12:25 Heavy floods block a cruise ship on the Danube River.
At Deggendorf, the evacuation of a Danube cruise ship has commenced, according to Bayerischer Rundfunk. The ship, carrying 150 passengers from the US and England, can no longer continue due to the high water levels on the Danube. Thomas Kindel, head of the disaster management at the Deggendorf district office, informs BR that a work boat is presently being deployed at the port, which will transport 25-30 people at a time.
Twelve noon: Danube flood levels on par with 2002 - likely to cause a second waveThe water levels of the Danube are on the rise again: The Bavarian Flood Information Service predicts that the Danube downstream from Regensburg will contain similar amounts of water as during the 2002 flood. This is evident, for instance, when the Isar flows into the Danube in Deggendorf, explains a spokeswoman for the Flood Information Service. With a length of approximately 2850 kilometers, the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. In Passau, a water level of 10.80 meters was measured on August 13, 2002 at the Ilzstadt measuring point. On Monday morning, the value was 7.77 meters - an upward trend. ntv weather specialist Paul Heger provides an overview of the tense flood situation and insight into the dangers for the days ahead:
11:27: Body of missing woman discovered in flooded basementRescue teams have uncovered the remains of a 43-year-old woman in a flooded basement in the heavily flooded Upper Bavarian Schrobenhausen. A police spokesperson confirms she'd been missing since Sunday.
11:21: Water levels of Rems and Murr continue to climb - nursing home evacuatedIn the Ludwigsburg district, authorities anticipate an imminent perilous situation and rising water levels despite reduced rainfall. "Even though no heavy rain is currently falling, we still anticipate an increase in the water levels of the Rems and Murr," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier. In Remseck, the peak of the Rems has yet to be reached. The command center is monitoring the situation and coordinating the emergency services. A total of around 250 people from the fire department are in action. On Monday morning, a nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was evacuated. The residents and patients were relocated to other establishments.
10:54: Upper Rhine closed for inland shippingWith heavy rainfall, Germany's most significant waterway, the Rhine, is now inaccessible for inland shipping. "Inland shipping on the Upper Rhine has been halted," says a spokesperson for the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA). "Critical marks have been surpassed at the gauge stations." The affected regions include, for example, Maxau near Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Worms. On Tuesday or Wednesday, there may be closures on the Middle Rhine - that is, the region between Mainz and Bonn. "According to the current forecasts, these should not be very protracted," explains the spokesperson. The closures are implemented to prevent damage to the banks caused by the ships' waves. The ships generate waves that can overflow the banks and flood cellars, for instance.
10:27: NRW sends assistance and boats to the Bavarian flood areaNorth Rhine-Westphalia is dispatching five water rescue teams consisting of 48 rescuers, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats to the flood region in Landau an der Isar in Bavaria. According to the Düsseldorf Interior Ministry, the Free State of Bavaria granted the aid offer late on Sunday night. The rescuers were subsequently dispatched.
10:04: Residents in Ebersbach an der Fils evacuatedIn the heavily flooded community of Ebersbach an der Fils, south of Stuttgart, residents in several streets are being evacuated. A city spokeswoman could not initially confirm how many people were affected. The residents received warnings and instructions to pack essential documents and provisions. Due to the flood situation, all schools and city kindergartens will remain closed today, as the city declared on its Facebook page.
09:41: Rescuers search for 43-year-old in SchrobenhausenWith a helicopter and divers, the police in Schrobenhausen in the Pfaffenhofen district continue to search for a missing woman. A misleading report emerged in the night that the 43-year-old had been found deceased. The Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation has since corrected the information, as the woman is still being sought. Since divers couldn't enter the flooded basement of the house the previous day, pumps are now employed in the building. The hope is to discover the 43-year-old, who was last spotted in the basement of her house. ntv-reporter Niklas Diemer reports from the scene about the tense circumstances:
09:12: Söder: Flood will persist for several days in BavariaBavarian State Premier Markus Söder presumes that the flooding will keep the disaster control authorities in the region occupied for several more days. "It's getting somewhat better, but we can't issue a complete warning," he remarked on Monday morning on Deutschlandfunk. Regardless of whether it stops raining, the water levels of the larger rivers will keep rising due to the inflows, he underlined. "Most people claim it will last until Wednesday or Thursday."
08:41 River dam in Pfaffenhofen district breaks
Three points on the river dam in Pfaffenhofen district, Germany have now broken. This was confirmed by a district administration spokesperson. Residents in Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching districts are asked to leave the ground floor of their homes and seek refuge in higher levels. In Baar-Ebenhausen, over 800 people were evacuated. Of the evacuees in Baar-Ebenhausen, 250 relocated to Reichertshofen's Grund- and Mittelschule. The Pfaffenhofen district is in Upper Bavaria, and the Paar River is a tributary leading into the Danube. Vohburg town by the Danube is now being closely monitored, as security measures have been taken. The A9 motorway is still closed in both directions between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck.
08:21 Break in another Pfaffenhofen district river dam
In Manching-Pichl of Pfaffenhofen district yet another dam has broken according to multiple media sources, quoting the district administration. Evacuations are being carried out for residents in the following streets: Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
08:01 Firefighters in Rudersberg caught off guard
In Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg's Rems-Murr-Kreis, firefighters faced difficulty as they were caught off guard by quickly rising water. They abandoned the rescue efforts after attempting to save residents. The firefighters themselves had to move to higher floors of houses and stay there for hours. The fire station was reported underwater. Emergency vehicles were driven onto a higher surface but it was also flooded shortly after. Two vehicles could not be moved to safety.
07:39 Regensburg declares flood disaster
The rising Danube water level forced the city of Regensburg to declare a disaster situation; the Danube's Eisernen Brücke gauge surpassed a height of 5.90 meters. This is a significant increase as compared to a 2.70 meter average level from last week. The highest recorded level previously was 6.82 meters during June 4, 2013.
07:20 Helicopter-rescue in Gunzburg
In Gunzburg, rescue teams from the German Water Police rescued twelve individuals from balconies and rooftops using a police helicopter as per reports made by Bavarian Broadcaster BR. In one instance, a family with three children, one of them a week old, was saved. The team was forced to abandon vessel-based rescue since the water levels had risen.
06:50 Possible dam break in Manching
The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt issued a warning of a potential dam break in Manching, Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen. Residents urged to remain in upper floors and stay away from cellars and underground garages. On Sunday, Baar-Ebenhausen had a dam break incident.
06:16 People evacuated in Ostalbkreis due to flooding
Crisis services in Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg have ordered evacuations in several communities due to the worsening flood situation. Individuals in parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen faced evacuation. Täferrot's entire community was under the evacuation order. The danger was first reached in Täferrot hours later during the morning. The affected community houses around 250 to 300 people.
05:33 Baden-Württemberg offers support to Bavaria
Owing to the escalating flood situation, Baden-Württemberg is sending relief personnel to the neighbouring Bavarian district of Günzburg. The Interior Ministry of Baden-Württemberg reported that three "Sanitation and Care" units were sent to the district to support evacuation logistics. A water rescue vehicle from Ulm will also aid the rescue effort in Günzburg.
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is constructing a temporary dam to avoid the anticipated flooding of certain parts of its inner city. The peak is predicted in the early morning, and the canals inside the inner city area could potentially flood as a result, the city notifies. At the Water House by a canal, approximately 1,500 tons of rocks and sand will be stacked up during the night and on Monday morning. Traffic disruptions are likely to be experienced near the work site, as the city officials announce. The city in the region of Stuttgart had issued warnings against visiting cellars and underground garages in the inner city and in Oberesslingen due to the critical flood situation.
03:26 Residents of Ebersbach an der Fils are being prepared for potential evacuations
The flooded community of Ebersbach an der Fils, situated south of Stuttgart, has started preparing several residents for evacuations. Residents of certain streets are advised to gather crucial documents and necessities, and spend the night outside their homes, the city shares via Facebook in the early morning. They are urged to remain in the upper levels of their houses. "The fire department Ebersbach is attending to the residents."
03:11 Weather warnings lifted - Nevertheless, heavy rain is possible
The German Weather Service (DWD) has revoked all major weather warnings related to intense thunderstorms with heavy rain in Germany. However, there are possible localized heavy rain showers along with the potential for heavy rain in southern Germany, according to the DWD. Areas south of the Danube and the vicinity of the Bavarian Forest will experience it around noon. Small areas also have chances of witnessing thunderstorms.
02:04 Landkreis Augsburg bemoans "flood tourists"
"Flood tourists" are posing issues for emergency responders in Landkreis Augsburg. The rescue groups are having to focus more and more on rescuing individuals who, despite the repeated warnings, entered dikes, underpasses, and into or on the water, the district administration laments. To free up the rescue teams, people are encouraged to steer clear of these locations. "Flood waves can surprise you and the bank can give way," the authority cautions. Drivers and pedestrians are also advised to avoid flooded roads and underpasses, as the manhole covers may be sucked into the sewer pressure.
01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl visit flood-stricken areas
Baden-Württemberg's State Premier Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl will visit two flood-affected regions in the state on Monday. They plan to venture to Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning, and later visit Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis, according to a spokesperson for the state government. Kretschmann avoided visiting the flood areas on Sunday, stating that in an emergency, "every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference, I decided not to go there first, but to stay informed continuously and closely." The emergency forces are stretched, he said on Sunday afternoon.
23:50 Alarm status in Ebersbach an der Fils - Noise barrier breached
In the town of Ebersbach an der Fils close to Stuttgart, a full warning was activated due to the flood on Sunday evening. this means that all firefighters are on call. Water masses have breached a noise barrier on the B10, causing the road to flood, as shown in a video uploaded on the city's Facebook page. The residents were given a strong warning: "Please stay at home (sic!) and do not visit the emergency sites. There is often life-threatening danger, as you can see on the video. Please do not enter the water, since there could be manhole covers you couldn't see!!" They should also not go into their basements and remain on the upper floors, the notice advises.
23:16 Missing 43-year-old found in a cellar
As per Bayerischer Rundfunk, the storm in South Germany has caused another casualty. A missing 43-year-old was discovered in a cellar.
Correction: Inaccurately, it was claimed that the woman had been found dead. The Bayerischer Rundfunk has since rectified the statement, stating that the 43-year-old is still being searched for.
22:16 Lightning strike disrupts signal box - Regional traffic affected around Dresden momentarily
Because of a signal box failure caused by a lightning strike, regional traffic around Dresden was negatively impacted in the evening. It was predominantly the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz that was impacted, explains a spokeswoman for the railways. A lightning strike struck the signal box in Radeberg to the east of the state capital at 17:10. It was repaired by the evening. After around two hours, the trains were back to normal operation, the spokeswoman notes.
22:00 Nursing home in Lauingen is being evacuated
A nursing home by the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated due to the flooding. The city posts on its website that they aim to facilitate continuous care for the residents. The individuals will be lodged and cared for in an educational center.
9:30 PM: Emergency evacuations required in areas along Danube and Schmutter
A large number of communities located near the Danube and Schmutter rivers within the Swabian district of Donau-Ries need to be evacuated due to a major dam breach. The impacted areas include Auchsesheim, Heissesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Baumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The Donauwoerth District Administration has urged people to remain calm, prioritize essential items, and follow the instructions issued by emergency services. Evacuation shelters have been arranged for the residents.
9:03 PM: Olaf Scholz and Nancy Faeser to visit flooded Bavaria
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the flooded regions of Bavaria on Monday. They plan to join Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder, State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, and the President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, in the town of Reichertshofen, located in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district of Upper Bavaria.
8:30 PM: Over 40 schools in Bavaria will not re-open next week
At least 40 schools across eight Bavarian districts will be closed for in-person instruction next week due to the flood situation. These districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In Aichach-Friedberg, all Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, along with local grammar schools, vocational schools, and professional high schools, will not conduct instruction. Wertingen in the Dillingen district will have all its schools closed. In Schrobenhausen, instruction at Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, the vocational school, special school, and grammar school will be canceled on Monday and Tuesday.
8:09 PM: Over 30 Swabian communities struggle with power outages
Approximately 30 communities within Swabia are experiencing partial power outages, reports the network operator LEW. In addition to the locations affected by power outages, there are also individual streets and homes experiencing localized outages in the grids (low voltage). The affected regions include Gunzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The emergency crews are attempting to restore power as much as possible given the current circumstances. Reports on the duration of the outages vary depending on the situation on the ground.
7:42 PM: Over 1,000 people in Günzburg housed in sports halls and Legoland
Officials in Günzburg report that there are now more than 1,000 residents in the town who have been taken to safety in sports halls and parts of Legoland. The sudden rise in the amount of water in the Günz River necessitated further evacuation measures.
7:16 PM: More heavy rain expected in southern Germany
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning regarding more heavy rainfall in the southern regions of Germany. There is an increased likelihood of severe rainfall, particularly around the Stuttgart region, with potential thunderstorms that could bring hefty rain. The Alps are also at risk of experiencing powerful thunderstorms and heavy rain, with the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb area expecting up to 40 liters per square meter per hour of local rainfall. On Monday morning, the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube is expected to have showers starting early, which could then escalate into stronger storms and more significant rainfall.
6:42 PM: Disaster declared in Straubing
Due to the worsening floods along the Danube, the mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, has ordered a disaster alert. The decision comes as a result of the impending challenges and the need for considerable manpower to address the ongoing situation. The Danube has already reached over six meters in Straubing, with the disaster level 4 anticipated to be surpassed in the near future. The disaster warning service has established four levels of warnings, with the highest — level 4, indicating that there could be significant flooding to built-up areas.
6:07 PM: Emergency measures proceed without disruption; roads are closed in some areas
The city of Straubing reports that the outlined safety measures are progressing well and continuing, despite some areas of the city already having certain roads closed. As the situation evolves, further updates will be shared as necessary.
17:34 Flooded city encourages public to stay away
The partially submerged Meckenbeuren town in the Bodenseekreis region urges visitors not to venture into the flooded areas. Authorities warn that onlookers might hinder rescue teams and endanger themselves and others. The spokesperson advises the general public to steer clear of the flood zone, even if the rain lessens or stops, and to respect road and bridge closures. Local emergency services have previously had to draw attention to the potentially lethal current. Floods struck Meckenbeuren on Saturday night, inundating streets and homes in Kehlen and Brochenzell neighborhoods.
17:11 Thunderstorm danger in Brandenburg Oder-Spree region +++
Germany's meteorological service (DWD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, the threat level is the second-highest, which includes lightning, uprooted trees, violent winds, or falling objects. It's also possible that houses may experience damage. The section may also be prone to landslides and hail.
16:53 Disaster status declared in more areas
Flooding has led to the declaration of a disaster in the regions of Dachau and Kelheim. Kelheim's district official Martin Neumeyer states, "The current situation, in combination with predictions about water levels, is still tense." Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl similarly expresses concern. The declaration allows for aid to be sent to the affected districts.
16:25 Train passengers may face more disruptions on Monday
Passengers in southern Germany can expect further train disruptions on Monday due to the impact of the weather. The Deutsche Bahn has extended its leniency policy to Monday, allowing those who purchased a ticket for that period and wish to delay their journey due to the weather to travel at a later date. The provider has canceled train connections for these tickets. The extent of the disruption remains uncertain, with several long-distance lines in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg being affected. Trains have been canceled on routes such as Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The company warns against traveling in flood-affected areas.
16:08 3,000 people in Bavaria affected by evictions
Bavaria's Interior Ministry reports that approximately 3,000 people have been affected by evacuations due to the flooding. The ministry spokeswoman in Munich notes that 20,000 forces are currently deployed, with 40,000 overall having taken part since the start of the crisis.
15:51 "I can't even imagine the damage": Weather expert
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs warns that the flood situation in the south may not improve. He comments, "Every drop is too much." When asked about a potential link to the climate crisis, Fuchs characterizes the situation as "clear evidence of where this path leads."
15:22 Severe electric shock during flood work - man critically injured
A male employee of an energy company suffered a critical electric shock in Freising, Bavaria, while conducting electrical work amid the flood. A spokesperson for the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters reports that the 27-year-old was rescued from the flooded zone near Allershausen's town hall and transported to a hospital via helicopter. It's believed that the incident was flood-related.
15:02 Navigation on the Upper Rhine discontinued
As a result of heavy rainfall in southern Germany, the water levels along the Upper Rhine have risen, causing temporarily stopping commercial shipping. Ships are banned from sailing on a segment of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, as per the Rhine High Water Forecast Center in Rhineland-Palatinate. The water mark in Maximiliansau rose to 7.50 meters on Saturday night, surpassing the critical shipping water mark II. It's predicted to fall back to 8.20 meters on Sunday afternoon but could rise further downstream. Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz may also be exposed at 8.30 meters. Higher levels may also threaten navigation on the Middle and Lower Rhine in the coming days. At Koblenz, a level of about 6.10 meters is expected on Tuesday, above which ships cannot sail. Tuesday's highest levels are slated for Cologne and Düsseldorf.
2:38 pm: Closure of Autobahn A9 for about 50 kilometersThe Autobahn A9 is closed for approximately 50 kilometers in the Pfaffenhofen region due to a dam break. Between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, the road is partially submerged, according to a representative from the Upper Bavaria North Police Department. This presents a novel situation for law enforcement in the area. In addition, there are power outages. Many people have been affected. Attempts are being made to rectify the problem. The district administration requests residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate the ground level of their residences and relocate to higher floors.
1:23 p.m. Update: As per Autobahn GmbH, the segment between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is shut down in both directions. Additionally, the area between Pfaffenhofen and Autobahn junction Neufahrn faces severe limitations. It is suggested to bypass the entire region.
11:38 am: Economy Minister Habeck spots intense rain as an outcome of climate changeEconomy Minister Robert Habeck asserts that more endeavors for climate protection should be made once the flood disaster in South Germany is resolved. "The restriction of CO2 emissions, so we have enough time to adapt, should not be trivialized or disregarded, but is the foremost priority," says Habeck during his visit to the flooded Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The frequency of natural disasters is "clearly a sign that nature and climate are changing." Centennial floods now transpire "every few years."
11:34 am: Chancellor Scholz to pay a visit to flood-hit regions on MondayChancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the flooded regions in person on Monday to gain a firsthand comprehension of the situation. [This information was provided by government sources.]
11:21 am: 22-year-old firefighter missing following operation in OffingenA 22-year-old firefighter is missing following an evacuation operation in Offingen in the Landkreis Gunzburg. This was confirmed by a representative from the Schwaben Süd-West police station. The youth was with a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three lifeguards from the DLRG in a boat for an evacuation at approximately 2:50 am, when the boat capsized. The heroic rescue team consisted of four members, who were saved from the water, while the 22-year-old remained missing. An extensive search has been underway since the early hours of the morning. Two helicopters have also been deployed. One firefighter has already passed away conducting a flood operation.
11:11 am: No relief in sight: Continual rain brings down torrentRelief is nowhere in sight for the southern German flood regions. According to ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander, "the pervasive, heavy rain is indeed coming to an end, but fresh and local thunderstorm centers are starting to form."
10:52 am: Further risk of a Paar dam collapseThere is a heightened danger of a dam collapse at the Paar. The municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen are exposed. Residents are urged to promptly proceed to the upper levels of their homes. The ground floor and basement should be avoided, according to officials. In the event of an emergency, call the fire department at the emergency number 112.
10:39 am: Söder: 40,000 emergency personnel deployed for floods in BavariaAs per Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, approximately 40,000 emergency personnel are on call to manage the floods. Söder stated during his trip to Upper Bavarian Reichertshofen, "The most important concern at this point will be to manage the reliefs efficiently in the upcoming hours." Fatigued aid workers must be relieved, he emphasized. "For the lengthier you are without relief in the field, the higher the probability of a blunder, exhaustion and subsequently the more dangerous it becomes."
10:29 am: Straubing puts in place dam monitorsThe Donaupegel in Straubing is anticipated to reach alert level four due to the rising water levels, according to the High Water Information Service (HND) in Bavaria. Authorities instruct that by 3 p.m., dam guards will be set up. Fire department personnel will supervise the dam in person and relay water levels and any damage to the dam. Additionally, more sandbags are being packed.
10:03 am: Dam collapse in Baar-EbenhausenIn the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen, a dam has collapsed in Baar-Ebenhausen. Following a warning issued, the municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching have been impacted. Residents are instructed to vacate the ground level of their dwellings immediately.
10:00 am: Chancellor Scholz thanks rescue workers in flood-hit areasChancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his appreciation for the efforts of the rescue workers in the flooded regions. [This information was provided by government sources.]
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his thanks and admiration for the rescue workers and helpers in areas affected by floods. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen saddens me deeply," remarks the SPD politician. "My thoughts are with his colleagues and fellow firefighters." A firefighter died during a rescue operation in the small town of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, located in Upper Bavaria.
11:10 Floods dominate the Catholic Day in Erfurt's closing mass
The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, expresses sympathy for those affected by the floods during the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We can only hope that human lives are preserved and protected," Bätzing states, standing in front of the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:30 Meckenbeuren's Kehlen and Brochenzell districts are submerged in water
The Bodenseekreis district's villages of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren are struggling under water. The Schussen river has overflowed, causing the streets to flood. The district's spokesperson notes that around 1300 people had already evacuated voluntarily by Saturday evening to seek refuge from the rising flood waters. Some residents opted to stay in their homes but chose to take shelter in the upper levels. The river level reached a critical height of more than 4.86 meters, compared to its normal depth of 45 centimeters.
10:04 Minister President Söder pays tribute to the fallen firefighter
The Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder honors the firefighter who passed away during a rescue operation in the Bavarian flood-stricken areas through a post on X. "His dedication and unwavering commitment to his fellow human beings will forever be remembered," writes Söder. "The deepest of our condolences go out to his colleagues. We all grieve together. It just hurts." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter lost his life when a rescue boat capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
09:50 Ukraine postpones final training due to rainfall before DFB team game
The Ukrainian national football team is being forced to delay its training session scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg due to excessive rainfall. Instead, the team will practice in Erlangen. As the grass at the stadium might be damaged, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian team has shared the decision. Ukraine will face the German national football team in a European Championship (EM) test match on Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD).
09:28 Munich fire department has attended 290 flooding-related interventions
The continuous rainfall in Munich has caused significant flooding issues. The Munich Fire Department has been dispatched to over 290 interventions since Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. Mostly, the firefighters have been working to pump out water from basements and underground garages. Furthermore, several uprooted trees and closed roads have been reported. On Saturday evening, the flood alert level 2 of the Isar had been exceeded.
08:52 Water surges through Anhausen after dam break
The situation in Anhausen has somewhat stabilized following a dam's collapse causing immediate flooding. "Evacuated residents are now starting to return," reports ntv's Niklas Diemer. However, water levels remain critical in other locations.
08:22 THW deploys additional personnel to aid in south German flood relief
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is expanding its presence in the south German areas ravaged by flooding. Over 1800 people are now involved, according to the organization's spokeswoman. They are securing dams, filling sandbags, and supporting evacuations for people in flood-prone areas. Simultaneously, the fire department and other emergency crews are also being mobilized.
08:04 Landslide in Baden-Württemberg dislodges car and train
Baden-Württemberg, Germany's southern part, contends with the torrential rainfall's disastrous aftermath. In the eastern region, there's a looming threat of a 100-year-old flood. The rescue services and volunteer helpers are being pushed to their limits.
07:46 Train and car trapped by landslide in Baden-Württemberg
The flood conditions in several areas of Germany are causing distress. The southern part is most severely impacted by the water masses.
07:26 Train and car trapped by landslide in Baden-Württemberg
A landslide in Baden-Württemberg has caused damage to both a train and a car. The tracks in this region have butted against the landslide, which has delayed the recovery process. It remains unknown how long the closure will last. Nevertheless, the regional train has managed to bypass the ICE.
07:08 Person missing in Schrobenhausen
The search for a missing person in Schrobenhausen is ongoing. This individual is suspected to have been in the basement of a property when the floods swept through, and now both the basement and part of the upper floor are underwater. Rescue services are unable to enter the house at the moment due to the flooding situation.
9:44 Firefighter Tragically Passes Away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm Floods
A firefighter lost his life in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, located in Upper Bavaria. The unfortunate incident occurred during a crew's intervention with three colleagues in a rescue boat, which subsequently capsized. The deceased individual was discovered in the morning by the district administration's spokesperson.
9:19 Alert Level 4 Floods Persist in Several Areas
In Bavaria, there are ongoing floods that have reached the highest alert level 4 in various locations. The focus remains on the southern Donau tributaries including Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The peak flooding levels were reached during the night. The flood's progression is now shifting downstream, moving from Swabia toward Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Possible affected regions include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. However, the peak wave is not scheduled to continue through to early next week.
Various locations are anticipated to be significantly impacted, namely Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district. All these locations are at a level of concern on Sunday.
9:03 Weather Service Forecasts Additional Heavy Rain in the South
A threat of more severe storms with heavy rain looms over the southern regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as predicted by the German Weather Service (DWD). The DWD released a forecast on Sunday afternoon, stating that thunderstorms with heavy rain would occur between noon and Monday night. Flooding of roads and cellars is a possibility, and lightning strikes can cause damage.
8:39 Evacuation Calls Expanded in the Augsburg Area
In response to the flooding in the districts of Augsburg, authorities are amplifying evacuation measures for specific areas. Those residing at Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are instructed to leave their respective communities immediately, as advised by the integrated control center. Transportation options are being made available for individuals unable to vacate the area independently. In addition, evacuation notices were issued to different parts of the district on Saturday evening. These areas in particular are centered around the communities along the Schmutter River, a Danube tributary.
8:12 Wiesbaden Initiates Mitigation Measures against Rising Water Levels
In an effort to combat the rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers in Wiesbaden, authorities are implementing protective measures. A flood protection wall has been established in the Kostheim district, as reported by the fire department. Similarly, a pump has been placed in the Rhine-side district of Schierstein. The public is urged to avoid parking areas along the rivers due to ongoing concerns for the coming days. No additional defensive actions are anticipated at this time.
7:08 Train Traffic between Stuttgart and Munich Temporarily Suspended
The train services connecting Stuttgart and Munich have been halted due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a town within Baden-Württemberg. A spokesperson for the German railways is uncertain as to when this line will reopen. The railways in the region have been disrupted due to the floods in southern Germany, prompting long-distance trains to be rerouted through alternative routes.
6:39 THW in Ulm Fills 30,000 Sandbags
Throughout the night, forces from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm have been working diligently to fill sandbags for flooded and at-risk areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. An estimated 30,000 sandbags were intended to be delivered as part of this initiative. 400 sandbags are currently being filled per hour. Requests for these stocks have come from numerous locales across the southwest as well as neighboring regions. Heavy rainfall has led to dramatically increased water levels in both Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at multiple locations.
5:53 Bavarian Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross has sent a water rescue team from Unterfranken to aid in the flood relief effort in Swabia. These specially trained individuals, including two boat and diving units, are expected to be utilized in the most significantly impacted areas of Günzburg. The water levels in Swabia have risen to the degree of a hundred-year flood, a level equating to a flood that occurs or surpasses the statistical level every century.
01:27 Schwäbisch Gmünd: ICE cars derail due to landslideTwo coaches of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd in the late evening due to a landslide. The passengers were unharmed and currently being evacuated from the train. A train spokesperson stated that the first two carriages left the tracks around 23:20 without tipping over. The landslide was about 30 meters wide. The train passengers are expected to stay temporarily in a nearby kindergarten and then travel by bus to Plüderhausen.
00:59 Landslide damages a car in Schwäbisch GmündA car was damaged by a landslide in the Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Early police reports indicate that the driver of the car was unharmed. The landslide took place alongside a road and a railway line that run parallel to each other. Schwäbisch Gmünd is situated around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, widespread rainfall has been reported in Baden-Württemberg.
00:14 Neu-Ulm surpasses high water levels - extent of damage unclearThe city of Neu-Ulm has exceeded the projected flood wave levels on the Danube and Iller, as per an estimate provided by the city's administration. Despite extremely high water levels, the feared 100-year flood is averted. "We will only see the extent of the damage once the situation stabilizes," stated Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. The administrations anticipate that two streets, the Donau embankments, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will need to remain shut for the time being.
23:44 Munich: Danger posed by the Isar River BanksMunich's Fire Department alerts residents of potential hazards due to the Isar river's flooding. Additionally, the city administration has shut down two popular pedestrian paths that line the river. The river has achieved flood level 2 in the state capital, according to Fire Department reports on the X platform. Flood level 2 signifies inundation of unconstructed areas or traffic disruption due to street flooding.
23:23 Upper Bavaria: 670 people to be evacuatedFirefighters and rescue teams are stationed to evacuate approximately 670 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. In the district of Mühldorf and a street adjacent to the Weilach River, excavators and boats are being utilized, as reported by the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. The administration has also established a citizen hotline for emergency situations. The municipality had previously invoked a state of emergency. District Administrator Peter von der Grün expressed concerns about the southern part of Upper Bavaria's district.
23:03 Numerous firefighter interventions in eastern ThuringiaHeavy rain and thunderstorms are causing increased fire department interventions in eastern Thuringia. The Gera control center reports that the area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is undergoing significant flooding. There are flooded streets, fields, and flooded basements. In the Gera district, a small creek has overflowed as well.
22:45 Prolonged rainfall in the south - no alert issued yetRainfall has slightly decreased in the flooded or at-risk regions of South Germany, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). A DWD meteorologist remarked, "There won't be extreme rainfall averages as we experienced last night." Nevertheless, new showers and thunderstorms from the north are expected to arrive, which may increase the potential for local flooding on Sunday afternoon. These showers have the potential to be quite strong and will only gradually dissipate. "If they land on the already saturated ground, there will be flooding once again," stated the meteorologist. The Swabian Alb, areas further north, and the regions surrounding Augsburg, Nuremburg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are particularly susceptible to the incoming showers and thunderstorms.
22:25 Disaster situation also in FreisingThe Freising district has also declared a state of emergency due to overflowing rivers and streams. The district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality warned of the possibility of river and stream water levels reaching record levels, particularly in the town of Hohenkammer and all towns along the Amper. The administrations advised residents to prepare for such an extreme situation early on, such as emptying their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts have declared a state of emergency.
9:50 Disaster announced in District DillingenDue to persistent rain, the district administration in Dillingen, part of Swabia in Bavaria, has now declared a state of emergency. The situation along the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened tonight as reported by the authorities. The crisis team is asking for help from the German armed forces. The river is expected to suffer a 100-year flood, potentially affecting the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, officials are planning to release some water from the Danube into the Riedstrom, a former floodplain of the river. The district asks local farmers to move their livestock to safe shelters.
17:09 Eighth Bavarian Municipality declares emergencyThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared an emergency as the 8th municipality in Bavaria. The reason is the rising Danube and its tributaries as reported by the district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt expects level 4 at the Neuburg gauge tonight. The situation at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is even more worrying. In the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf, the Weilach has already overflowed its banks and flooded a residential area. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate the residents as reported by Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is particularly concerning in the southern district. Von der Grün emphasized the need to protect roads, bridges, and railroads to maintain traffic. "This is the only way we can ensure the fire department can respond to emergencies."
16:34 Helicopter saves people from Babenhausen house
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The BRK spokesman reported that the two were in a life-threatening situation as their house was endangered by large water masses. Other people were also saved from their homes using inflatable boats. The rescue teams have now saved more than 100 people, including many children.
16:13 People in several places near Augsburg are advised to leave their homes
The water rescuers also assisted those stuck in their cars due to the water masses. These situations can quickly become life-threatening due to the current and rising water in the cars.
In several municipalities of the Landkreis Augsburg, people are advised to leave their homes as a result of the serious flood situation. The situation is expected to become even worse in the northern district this evening. The communities of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf are affected. The government of Swabia has set up a temporary accommodation center at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
15:48 German Armed Forces aid flood-stricken areas in BavariaThe Bundeswehr is on the ground assisting with the Bavarian floods. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, following their official requests," a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Bundeswehr command told Antenne Bayern. "Around Günzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, about 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive as 'assistance' in the next few hours. Two Bundeswehr vehicles are also operational there."
15:20 Faeser promises further aidFederal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has promised more assistance to the flood-affected regions in southern Germany. "Due to the heavy, persistent rain and impending floods, THW is preparing to deploy additional personnel," says the SPD politician from Berlin, referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW). "We will continue to support the affected federal states with all available resources." According to Faeser, as of Saturday evening, there are 520 THW and helpers on the ground. They have saved people, reinforced dikes, and pumped water. Faeser also thanked those working to combat the floods. "I would like to thank everyone involved in the fight against the water masses and working tirelessly to save lives." She urged people in the flood-affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to follow the authorities' warnings and instructions. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
The climbers in trouble at the Zugspitze (see Live Ticker entry at 3:15 p.m.) have been saved. 29 people were guided to safety at the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin on the Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue service, according to a report from the rescue service. Multiple distress calls were made from different groups. They were unable to continue due to the weather and new snow at about 2,500 meters above sea level, which was around 900 meters below the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was mobilized. Zugspitzbahn employees were also on their way with snow groomers to search for the climbers, the Zugspitzbahn spokeswoman says.
6:42 p.m. Storm warning for parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of the dangers of severe thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. The second-highest warning level applies for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree until the evening. Lightning strikes, uprooted trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail are possible.
6:11 p.m. Flooding on the A3 motorway
The A3 motorway in Bavaria near Regensburg is partially closed for about ten kilometers between the Parsberg and Beratzhausen exits in both directions. The road surface is flooded, says a spokesman. "The water is pouring onto the motorway from the fields," says a spokesman. According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the autobahnmeister, fire department, and police are on site. The traffic will be diverted, says a spokesman.
5:51 p.m. Prison in Memmingen is evacuated
Due to the risk of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. The news agency Nonstopnews reports this. Up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Directly in front of the prison runs the Memminger Ach - a small stream that has now become a torrent and threatens to flood the prison. Parts of the courtyard are already under water. This could lead to a power outage, so the prison management decided on the evacuation. The police arrived with countless emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. This had to be done over flooded streets, as the access road was already flooded. The fire department was in action with pumps to pump water out of the prison.
5:35 p.m. Rain increases water levels to level 4
The persistent rain is causing water levels to rise to level 4 at several gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are swelling. The gauges Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as reported by the flood warning service (HND), have already exceeded level 4. In Dasing (Paar), level 4 is also expected to be reached. This also applies to the Regen River in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Hundred-year floods are reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, with the water levels already receding in the lower Iller. In the northern Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber and Naab, there are individual gauges with overflows of Meldestufe 1 and 2 with an increasing tendency. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 during the day, with the Pegel Kelheim following at night. In the further Donau section to Passau, increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are expected.
5:23 p.m. Continued normal flight operations at Munich Airport despite heavy rain
Despite the heavy rain in many parts of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport continue without incident. No flights have had to be canceled. There are several reasons for this. "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways," says airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also built slightly elevated. In addition, the runways are sunken towards the sides, allowing for water to drain away. In addition, the runways are "grooved," meaning they have grooves that accelerate water runoff. Therefore, there is currently no danger of aquaplaning, Wilhelm explained to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates no major complications for the rest of the weekend.
5:07 p.m. Söder: "Now things are really getting started"
The Governor Markus Söder visited the heavily affected region of Swabia, specifically Diedorf in the Augsburg district. He expressed his gratitude to the helpers and officials during his visit. Bavaria has undergone a severe crisis, confirmed Söder in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The situation presents an "intense burden" for the citizens, stated the governor. He warned that this ordeal is far from over, emphasizing, "We're just getting started." Resources, such as sandbags, are being focused on mitigating the damage in Swabia.
Minister President Söder celebrated the efforts of rescue services like the fire department, the Bavarian Red Cross, the police, and the Technical Relief Organization, remarking, "Without these helpers, we wouldn't stand a chance." Meanwhile, citizens were urged to obey the rules during this emergency. Evacuation orders must be followed without delay; people shouldn't attempt to return to their basements or try driving their cars from their garages.
16:35 No train services running anymore
The severe weather and flooding across Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have severely impacted the rail system. As per German Railways, all services on two ICE lines are shut down between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich throughout Saturday. The routes connecting Ulm and Augsburg are also experiencing service disruption. For more detailed information about track closures, train failures, and delays, please check Bahn's official website.
16:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu - Need for help should be indicated by hanging a white cloth
The Bavarian district of Unterallgäu has declared a disaster situation. People in Babenhausen who require assistance but cannot make calls due to phone network issues are advised to put out a white sheet or cloth to signal their need for aid. Emergency services are already evacuating locals from their homes in Babenhausen with the help of inflatable boats.
15:57 400 THW team members deployed in South Germany
An estimated 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) members are currently working in South Germany. Widespread flooding has prompted them to drain water bodies, support dams, and evacuate people. The THW in Bonn anticipates involving more personnel because of unceasing rain and potential flooding in the coming hours. Mobile gauges are installed in the affected areas to monitor water levels. The THW is on standby with teams ready to deploy at a moment's notice. Every team consists of about 40 THW members, each equipped with three sewage pumps, a generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command post. Each team can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 Live map for flood warnings
This script visualizes all current flood warnings on a single map. The map is regularly updated.
15:15 Group of 26 mountain climbers stranded near Zugspitze peak
A group of 26 mountain climbers is stranded several hundred meters below the Zugspitze peak. Almost 60 cm of snow has accumulated on the summit within the last few hours, while it has been raining continuously in the valleys. Temperatures are at freezing levels, and visibility is limited to 100 meters. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service has dispatched several rescue teams to search for the climbers in the blizzard. This group seems exhausted and appears to be unprepared for the harsh weather conditions.
14:52 Disaster situation announced in Donau-Ries district
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation, aiming to consolidate efforts and enable a quicker, more efficient response to the anticipated water levels. District Administrator Stefan Roßle remarked that it's essential to maintain calm and stay away from low-lying locations.
14:20 Dike and dam bursts in Augsburg - Evacuation underway
Dikes and dams have collapsed in the Swabian district of Augsburg. All residents in specific streets in Diedorf must vacate their homes immediately. Evacuation preparations are being executed in the Anhausen district of Diedorf, as specified by the district administration in Augsburg. "Leaving the basement is no longer enough," they advise residents. A dam has breached in Burgwalden, and a dike in Anhauser Weiher has collapsed. Evacuees should gather at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle as soon as possible, but citizens should avoid railway underpasses owing to potential flooding. Time is critical.
On Saturday, Bavaria's President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann plan to visit the flooded area in the Swabian district of Augsburg. They want to see the flood situation in Diedorf with their own eyes, as announced by the Interior Ministry. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also join them on their trip. The location of their visit was changed at the last minute because of the ongoing situation. Initially, they had planned to visit the Fischach area, but things have changed. Currently, preparations are being made to evacuate residents in Diedorf. The flood situation in Swabia is extremely critical, leading the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg to declare a disaster situation, after Günzburg.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Meckenbeuren is growing increasingly severe. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is rising further, with a level of 4.72 meters as of the afternoon. Hopefully, the peak will be reached soon. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. In normal circumstances, the river only carries 45 centimeters of water. Around 1300 people were instructed to leave their homes on Friday evening, as a precautionary measure. Most of them stayed with friends or family, while only a few chose to use a shelter. To prevent any damage from the floods, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared out in advance. In this municipality of 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed as a precautionary measure.
