10:34 PM Söder expresses condolences for deceased firefighter in tragic incident
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder pays tribute to a firefighter who sadly lost his life during a rescue mission in the severely flooded region of Bavaria. The firefighter's selfless service and dedication to helping others will forever be remembered, Söder says. He sends his deepest condolences to the comrades and family of the fallen hero. "We all grieve," he adds. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter perished according to police reports, when a rescue boat capsized near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen after striking a submerged house.
At 10:09 a.m., Ukraine's football team postpones training due to persistent rainfall ahead of their match against the German national team. Instead of training at Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, as initially planned, they'll hold their session in Erlangen to spare the grass at the stadium. The match against Germany is set for Monday at 8:45 p.m., broadcast on ARD.
In the bustling city of Munich, the fire department has responded to over 290 flood-related incidents since Saturday, 6:00 a.m. Most of these calls were to drain basements and cellars, while several uprooted trees have been reported. A number of streets in the city have also been closed off. Flood level 2 on the Isar was exceeded on Saturday evening.
On Sunday at 9:08 a.m., the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is reinforcing their efforts in the flooded regions of southern Germany with additional support. So far, over 1,800 workers are present at the scene, covering tasks such as securing dams, providing sandbags for the local population, and assisting in evacuations. The fire department, together with other emergency services, are also actively contributing to the ongoing disaster response.
A landslide near Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, has caused significant disruption, with the ICE train needing to be rescued. A rescue locomotive is on hand to aid in the recovery mission. It's unclear how long this disruption will continue.
As of 9:24 a.m., floodwater in Anhausen is slowly receding after a dam break north of the town. Though the water levels are still concerning, people are starting to return to their homes.
At 9:52 a.m., landslide-related issues in the east of Baden-Württemberg pose a serious threat, with the potential to be the worst flood in a century. Rescue workers are reaching their maximum capacity.
The ICE train, which experienced a devastating landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, is slated for rescue during the morning. Although a regional train was able to pass through earlier, the disruption continues to impact local railway services.
A person remains missing in Schrobenhausen, believed to have been trapped in a house basement when the floodwaters surged in. The area cannot be accessed by rescue teams at this time.
A firefighter has passed away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He and three colleagues were in a capsized rescue boat when the firefighter was located deceased. A spokesperson from the district office confirms the news.
The floodwater is still at critical levels in parts of Bavaria, while levels upstream remain at the highest alert level 4. The southern tributaries of the Danube, including the Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, are particularly affected. Peaks were reached overnight, with the focus on water moving downstream amidst Swabia, Lower Bavaria, and the Upper Palatinate. Affected regions could potentially include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, Schrobenhausen, and Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, as well as Abensberg. These areas may face peak water levels as soon as the start of the week.
Across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, it's predicted that more thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will strike on Sunday, according to the meteorologists from the German Meteorological Service (DWD). These storms are due to begin at midday and last until late Monday night. The potential dangers include flooded streets and cellars, as well as the possibility of lightning-caused damage.
5:39 Expanded Evacuation Orders in Augsburg District
In districts of Augsburg that have seen flooding, the local authorities are widening their evacuation orders. Residents of Kuhlenthal and Allmannshofen are advised to leave their homes immediately. For those who can't leave the area on their own, buses will be made available for transportation. More areas in the district were requested to evacuate their homes earlier on Saturday night. The chief areas of concern are those close to the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden Enacts Plans Against Rising Water Levels
The officials in Wiesbaden are attempting to prevent the rising water levels resulting from the Rhine and Main rivers. The local fire department has erected a flood barrier and installed a pump in the Schierstein district. Parking areas near the river should be shunned in the following days, they warn. They do not anticipate the need for further actions at this time.
4:04 Long-Distance Train Traffic between Stuttgart and Munich Stopped
A landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has led to a suspension of long-distance train travel between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway representative couldn't predict how long it would be until normal operations resume in the morning. The landslide is blocking an alternate route between Aalen and Stuttgart, which was already bereft of long-distance trains because of flooding in southern Germany, compelling long-distance trains to be rerouted instead.
By 3:13, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm is in the process of assembling 30,000 sandbags for areas that have been flooded or stand the risk of flooding. This was confirmed by Bernd Urban, the head of Ulm's THW logistics center. They are capable of producing 400 sandbags per hour. Sandbags are being sought from disparate deployment locales in the southwest and neighboring states nearby. This persistent rainfall has led to notably increased water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at various points.
02:25 Red Cross Deploys Water Rescue Teams to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is despatching water rescue units from Unterfranken to aid in the aid efforts in Swabia. The water rescue crews are expected to be deployed in Günzburg district, due to an influx of water reaching a hundred-year flood level there. Each water rescue team has two boat units and diving teams. In the flood-affected Günzburg district, many waterways have reached the level of a century flood - a flood that occurs on average once every 100 years.
01:27 Train Wagons Derail due to Landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Two cars of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers experienced a derailment in the Baden-Württemberg city of Schwäbisch Gmünd overnight due to a landslide. None of the passengers sustained harm. All were evacuated from the train. The railway spokesperson confirmed that the first two carriages veered off the tracks around 11:20 p.m., but did not tip over. The landslide measured about 30 meters wide. The train evacuees will be lodged in a nearby kindergarten before being taken to Plochingen by bus.
00:59 Car Engulfed by Landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd
A landslide has obstructed a road in the Baden-Württemberg town of Strausberg, causing a car to be struck. No injuries have been reported. The road is located where it runs parallel to the railway. Schwäbisch Gmünd is roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. If you recall, incessant rainfall has afflicted many parts of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm Surpasses Peak of Flood Wave, but the extent of the damage is uncertain
The city of Neu-Ulm has reportedly surpassed the pinnacle of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller rivers, according to the city's assessment. Neu-Ulm was not subject to the 100-year flood, which the city administration and Mayor Katrin Albsteiger expressed relief over in the evening. Nevertheless, the city still intends to keep the Donauufer pathways and the bike paths adjacent to the Danube and Iller shut down for the time being.
On the Danube and Iller rivers, Neu-Ulm has ascended beyond the peak of the flood wave, per the current estimates from the local authorities. Yet, it is unclear how much damage has come to pass. After providing notice of the city's safe passage, Mayor Katrin Albsteiger made this statement: "We will only be able to assess the extent of the damage once the situation has stabilized." This statement was mentioned by Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. For now, two streets - the Donauufer paths - and the bike paths close to the Danube and Iller have been shut down.
In essence, the weather forecast predicts more thunderstorms and heavy rain in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Authorities in Augsburg District have issued urgent evacuation orders in certain areas amid high flood risks. Wiesbaden is intensifying efforts to protect itself from rising water levels due to the Rhine and Main rivers. Train services between Stuttgart and Munich have been suspended due to a landslide. The Technical Relief Organization in Ulm is making sandbags to offset the damage caused by flooding. The Red Cross is deploying water rescue teams to Günzburg. A train derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd following a landslide, causing no injuries. Plus, a car in Schwäbisch Gmünd was smothered by a landslide. Lastly in Neu-Ulm, the city has gone past the top of the flood wave, but the degree of damage is still unclear.
23:44: Munich: Dangerous Situation Near the Isar River
The Munich Fire Department is warning of potential danger near the Isar riverbank due to high water levels. The city administration has also closed two popular walking paths near the Isar River. The river has reached Meldestufe 2, indicating flooding on non-built areas or traffic disruptions due to high water levels on roads.
23:23: Upper Bavaria: 670 People to be Evacuated
The fire department and rescue services in Upper Bavaria are preparing to evacuate 670 people in the town of Schrobenhausen. Tractors and boats are being used in the Mühldorf district and a street along the Weilach River, according to the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. The authority has also set up a citizen hotline for emergencies. The municipality had previously declared a state of emergency. The situation is particularly concerning in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, as reported by District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
23:03: Numerous Interventions in Eastern Thuringia
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have prompted numerous fire department interventions in eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera reports these incidents. The area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is experiencing flooded streets, fields, and flooded cellars. In the Gera district, a small creek has also overflowed.
22:45: Prolonged Rainfall Easing in the South - No Relief Yet
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) states that there has been a slight improvement in rainfall in the southern regions of Germany affected or threatened by flooding. A DWD meteorologist mentions, "There won't be the massive rainfall we had last night." However, new showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north, which could heighten the threat of local flooding later today. These storms may be intense and persistent. If they hit the already saturated ground, then more flooding is expected. The areas most at risk from these storms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, areas to the north of it, and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25: Disaster Situation in Freising
The district of Freising has also declared a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and streams. The district office in the Upper Bavarian municipality announced this in the evening. Record-breaking water levels are expected on the Amper and Glonn rivers. The district is fearful of a widespread flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all towns along the Amper. Residents are advised to prepare for such a catastrophic event, including emptying their cellars. A total of ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster situation.
21:50: Kreis Dillingen Declares Disaster Situation
The district of Dillingen in the Bavarian section of Swabia has also declared a disaster situation due to continuous rainfall. The district office reported this in the evening. The situation on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened, as the Dillingen district office states. The local crisis management team has requested assistance from the Bundeswehr. The authorities expect a 100-year flood on the small river, which could mainly affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. The district office is preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. Farmers are being urged to keep their livestock in safe stables.
21:09: Eighth Commune in Bavaria Declares Disaster Status
The district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen declares a disaster in Bavaria as the eighth commune. The reason is the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the Bavarian commune's town hall. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt predicts level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation is especially critical at the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and at the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. According to the town hall in Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf and has flooded a residential area. Emergency personnel are preparing to evacuate residents there, as Landrat Peter von der Grün reports. The situation is critical, especially in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün stresses that the protection of roads, bridges, and waterways is a top priority. "Only then can the fire department continue to respond to emergencies."
20:34: Life-Threatening Situation: Red Cross Rescues People from Roof with Helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The two were in a life-threatening situation, says a spokesperson for the BRK. The house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of collapsing due to the large water masses. Other people were removed from their homes by rescue teams using inflatable boats. The rescue teams brought more than 100 people to safety, including many children.
At 8:13 p.m., people in various regions close to Augsburg are ordered to leave their homes. Rescue teams were also required to save those trapped in their vehicles due to the rising waters causing the doors to become inoperable. This situation is considered hazardous due to the current speed of the water and the increasing water level inside the automobile.
In numerous municipalities within the Augsburg district, residents are directed to vacate their dwellings and apartments as a result of the imminent flood. A spokesperson from the Augsburg district administration states that the situation will worsen in the northern section of the region during the night. The towns of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf are among those impacted. The authorities of Swabia have created a temporary shelter at the Augsburg exhibition center.
At 7:48 p.m., the Bundestruppen provide aid in areas of Bavaria impacted by the flood. "The Bundeswehr is aiding both the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both areas have submitted official requests," a representative from the Bavarian Army Command tells the radio station Antenne Bayern. "In the vicinity of Günzburg, blankets and portable beds are being supplied. In the Aichach-Friedberg region, about fifty Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive shortly. Additionally, two Bundeswehr vehicles are currently being utilized."
At 7:20 p.m., Faeser arranges for additional assistance to regions experiencing flooding in South Germany. "Due to the constant heavy rain and upcoming floods, the THW is deploying additional personnel nationwide," SPD politician Nancy Faeser explains. "We will continue to support the affected federal states with all the resources at our disposal." According to Faeser, there were a total of 520 rescuers and assistants from the THW in operation as of Saturday evening. They have been involved in saving people, sealing off dikes, and draining water. Faeser expresses gratitude to all the first responders: "I'd like to express my gratitude to those who are currently battling the water masses and are continuously putting in an effort to save people's lives." Individuals inhabiting regions impacted by floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should heed the warnings and instructions from the authorities, Faeser advises. "Please take these safety measures seriously!"
At 6:58 p.m., 29 climbers are rescued from the Zugspitze. Distressed climbers at the Zugspitze, as reported in the Live Ticker update from 3:15 p.m., were successfully retrieved by the mountain rescue service. They were transported to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt, according to the mountain rescue service. Several groups issued distress calls, and they were unable to continue progressing due to harsh weather conditions and new snow at an elevation of about 2,500 meters above sea level, approximately 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was on the go. Employees from the Zugspitzbahn were also on the way, accompanied by snow groomers, to find the climbers, informs a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
At 6:42 p.m., the DWD issues a severe thunderstorm warning for certain parts of Brandenburg. The German Weather Service (DWD) advises caution against the dangers of severe thunderstorms for specific sections of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second-highest warning level is in effect until the evening, the DWD reports. Lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail are some of the potential dangers.
At 6:11 p.m., motorway A3 partially closed in Bavaria. Aportion of the Bavarian A3 motorway near Regensburg is shut for approximately ten kilometers between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The roadway is submerged, a spokesperson for the Upper Palatinate Police Department explains. "The water is moving from the fields onto the motorway." According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police officials are all on-site. The traffic will be diverted, says a spokesperson.
At 5:51 p.m., Memmingen prison evacuated. The Memmingen prison in Bavaria is being evacuated due to the potential flood danger. This information is provided by the news agency Nonstopnews. Up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach, a small river that now quickly flows and threatens to flood the prison, is directly in front of the prison. The courtyard is partially flooded, resulting in a power outage, prompting the prison administration to initiate the evacuation. The police arrived with a multitude of emergency vehicles to execute the evacuation. The evacuation was eventually carried out over flooded streets, as the route was already submerged. The fire department was also present, using pumps to drain the water from the prison.
Torrential rains cause several monitors in Swabia to reach level 4, which is regarded high-water levels. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, waterways are surging. Jetty Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), according to the flood alert service (HND), have reached level 4. The same is anticipated in Dasing (Paar). In Regen in Cham within the Upper Palatinate, level 4 has also been reached. Hundred-year floods are reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The gauge Wiblingen (Iller) is supposed to attain its pinnacle in level 3 on Saturday-Sunday, and the water stages in the lower Iller are already diminishing. In the upper Danube tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, several gauges are experiencing levels 1 and 2 surpasses with a continually enhancing trend. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, the water stages are slated to swell to level 3 by day's end on Sunday, including areas such as Gunzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The gauge Kelheim should follow. In the further Danube segment to Passau, increases in levels 1 and 2 are anticipated.
17:23 Flights continue routinely at Munich Airport
Despite the heavy rain in numerous regions of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport carry on as usual. So far, not a single flight has been cancelled. There are multiple factors contributing to this. "We see the water congregating in the meadows adjacent to the runways," expressed airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also developed moderately higher. Moreover, the runways are inclined towards the edges, thus enabling the water to drain. In addition, the runways are "grooved," i.e., furnished with grooves, which hasten the water dispatch. Consequently, there is no peril of aquaplaning, stated Wilhelm to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport predicts no significant hindrances for the weekend.
17:07 Soder: "Now things are really beginning"
Minister President Markus Soder scrutinizes the predicament in the severely affected area of Swabia. He acknowledges the helpers and officials throughout his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg region. Bavaria is crisis-ready, Soder professes during Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann's presence. The circumstance poses a "severe burden" for the citizens, conveys the minister president. And additional: "This is not over yet. As a matter of fact, things are genuinely starting now." The focal point of the storm presently is in Swabia, so resources - such as sandbags - are being directed there. "Without the helpers, we wouldn't have half a chance," appealed Soder to the rescue services like the fire department, the Bavarian Red Cross, the police, and the Technical Relief Organization. They all displayed remarkable devotion. He appealed to the inhabitants: "Image Source: https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/fire-fighters-rotating-a-hose-while-fighting-a-forest-fire-picture-id884745186Photo by Mario Benedetti/Getty Images"Please obey the instructions." Evacuation orders should be heeded, not to reenter the basement or endeavor to drive the vehicle from the garage.
16:35 No train operations anymore
The storms and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also damaging train traffic. As detailed by Deutsche Bahn, there are disruptions and train cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE routes are specifically impacted, according to a spokesperson. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich throughout the day on Saturday due to the flood. The route between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. The rail is communicating further details regarding track closures, cancellations, and delays on its website.
16:12 Disaster condition exists in Unterallgäu - Deprived residents should display a white towel
The disaster condition is currently applicable to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In the town of Babenhausen, a section of the mobile phone network has malfunctioned. Anybody who requires aid and cannot make an emergency call must display a white drape or sheet from their window or, if feasible, manifest themselves at the window to attract concern towards their necessitation for aid, explains the district administration. In Babenhausen, individuals are already being rescued from their homes by inflatable boats.
15:57 400 THW members in operation in South Germany
Over 400 THW members are deployed in South Germany to tackle the flooding predicament.
Amidst the ongoing storms in southern Germany, close to 400 personnel from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are actively working to respond to the situation. The THW in Bonn has reported this, revealing that they're engaging in tasks such as pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating people preemptively. The organization has also expressed readiness to deploy additional staff if necessary. The rainfall has persisted for some time, and mobile flood gauges are being installed and monitored in affected areas. With the potential for flooding in the upcoming hours, the THW has prepared other relief groups on standby across the nation. Each group comprises around 40 THW members who operate three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Collectively, these groups are capable of pumping up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
At 15:37, a map illustrating current flood warnings is provided. The visual representation is frequently updated for the most accurate information.
At 15:15, a report emerges regarding a group of 26 individuals attempting to mountain climb the Zugspitze, despite unfavorable weather conditions including 60 centimeters of fresh snow, heavy rain in the valley, sub-zero temperatures, and reduced visibility. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue has dispatched several search teams to locate the climbers amidst the snowstorm. The climbers are stated to be exhausted and ill-prepared for the challenging weather. The motives for their ambitious undertaking remain unclear.
At 14:52, the Donau-Ries District in Bavaria declares a disaster situation. This measure is designed to "bring all forces together and prepare ourselves more quickly and efficiently for the anticipated water levels." Faced with the likely rise in water levels, District Administrator Stefan Roßle remarks, "Maintaining calm and avoiding low-lying areas is crucial."
At 14:20, a dam and a dike have reportedly split apart near the Swabian city of Augsburg, resulting in a need for evacuations. Residents in select districts within Diedorf must vacate their homes immediately. In addition to Diedorf, breaking dams have also been reported in the district of Burgwalden. In response, authorities have urged residential removal in the Anhausen district of Diedorf and urged citizens to avoid railway underpasses, as potential floodwaters could surge there. Their safety is under threat.
Governor Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann will be visiting the flooded zones in the Swabian district of Augsburg on Saturday. Their tour was delayed due to the evolving flood situation. Initially, the two CSU leaders were slated to observe the situation in Fischach. While residents in Diedorf are preparing for evacuation, the flood situation is especially critical in the Swabian region. Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts have also announced disaster declarations.
Tension continues to build in Meckenbeuren, a municipality in Bodenseekreis. The height of the Schussen river rose to 4.72 meters in the afternoon, considerably above the 4.50 meters it reached in the 2021 flood. The river usually carries only 45 centimeters of water. Almost 1,300 people were advised to flee their homes as a preventive measure on Friday evening. Most of the residents stayed with friends or family. Only a small number of people resorted to using the emergency shelter. In anticipation of potential damage, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared out prior to the impending flooding. The municipality with 14,000 inhabitants has closed bridges as well.
In Meckenbeuren, the flood situation remains tense.
Read also:
- The International Red Cross has offered its assistance to the German authorities as they continue to deal with the flood situation in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
- During a live ticker update on the flood situation, it was mentioned that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been asked to provide support due to the severity of the situation.
- As the Prime Minister of Germany, Olaf Scholz, closely monitors the ongoing flood situation in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, he has reached out to his international counterparts, including the Prime Minister of Denmark and the Prime Minister of France, for assistance and solidarity in the form of expert help from organizations like the International Red Cross.
