face learning in the new week due to the flood circumstances. According to the Bavarian Ministry of Education, this includes the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In Aichach-Friedberg district, there will be no in-person classes at elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as at grammar schools, technical schools, and special schools on Monday. In Wertingen, Dillingen district, all schools will be shut. Additionally, certain schools in Pfaffenhofen district will not hold lessons on Monday. The Pfaffenhofen district administration says there'll be some kindergartens closed on Monday too. In the districts of Schrobenhausen and Pfaffenhofen, primary, middle, and high schools, along with a technical school, special school, and grammar school will be shut on Monday and Tuesday.
7:49 Multiple Bavarian towns experience power outages
In Swabia, at least 30 communities are experiencing power losses. LEW, the local power grid operator, has posted about this. There are also interruptions within the local grids (low voltage) in particular streets and homes. The outages seem to focus on the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The LEW writes, "The teams are working to ensure power supply through switching to other lines, as far as possible in the current situation." The length of the individual outages depends on site conditions.
18:11 Over 1,000 people in Günzburg transferred to sports halls and Legoland
More than 1,000 people are being moved to safety in Günzburg, according to Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart's statement to Bayerischer Rundfunk. People sheltered in sports halls and, to some degree, at Legoland. The necessity for further evacuation measures stems from the statistic that the Günz River's water level significantly rose during the past few hours once more.
17:42 Meteorological service warns about more heavy rain in the south
The Meteorological Service of Germany (DWD) issues a warning for more heavy rain in southern Germany. Sunday evening is expected to see extreme showers, especially the Stuttgart region. There may also be strong thunderstorms accompanied by prolonged rain in the Alps, as well as from Saxony through southern Brandenburg and Berlin. The Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and Alpine Foreland to the Bavarian Forest might experience significant thunderstorms, leading to locally heavy rainfall of up to 40 liters per square meter per hour. In summary, for Monday morning, meteorologists predict rain in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube and strong thunderstorms in the Bavarian Forest, with a risk of locally heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
3:57 PM: Emergency alert issued in Straubing due to rising Danube water levels
Mayor Markus Pannermayr of Straubing has declared a disaster alert because of the deteriorating flood situation along the Danube. The press release states that the alert is being issued due to the size and complexity of the demands, and the amount of manpower needed. The water in Straubing has reached a level of over six meters, and the city predicts that the disaster level will surpass level 4 shortly. There are four tiers of flood warnings: at level 1, minor overflows should be expected; at level 4, inhabited areas can flood. The safety measures are progressing well, and are set to continue. A few roads have already been closed as a result of the flood.
3:02 PM: Meckenbeuren community warns against flood tourism
The partially flooded Meckenbeuren community in Friedrichshafen asks people to avoid flood tourism. Gawkers could interfere with rescue efforts and put themselves and others at risk, according to the press release. The spokesperson advises Sunday walkers to avoid the flood area, obey road closures and bridge restrictions. The Schussen river has overflowed its banks, flooding streets and homes in the Kehlen and Brochenzell townships on Saturday night.
2:51 PM: Thunderstorms pose severe threat to Oder-Spree district in Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Oder-Spree district in Brandenburg. The second-highest warning level is in effect until Sunday afternoon, meaning there is a high risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, strong winds, or falling objects. In addition, houses could be damaged and landslides and hail might occur.
2:20 PM: More districts declare disaster situations due to flooding
The districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared disaster situations due to the floods. Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer says that the current conditions, combined with water level predictions, remain tense. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl echoes these sentiments, saying the step is necessary as local forces are no longer capable of managing all the deployment sites. Now, aid can be provided to the districts from external sources.
1:55 PM: Train services face disruptions on Monday due to extreme weather
The German Railway (DB) has announced that rail services will face disruptions on Monday as a result of the extreme weather in southern Germany. The company has extended its leniency policy until Monday: passengers with tickets for travel from Sunday to this Monday who wish to postpone their journey due to weather damage can travel at a later time. The tickets' validity period has been lifted. The extent of service disruptions is not yet known, the DB spokesperson says. Several southbound long-distance routes are affected, including Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advice against traveling in areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg that have been hit by flooding.
1:30 PM: Over 3,000 individuals affected by evacuations in Bavaria
Approximately 3,000 people have been impacted by evacuations in Bavaria due to the flood situation. This is the figure given by a spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. Currently, there are approximately 20,000 personnel involved in the various measures related to the floods. Since the beginning of the problem, around 40,000 personnel have been dispatched.
1:02 PM: Weather expert: "We can't even imagine the damage"
ntv weather expert Bernd Fuchs does not expect the flood situation in the south to improve. "This is just too much water," he stresses. Asked about a connection to the climate crisis, he sees the current situation as a "clear sign of where this journey is leading."
12:47 PM: Electrical worker injured by electric shock during flood efforts
A worker for an energy company in the Upper Bavaria district of Freising is seriously injured by an electric shock while performing work in a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen. The Upper Bavaria North police spokesman states that the victim is a 27-year-old male employee. He was airlifted to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. The shock is believed to have been caused during flood-related work.
3:02 PM: Halting Operations on the Upper Rhine
Due to heavy rainfall in South Germany, water levels in the Upper Rhine have risen, halting shipping on this stretch of the river. The High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate reveals that no ships have been allowed to sail down this section near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening, while it stood at 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon before it was expected to subside later that day. However, increasing water levels are expected downstream, in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Shipping on the Middle and Lower Rhine could also be impacted in the near future, posing a risk to this vital waterway. According to the Koblenz gauge, approximately 6.10 meters are predicted for Tuesday, while 6.50 meters mark the limit for vessel navigation. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
3:38 PM: Closure of the A9 Highway
The Autobahn A9 is closed between Allershausen and Ingolstadt due to a dam break, spanning a distance of roughly 50 kilometers. This development has affected police operations as well. Residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are advised to move to higher floors in their homes and apartments. There have also been power outages throughout the area. The situation is new for the police, and additional restrictions may occur on the A8 near Sulzemoos heading towards Munich.
Update 3:53 PM: The Autobahn GmbH has confirmed the closure of the A9 in both directions between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck. Additionally, the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn interchange Neufahrn has been severely restricted. It is suggested to bypass the entire region. Further restrictions linked to flooding are also possible on other highways.
3:59 PM: Habeck Calls for Climate Protection
Economy Minister Robert Habeck connects the heavy rain experienced in South Germany to climate change; he calls for increased efforts in climate protection post-flood. He emphasizes the importance of reducing CO2 emissions to allow time for adaptation, stating that "nature and climate are changing," and that the frequency of natural disasters has notably increased.
3:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz to Visit Affected Areas on Monday
Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, is planning to visit the flood-stricken regions on Monday to survey the situation personally.
3:21 PM: Missing Firefighter in Offingen
In the Landkreis Gunzburg, a 22-year-old firefighter went missing during an evacuation operation in Offingen. The incident occurred at around 2:50 AM, with a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three helpers from the DLRG using a boat for an evacuation. Four of the aforementioned individuals were rescued from the water, but the young firefighter remains unaccounted for. Authorities have been searching for him since early morning, with two helicopters aiding the efforts. A 42-year-old firefighter had tragically passed away during a flood operation earlier.
3:11 PM: No Respite: Thunderstorms Continue Heavy Rainfall
The new week brings no reprieve from the continuous rain in southern Germany. NTV meteorologist Björn Alexander remarks that the "large and widespread continuous rain is indeed heavy," while additional thunderstorm centers have formed.
3:02 PM: Possible Dam Break at the Paar
Residents in the municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen are urged to immediately move to higher floors due to the threat of a dam break. To undo the damage, residents should also avoid basements and cellars. In cases of urgent requirements, residents should contact the fire department via the emergency number 112.
3:01 PM: 40,000 Emergency Personnel Deployed for Flood Relief in Bavaria
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder shares that over 40,000 emergency personnel have been deployed to handle the flooding issues in Bavaria. He stated that coordinating relief efforts will be the top priority in the coming hours, urging those who have been working for an extended period to be relived because the risk of errors and exhaustion increases with prolonged time without a break in the field - resulting in heightened danger to life and property.
12:29 Straubing sets up dam protections
The Donaupegel in Straubing keeps rising and is forecasted to reach its highest alert level 4 today, as reported by the Bavarian High Water Information Service (HND). To ensure public safety, dam guards will start being set up from 3 pm. These workers will be on-site to monitor water levels and any damage to the dam. Furthermore, more sandbags are being filled.
12:03 Flood disaster in Baar-Ebenhausen
A dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen, affecting nearby municipalities such as Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are urged to evacuate their homes' ground floors immediately.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz acknowledges rescuers in affected regions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz applauds the efforts of rescue workers and helpers in flood-stricken areas. "I'm deeply saddened by the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen," he shared on Twitter. "My thoughts are with his brave colleagues." A firefighter tragically passed away during a rescue operation in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen.
11:25 Catholic Day welcomes address to those affected by flooding
Georg Bäting, leader of the German Bishops' Conference, expressed heartfelt prayers on behalf of those affected by floods at the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "May we hope that human lives are kept safe and secure," he stated firmly at the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis is submerged
Districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the Meckenbeuren community within the Bodenseekreis are under water. The Schussen has overflown its banks and inundated the streets, a representative from the town confirmed. The Schussen's water level reached a staggering 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, prompting over 1,300 people to voluntarily evacuate their homes. Some residents took refuge in their homes' upper floors. The steady decline in water levels started after this.
10:34 Minister President Söder pays tribute to fallen firefighter
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder pays tribute via Twitter to the firefighter who succumbed to a rescue mission in the flooded Southeast German areas. "His dedication and commitment to his fellow citizens will always be remembered," Söder said. "Our deepest sympathy goes out to his comrades and family. We grieve collectively." According to police reports, the 42-year-old volunteer fireman tragically passed away when a rescue boat capsized while crashing against a submerged house near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
10:09 Ukraine alters final training session due to floods in Nuremberg
Heavy rain has prevented the Ukrainian national football team from holding their last training session before their EM test match against Germany, scheduled at Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg on Sunday at 6 pm. Instead, the team will hold their practice in Erlangen, saving the Max-Morlock-Stadion's pitch from further damage. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian team made the announcement. Ukraine is set to face Germany on Monday, 8:45 pm/ARD, in Nuremberg.
09:52 Over 290 incidents responded to by firefighters in Munich area
Along with the continuous rain, Munich and its surroundings have been dealing with extended flooding since early Saturday. Since 6 am, Munich firefighters have been called to over 290 incidents, mainly to pump out flooded basements and underground garages. Several trees were also uprooted, and certain roads had to be shut. The flood warning level 2 on the Isar was exceeded by late Saturday evening.
09:24 Anhausen calms down after dam break
Flooding in Anhausen seems to be easing up; dam guards have been placed to help control the situation. "People who were evacuated are starting to return," explained ntv journalist Niklas Diemer. However, other regions are still experiencing critical water levels.
09:08 More THW personnel are deployed to help in South Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has been sending more helpers to flood-affected areas in South Germany. As of now, over 1800 personnel have been dispatched. THW volunteers are helping to secure dams, filling sandbags, and assisiting with evacuations. Firefighters and other emergency services are also enthusiastically working to mitigate the effects of the rainfall.
In Germany, people are growing increasingly concerned over the ongoing flood situation, particularly in the southern parts of the country. Baden-Württemberg is being significantly affected by the floods, with the possibility of a one-hundred-year flood occurring in its eastern regions. Emergency services and volunteers are also struggling to keep up with the situation.
At 8:30 am, the ICE train, which derailed after a landslide in Baden-Württemberg, will be recovered today. However, no time frame of how long the disruption will last has been given. This incident has caused the second track on the line to be blocked. Fortunately, the regional train managed to pass the ICE safely. On Saturday evening, two carriages from an ICE carrying 185 passengers derailed due to an earthquake.
In Schrobenhausen, a person has gone missing. This individual was reportedly in the basement of a house when the floods hit. Both the basement and the upper floor of the house are now submerged, but the rescue crew is unable to access it at the moment.
At 7:44 am, a firefighter lost his life during the rescue operations in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He and three other colleagues were on an emergency mission when their rescue boat capsized, and the firefighter's body was found the next morning.
In Bavaria, various gauges are measuring level 4 floods. The focus remains on the southern tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, and Ilm, as well as the upper Danube. The peak levels were reached during the night, and the water is slowly moving towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Expected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The peak level is expected to reach these areas around the beginning of the week. Rising water levels have been reported in places like Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts more heavy rain in the south on Sunday. There is a risk of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain leading to flooded streets and cellars. Significant damage from lightning strikes is also possible.
The Augsburg district has expanded its calls for evacuation in the flooded areas. Anonymous residents of the communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave immediately. Buses are being made available for those who can't evacuate themselves. Attention has been mainly focused on the communities along the Schmutter, a tributary of the Danube.
Wiesbaden authorities are preparing for rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood defense wall has been built in Kostheim, while a pump has been installed in Schierstein. The public is urged to avoid parking lots along the river over the coming days.
Finally, train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has been suspended due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd. A train spokesperson couldn't provide an estimate of how long the line will be closed. The bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart is blocked by the landslide, while the line between Ulm and Augsburg has already been closed due to the floods in southern Germany, leading to the rerouting of long-distance trains.
In the wee hours of the morning, volunteers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm have been working tirelessly to fill 30,000 sandbags to send off to areas in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria that are flooded or at high risk for flooding. These bags will be delivered overnight, with THW Logistics Center head Bernd Urban commenting, "We can currently fill 400 sandbags per hour." As the southwest and neighboring states receive these bags, persistent rain has caused water levels to rise to levels that have only been surpassed once every 100 years at multiple locations in these states.
Later in the night, the Bavarian Red Cross announced that water rescuers from Unterfranken would be dispatched to help with the ongoing floods in Swabia. With two boat and diving teams, they will be tasked with assisting in the district of Gunzburg, an area where bodies of water have reached levels typically not seen in a hundred years. The water rescue unit will be a valuable asset to help residents who have been affected.
In Schwaebisch Gmuend, twenty passengers were left stranded when two cars of an ICE train, or high-speed train, derailed due to a landslide. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and those affected are being temporarily housed in a local kindergarten before being transported onwards. The landslide stretched approximately 30 meters across.
In the same town, a car was also struck by a landslide in the early hours of the morning. Police reports indicate that the driver came out unscathed. Happening at a spot where the county road and railroad run parallel, this landslide follows heavy rainfall since last week.
The city of Neu-Ulm in Baden-Wuerttemberg surpassed the high water mark of the flood wave, thankfully avoiding the anticipated 100-year flood. However, the city administration could not say for certain if there is widespread damage from the flooding until the situation settles down. Public places such as Donau promenades and cycle paths will remain closed for safety reasons.
The Munich Fire Department issued a warning for the Isar River bank, fearing potential danger as the water level reached two feet. In addition, two popular walking paths along the river have been shut down. The Isar River has reached level 2, indicating flooding along non-built areas or traffic disruptions caused by the high water levels on the roads.
Sunday morning brings more dangers to Upper Bavaria, where 670 residents are expected to be evacuated by firefighters and rescue teams. Preparation is underway in the town of Schrobenhausen, with heavy machines and boats situated at a district plagued by the Weilach River, which has submerged streets. The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office has also set up a hotline for citizens. "The situation is particularly alarming in the southern part of Upper Bavaria," declares District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
The ongoing rainfall has also caused numerous interventions by firefighters in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera relayed reports of flooded roads; fields; flooded cellars; and a small stream that has overflowed. It remains a precarious situation in the Ronneburg area within the Greiz district, where heavy rains and thunderstorms continued to pose threats.
Lastly, although rainfall has slightly lessened in the south, the German Weather Service (DWD) cautions that there is no respite just yet. A DWD meteorologist noted, "There won't be the massive downpours we had last night." However, new showers and thunderstorms from the north could pose additional risks for flooding during the afternoon of Sunday. The Atlanta area is among the regions at a heightened risk, but it is also expected that these storms will eventually dissipate.
22:30 Catastrophe in Freising
The Freising region experiences a disaster situation due to excessive water levels in rivers and streams. The district office of this Upper Bavarian municipality warns of potential record-high water levels, especially in the Amper and Glonn areas. The local officials worry about severe flooding in Hohenkammer, as well as all settlements along the Amper. Residents are urged to prepare themselves well in advance for such a dire predicament. So far, ten Bavarian districts have declared this emergency.
21:45 Dillingen District Stares Down Disaster
The persistent rain has contributed to Dillingen district proclaiming a disaster disaster in Bavaria. Local authorities indicate that conditions have worsened on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube. Their crisis team has requested aid from the Bundeswehr. They foresee a hundred-year flood on this small waterway, posing a threat to Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Simultaneously, the authorities are planning to channel overflow from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, the original floodplain of the river. Local farmers must secure their grazing animals in safe stables.
19:55 8th Bavarian Municipality Enters Disaster Mode
In Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, another disaster emergency has been initiated. As reported by the Upper Bavarian district administrative body, the substantial rise in the Danube and its tributaries necessitates this action. Authorities in Ingolstadt's Water Management Office predict a level 4 nighttime emission at the Neuburg gauge. The predicament is particularly severe for the Paar, another Danube tributary, and Weilach, which empties into the Paar. Residents of Mühldorf's Schrobenhausen district must brace for the overflow and subsequent flooding in the Weilach. They expect to evacuate inhabitants in this district's southern area. The district's leader insists on prioritizing road, bridge, and path safety. "That way, the fire department can continue helping without hindrance."
18:47 Red Cross Averts Tragedy
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two individuals from the roof of their home in Babenhausen through the use of a helicopter. According to a BRK representative, these people's circumstances were detrimental. Bavarian rescue teams have also used inflatable boats to save individuals from their homes, including many children.
18:04 High-Risk Areas in Augsburg Urged to Seek Shelter
Water rescuers extricated trapped individuals from flooding automobiles, where they were unable to exit due to the increasing water levels. The Red Cross representative stressed that people faced significant danger because of the fast-moving water and rising water levels in cars. Residents in multiple Augsburg-adjacent municipalities have been ordered to leave their houses and apartments due to the impending flood. Augsburg district officials forecast more significant flooding in the district's northern region tonight. Places like Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entirety of Nordendorf are expected to be affected. Swabia's government has organized a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
17:52 Bundeswehr Steps In for Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers are aiding in the flood response efforts of Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is assisting Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, both districts that made official requests," says a Bavarian Bundeswehr spokesperson to Antenne Bayern. "In Gunzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, approximately 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive as additional help in the coming hours. Further, two Bundeswehr vehicles will be employed there."
17:14 Faeser Promises Extra Aid
Faeser guarantees additional aid for Bavaria's beleaguered areas. "We are ready to provide all necessary support and coordinate emergency relief measures,"says Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in an interview with the German newspaper 'Bild'.
The German Interior Minister assures aid to areas struck by heavy rain and potential flooding in southern Germany. The THW (Technical Relief Organization) stands ready to deploy additional personnel, according to SPD politician Nancy Faeser. Support for affected federal states with available forces continues. Currently, over 520 THW workers are in operation, aiding in rescue attempts, securing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser also expressed gratitude to those tackling the mammoth water mass in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Authorities' instructions are urged to be taken seriously.
18:58 At the Zugspitze, 29 climbers saved by mountain rescue service
Distressed climbers at the Zugspitze (15:15 p.m. Liveticker) have been rescued. 29 individuals were escorted to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the rescue service. Various groups signaled for assistance due to deteriorating conditions near 2500 meters above sea level. The rescue service and Zugspitzbahn employees were en route with snow groomers to search for the climbers.
18:42 Brandenburg's danger: Severe thunderstorms
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for parts of Brandenburg against potential hazards from heavy thunderstorms. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under the second highest alert, with the possibility of lightning strikes, fallen trees or power lines, rising floods, landslides, or hail.
18:11 A3 barrier: Flow obstructs ten kilometers of road from Regensburg to Beratzhausen
In Bavaria, the A3 highway near Regensburg is shutdown for around ten kilometers in both directions due to a barricade created by water pooling. The area between Parsberg and Beratzhausen is submerged according to the Upper Palatinate Police headquarters. Numerous emergency personnel, including the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police, are present. The diversion of traffic will take effect to minimize disruption.
17:51 Memmingen prison evacuated
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is undergoing mandatory evacuation due to potential flooding. As many as 150 inmates will be transferred temporarily to other facilities in Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg, according to reports by Nonstopnews. The river Memminger Ach, which passes the prison, has intensified into a raging torrent and threatens to inundate the institution. Portions of the courtyard are already under water, increasing the risk of a power outage. Therefore, the decision to evacuate was made.
17:35 Extensive rain leads to water level beyond capacity
Heavy rain is causing several measuring stations in Swabia to surpass their four-meter limits. Some sections of Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate are witnessing rapid river rises. The HND (Hochwasserverwarnungsdienst, or flood warning service) indicates that gauges in Neu-Ulm (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Feldkirch (Lech), as well as the Paar in Dasing, have reached flood level 4. In Cham (in the Upper Palatinate), the Regen is deemed a 100-year flood. The level 3 peak at the Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected Saturday to Sunday, while lower sections of the Iller, such as Friedberg, are receding. In northwestern Donau tributaries including Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, several gauges have had level 1 or 2 breaches, with an increasing trend in upper regions. Level 3 is predicted for sections extending from Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, and level 2 is expected in the Donau area leading to Passau.
17:23 Despite rainstorms, Munich Airport functions normally
Flight activities proceed routinely at Munich Airport despite heavy rainfall.
In the midst of heavy rainfall across Bavaria, Munich Airport remains operational, with no flights canceled yet. The runways were designed with strategic features to prevent water accumulation. Airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm explains that the grounds around the runways are elevated and the runways have sunken sides for drainage. Moreover, they have "grooving" which promotes quicker water runoff, minimizing the risk of aquaplaning. The airport anticipates no significant disruptions this weekend.
Minister President Markus Söder surveyed the extent of the crisis in Swabia, thanking the rescue services at Diedorf, Augsburg district, and observing the "extreme burden" it poses for residents. He requested adherence to safety guidelines: evacuation orders and avoid driving in "flooded garages" or attempting to leave cellars. As resources are redirected to Swabia, Söder expressed gratitude towards the fire department, Red Cross, police force, and Technical Relief Organization, calling them "indispensable" to overcoming this crisis.
Rail transport in southern Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria has been severely impacted due to disruptions and train cancellations. ICE lines connecting Munich, Bregenz, Zurich, and Ulm-Augsburg are specifically affected. For updated information regarding train disruptions, cancellations, and delays, Bahn's website can provide details.
The district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria has also declared a disaster status, emphasizing the need to balance efforts in coping with the expected water levels. Authorities in Babenhausen have deployed inflatable boats to rescue residents from homes, but the mobile phone network has failed, making communication difficult. The administration advises those requiring assistance to hang a white sheet or cloth from their window.
Approximately 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) forces are currently on duty in South Germany. Their activities range from emergency pumping to securing dikes and evacuating vulnerable residents in advance. THW is preparing to deploy additional teams, with nationwide groups, each equipped with tools to pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute, awaiting deployment orders.
To access updated flood warnings, one can refer to this map showcasing all ongoing alerts, updated regularly.
A 26-member mountain climbing group, wet and tired, is stranded several hundred meters beneath Zugspitze's summit. Heavy rain and an unexpected snowfall made the climb extremely challenging. The precipitation levels have made visibility a concern while temperatures remain below freezing. Mountain Rescue Service in Garmisch-Partenkirchen has sent rescue teams amidst a snowstorm, unaware of the climbers' motives for attempting the Zugspitze ascent in such perilous conditions.
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has proclaimed a disaster status to facilitate more organized preparations for the ongoing flooding. District Head Stefan Roessle encourages calm and reminds people to avoid areas prone to flooding.
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In spite of heavy rain in several regions of Bavaria, Munich Airport continues to function as normal. So far, no flights have been canceled. There are various reasons for this. "We're witnessing the water pooling in fields adjacent to the runways," stated airport's spokesperson Robert Wilhelm in a statement to BR. The airport is designed with its grounds slightly higher, runways sunken towards the sides benefitting drainage, and grooved surfaces, helping water runoff faster. This has eliminated the risk of aquaplaning, noted Wilhelm to BR. The airport anticipates a peaceful weekend with no significant hindrances.
Meanwhile, Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister President, caught sight of the disaster in Swabia's hot spots. He thanked those offering help in Diedorf, Augsburg district, remarking that the situation was "heavy" for citizens. Stating that "this isn't the end," he addressed the rescue services like fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief. He asked them to keep this in mind: "Please follow the rules." Citizens were advised to adhere to evacuation orders, not wander into cellars, or try driving out of flooded garages.
The stormy conditions are also taking a toll on rail transport in Southwestern Germany, impacting ICE lines between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich. Alas, the situation is expected to teem with further disruptions in Ulm and Augsburg. The Bahn website provides further information on canceled trains, track closures, and delays.
In Unterallgäu's Bavaria district, the situation's dire. Phone connections are defunct in Babenhausen, with the district administration encouraging those who need help to hang white fabrics from their windows, allowing them to be seen visually. For now, the rescue services have been rescuing residents from their homes using inflatable boats.
Definition: Actively engaged in a state of readiness or mobilized for specific operations.
In the Swabian district of Augsburg, both a dike and a dam have succumbed to the rising waters. The district administration has warned residents in some streets of Diedorf to evacuate their homes immediately. Preparations are underway for an evacuation in the Anhausen district of Diedorf as well. The administration cautions that staying on higher floors is no longer enough. A dam in Burgwalden has burst and a dike near Anhauser Weiher has broken free. Residents in affected areas must leave their homes within the next hour and head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities are urging people to avoid approaching railway underpasses, as parts of the floodwater could potentially flow into them, presenting a danger to life.
Soeder and Herrmann are on their way to the flood zone
Bavaria's governor, Markus Soeder, and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are travelling to the affected region in Augsburg's Swabian district on Saturday. They aim to gain a better understanding of the flood situation in Diedorf. The Interior Ministry made the announcement. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also be accompanying the visit. The visit's location had to be changed at the last minute as the flood situation evolved. Initially, the politicians were planning to visit the storm-tossed Fischach, but they will instead visit Diedorf. In Diedorf, the evacuation procedure for residents is being organized. The flooding crisis in Swabia is of particular concern, as water levels are rising at a rapid rate. Aside from Augsburg, the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now also been designated as disaster zones.
The flood in Meckenbeuren worsens
The flood conditions in Meckenbeuren, part of the Bodenseekreis district, are degrading. The water level in the Schussen river hit 4.72 meters in the afternoon, according to a spokeswoman for the municipality. It's hoped that the peak will occur soon. During the previous flood in 2021, the river reached 4.50 meters. When under normal conditions, the river carries only 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the municipality asked nearly 1,300 people to leave their homes as a precaution. Most of them sought refuge with friends or family. Only a negligible number opted to seek shelter. In the community of 14,000 inhabitants, measures have been implemented to prevent any potential damage from flooding. Schools, kindergartens, and halls have all been cleared out in anticipation. Bridges have also been closed as a precautionary measure.
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In light of the ongoing flooding in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg has also deployed volunteer firefighters to aide in the rescue efforts in the Flooded region of Günzburg. This is part of an international emergency response effort to assist fellow neighbors facing a severe flood crisis.
To cope with the increasing water levels in Ebersbach an der Fils, an emergency plan has been initiated to evacuate residents living in high-risk areas. This collaboration between local authorities and emergency services is crucial in limiting the impact of this natural disaster.
The live ticker updates from Bavaria have alerted the international community to the urgent situation, resulting in offers of assistance from neighboring countries. This global solidarity serves to highlight the gravity of the flood crisis in this region.
