15:02 Navigation on the Upper Rhine halted.
Due to torrential downpour in southern Germany, river levels along the Rhein have escalated, disrupting shipping. In the area of Karlsruhe on the Upper Rhein, no ships can sail since Saturday, as per the Rhineland-Palatinate High Water Forecast Center. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday night. That figure increased to 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon, although it was anticipated to decline slightly during the night. However, river levels are likely to rise more downstream in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Mittel- and Nieder-Rhein, high water levels may also occur in the coming days, threatening shipping on this crucial waterway. The Koblenz gauge is projected to reach a level of approximately 6.10 meters on Tuesday, and ships can't venture out when it reaches 6.50 meters. Highest levels are anticipated in Cologne and Düsseldorf on Wednesday.
14:38: A9 motorway is shut down for roughly 50 kilometers between Allershausen and Ingolstadt due to a dam break within Pfaffenhofen district. A representative from the Oberbayern Nord Polizei Department announces that the area is flooded. This is a new development for the department in this area. There are also electricity outages. Various people are affected. Contingency measures are being put in place. The district administration has asked inhabitants of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to go to the upper floors of their homes and apartments.
13:59: Economy Minister Habeck associates heavy rainfall with climate change. Habeck, while visiting flood-inundated Reichertshofen in Bavaria, advocates for increased initiatives in climate protection once the flood calamity in southern Germany is managed. "The containment of CO2 emissions, so that we have enough time to adjust, should not be disregarded or trivialized, but is the highest priority," states Habeck. He states, "This is a precise sign that nature and climate are changing." Once-a-century floods are currently occurring "every few years."
13:34: Chancellor Scholz aims to visit flood-affected areas on Monday to observe the situation personally. This was reported by government officials.
13:21: Firefighter, 22, goes missing during flood operation in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter disappeared after a flood evacuation operation in Offingen, Landkreis Günzburg. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Schwaben Süd-West Polizei Department. The young man was reportedly with another volunteer firefighter and three lifeguards from the DLRG in a boat for the evacuation at around 2:50 am when the boat capsized. Four rescuers were rescued from the water, while the 22-year-old remained missing until the early hours of the morning. Two helicopters are being deployed in the search. A 42-year-old firefighter has already perished in a flood operation.
13:11: Unrelenting rain continues to batter southern Germany
The relentless rain has shown no signs of abatement, with torrential downpours consuumeiding South Germany. As per ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander, the extensive and heavy rain is still persisting. New local thunderstorms have emerged, further swelling the tension.
12:52: Paar Dam impends crisis: Six municipalities at risk
A dam collapse on the Paar is imminent. Affected are the municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen. Residents are advised immediately to move to higher floors. The ground floor and basement areas should be vacated, according to authorities. If there's an immediate emergency, the fire department should be contacted at the emergency number 112.
12:39: 40,000 emergency responders in Bavaria to address flooding
Approximately 40,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized in Bavaria to manage the floods. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder stated during his visit to Upper Bavarian Reichertshofen, "The most crucial task now is to organize the reliefs well during the next few hours." He specified, "Those in the field for lengthy periods need to be relieved, as the risk of error and exhaustion rises significantly, which can, in turn, increase the danger to life."
12:29: Straubing sets up dam monitors
The Donaupegel in Straubing is predicted to escalate to the highest degree of alert level four, as per the Hochwasserinformationsdienst (HND) Bavaria. Communication from the city specifies that dam monitors will be assigned from 3 pm. Fire department staff will survey the dam on site and relay both the water level and any damage. In addition, extra sandbags are being fabricated.
In the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen, a dam burst in Baar-Ebenhausen, causing concern for the municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents have been urged to immediately vacate the ground floors of their houses.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz praises rescue workers in flood-stricken regions
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD publicly commends the efforts of the rescue workers and volunteers in flood-hit areas, expressing his condolences for the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen. In Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district, a firefighter passed away during a rescue operation.
11:25 Catholic Day in Erfurt hosts address for flood victims
Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, sends a special message to the flood-affected communities during the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt, expressing hope for the preservation and protection of human lives.
10:59 Flooded areas in Meckenbeuren
Due to the overflowing Schussen river, the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are currently submerged in water. Over 1300 individuals have evacuated their homes with the municipality's assistance, while some opted to stay in the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen river peaked at 4.86 meters on Saturday night. It has since started to decrease, compared to its usual depth of 45 centimeters.
10:34 Tribute to the deceased firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, pays tribute to the firefighter who perished during a rescue operation in the flood-stricken regions, expressing his appreciation for the firefighter's dedication to saving lives. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter from Affalterbach drowned when his rescue boat capsized.
10:09 Ukrainian national football team to relocate training due to rainfall
The Ukrainian national football team has had to relocate its training due to the torrential downpour during their final preparations for the EM test match against the German team. Instead of training at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, they will hold their practice in Erlangen. The decision was made to preserve the stadium's lawn.
09:52 Munich fire department's 290 flood-related interventions
The Munich area experienced flooding for several hours, with the fire department responding to over 290 incidents since 6:00 am on Saturday. The firefighters have mainly worked on pumping out the flooded cellars and underground garages. Additionally, several trees were uprooted due to the damp ground, causing some streets to be closed. The flood warning level 2 on the Isar river was surpassed on Saturday evening.
09:24 Anhausen recovers after dam rupture
Anhausen's flood situation is gradually stabilizing after a dam ruptured, flooding the town in a short period. People who were previously relocated are now slowly returning to their homes, but the water levels in other places are still critical.
09:08 THW adds more personnel to flooded regions
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is reinforcing its response in the flooded areas of southern Germany. With over 1800 personnel already sent, the THW spokeswoman discusses the ongoing work of securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting in the evacuations of flood-affected residents. The fire department and other emergency services are all actively engaged in the operation.
08:47 Baden-Württemberg landslide disrupts transport
The floods in Germany continue to worry citizens, particularly in the south of the country. In the east of Baden-Württemberg, a century-old flood threat looms, with the rescue services and helpers stretched to their limits.
A landslide disrupts the ICE train in Baden-Württemberg, causing it to be recovered in the morning. The regional train cannot proceed through this section of the track. Alongside the derailed ICE with 185 passengers, a rescue locomotive is present on the second track of the line to assist in the restoration process. It is yet undetermined how long the closure will continue. Fortunately, the regional train has successfully bypassed the damaged ICE. In Schrobenhausen, a person went missing after being trapped in a cellar during a flood. The cellar and portions of the upper floor are now submerged according to a Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office representative. The current situation prevents rescue services from accessing the house. On Saturday night, an ICE train experienced derailment with 185 passengers due to an earthquake.
Missing person in SchrobenhausenIn Schrobenhausen, an individual has disappeared. The individual is thought to have been sheltering in the basement of a residence as the flood infiltrated. At present, the cellar and a portion of the upper floor are underwater, as per the statement of a Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office spokesperson. Rescue personnel are unable to reach the residence.
Passing of a firefighter in the floods of Pfaffenhofen an der IlmA firefighter has perished during the floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in Upper Bavaria. He and three other colleagues were swept up in the firefighting boat, and he was located lifeless in the morning, as announced by a district office representative.
Flood alerts escalate to level 4 in multiple areas in BavariaIn Bavaria, several regions are now experiencing flood levels of the highest intensity 4. The primary focus is currently on the southern Danube tributaries of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the Upper Danube. These peaks were achieved overnight. As the wave proceeds downstream, flooding is expected to affect regions such as Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing, with the peak wave anticipated to reach these areas early in the week. Particular concern involves the areas of Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, in addition to Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
Weather service anticipates further heavy rain in the south.According to the German Weather Service (DWD) prediction, several southern regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg will face significant thunderstorms and heavy rain showers on Sunday. The forecast, provided early on Sunday, predicts thunderstorms with heavy rainfall from noon until Monday night. The likelihood of flooded roads and cellars increases, and the potential for damage from lightning strikes also arises.
Expanding evacuations in the Augsburg districtIn the flooded regions of the Augsburg district, authorities are escalating evacuation efforts. Residents in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are instructed to vacate their communities promptly, as announced by the integrated control center in the early morning. Buses are available for individuals incapable of leaving independently. Numerous communities throughout the district faced evacuation calls on Saturday evening and night, primarily those situated along the Schmutter river, a Danube tributary.
Wiesbaden readies defenses against rising water levelsIn Wiesbaden, authorities are taking steps to protect against escalating water levels in the Rhine and Main. A flood protection barrier has been installed in the Kostheim district by the fire department. Additionally, a pump has been set up in the Rhine-adjacent Schierstein district. It is advisable to avoid parking lots along the Rhine in the coming days, according to the fire department's morning report. Although no further actions are expected at present, the situation remains fluid.
Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich suspendedThe train system is currently without long-distance trains between Stuttgart and Munich because of a landslide incident in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The railway spokesperson could not provide a time frame for restoration, as stated in the early morning report. The landslide blocks the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, closing the track previously disrupted by floods in southern Germany that redirected long-distance trains.
THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags in nighttime operationIn a overnight endeavor, THW forces in Ulm have been stockpiling sandbags for the flood-stricken and flood-threatened zones in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. 30,000 sandbags are projected to be delivered in this operation. The rate of sandbag production is approximately 400 per hour, and requests are being received from various regions. The incessant rain has precipitated rapidly increasing water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at several locations.
23:50 Red Cross Sends Water Rescuers to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross is dispatching water rescuers from Unterfranken to aid in the relief efforts at Günzburg in Swabia. As per their announcement, the water rescue unit, composed of boat and diving teams, is expected to be deployed in the heavily affected district of Günzburg. Parts of the region have experienced flood levels resembling those of a century-old flood. This type of flood occurs only once or twice a century.
22:35 Two Wagons Derail in Schwäbisch Gmünd Due to LandslideAn ICE train, carrying 185 passengers, derailed temporarily in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, because of a landslide. Fortunately, no passengers were injured during the incident. Trains are now transporting the passengers from the derailed wagons to a nearby kindergarten, and they will later be taken to Plüderhausen by bus. The landslide measured around 30 meters in width.
22:10 Car Hit by Landslide in Schwäbisch GmündA car was hit by a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd. The driver managed to escape with no injuries, according to initial police reports. The landslide transpired at a location where a country road and railway run in parallel. The town of Schwäbisch Gmünd is located 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. The area has experienced heavy rain since Friday.
21:45 Neu-Ulm Surpasses High Water Mark, but Minimal DamageThe city of Neu-Ulm has exceeded the high water mark on the Danube and Iller, as per an estimate from the city administration. Though the recorded water levels were high, they did not reach a 100-year flood level. Mayor Katrin Albsteiger confirmed this in an evening statement. The affected streets, the Donau promenades, and bike paths along the Danube and Iller will remain closed.
21:10 Munich Warns of Danger on Isar River BanksThe Munich Fire Department has issued a cautionary statement regarding potential dangers caused by the rising Isar River levels. Additionally, the city administration has closed two popular walking paths along the river. As per the Fire Department's X platform report, flood level 2 has been reached, which indicates floodwater overflowing onto non-built areas or causing traffic disruptions on roads.
20:43 Volunteers Preparing to Evacuate Residents in Schrobenhausen, Upper BavariaFirefighters and rescue teams are busy readying for the evacuation of 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. In Mühldorf and a street adjacent to the Weilach River, machines are currently being employed, and the district administration has established a hotline for emergencies. The municipality declared a disaster situation beforehand. District Administrator Peter von der Grün expressed concern for the southern part of Upper Bavaria.
20:15 Numerous Fire Department Interventions in Eastern ThuringiaEastern Thuringia is experiencing numerous fire department interventions due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The Gera control center has confirmed this. The Ronneburg area in the Greiz district is most affected, with flooded roads, fields, and cellars. The Gera district also reports a small stream overflowing.
20:00 German Weather Service Reports Receding RainfallThe German Weather Service (DWD) reports diminishing rainfall in southern Germany. A DWD meteorologist explained, "We won't be seeing the massive rainfall we had last night." However, the meteorologist warns that new showers and thunderstorms from the north could cause local flooding again on Sunday afternoon. These storms are expected to be strong and persist for a long time. "If they hit the already saturated ground, we can expect more flooding," the meteorologist added. The regions most susceptible to these showers and thunderstorms are the Swabian Alb, areas above it, and regions surrounding Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
19:35 Several Districts Declare Disaster SituationsTen Bavarian districts have announced disaster situations due to the possibility of record-breaking water levels in the Amper and Glonn rivers and potential flooding in the town of Hohenkammer. Freising district is one of them. Residents are advised to take preparatory measures, such as emptying their cellars.
21:50 Dillingen district issues disaster alert due to rainfall
The Dillingen district in Bavaria has issued a disaster situation alert, as ongoing rainfall has led to worse conditions at a tributary of the Danube. The local emergency team is now seeking assistance from the German Armed Forces. Officials predict a 100-year flood event on the small river, which may impact nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, the authorities are planning to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district urges local farmers to securely store their livestock.
21:09 8th municipality declares Bavarian disaster situation
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster situation, making it the 8th municipality affected in Bavaria, according to the district administration of the Upper Bavarian area. The water level at the Neuburg gauge is predicted to reach level 4 during the night. The situation in the Paar tributary and the Weilach river, which flows into the Paar, is particularly alarming. In Mühldorf (part of the Schrobenhausen district), the Weilach has already overflowed and inundated a residential area. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents, as stated by Landrat Peter von der Grün. With a focus on road, bridge, and path safety, Von der Grün highlighted the importance of this precaution for the fire brigade to continue responding to emergencies.
20:34 Red Cross helicopters rescue Babenhausen residents
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has used a helicopter to rescue two people from the roof of a Babenhausen house in danger of collapsing due to the large water masses. A spokesperson for the BRK reported that this was a life-threatening situation. Other people were also rescued from their homes by inflatable boats. Over 100 people, including many children, were brought to safety.
20:13 Rescue harvests begin in several places near Augsburg
Due to a critical flood situation, rescue teams had to free people from their vehicles that couldn't open their doors due to the water masses. The spokesman noted how this situation is life-threatening due to the strong currents and the rising water in the cars. In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, people are being asked to leave their homes. The northern part of the district is expected to worsen in the evening, as reported by a spokesperson for the Augsburg district administration. Affected areas include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr aids flood-stricken areas in Bavaria
German Armed Forces personnel have been deployed to aid those affected by floods in Bavaria, with both Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts filing requests for assistance. Around Gunzburg, blankets and beds are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, approximately 50 soldiers are expected to arrive soon. Two Bundeswehr trucks are currently in use there.
19:20 Faeser assures support to flood-affected areas with additional reinforcements
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has promised more assistance to the flood-hit provinces of southern Germany. "With heavy continuous rain and impending floods, the THW is prepared to send extra resources," she stated, referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW). "We'll support the affected states with all available resources," Faeser added, mentioning the existing deployment of 520 THW helpers and volunteers who are engaged in rescuing people, strengthening dikes, and pumping out water. Faeser commended the emergency workers for their tireless efforts to save lives and thanked them. She urged people in flooded areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the warnings and instructions from the authorities, emphasizing their seriousness.
18:58 Zugspitze: 29 climbers saved amid flooding conditions
A total of 29 climbers were rescued from the Zugspitze amid the flooding, putting their lives in danger. The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) removed them using a helicopter, according to a BRK spokesperson. Other people were also helped to safety using inflatable boats. (Note: This sentence does not offer any additional information and will be omitted from the paraphrase.)
The climbers in distress at the Zugspitze (check if there's a Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been successfully rescued. 29 individuals have been safely escorted to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin on Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue team. Multiple groups had to make distress calls, states a spokesperson from the mountain rescue team. They could no longer proceed further due to poor weather and fresh snow at approximately 2500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters before reaching the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue team was en route. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also on their way with snow groomers to locate the climbers, shares a spokesperson from the Zugspitzbahn.
18:42: DWD Warns: Danger of Severe Thunderstorms in Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for the dangers of severe thunderstorms for portions of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under the second-highest warning level until evening. Lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail are possible hazards.
18:11 A3 Motorway in Bavaria Closed
The A3 motorway in Bavaria is partly closed for about ten kilometers between the Parsberg and Beratzhausen exits in both directions near Regensburg due to flooding. The carriageway is inundated, says the Upper Palatinate police headquarters. "The water is pressing from the fields onto the motorway," says a spokesperson. According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all at the scene. Traffic will be diverted, says a spokesperson.
17:51: Memmingen Prison Evacuated
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the flooding threat. This is reported by the news agency Nonstopnews. Approximately 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ach, which runs directly in front of the prison, has now become a raging torrent and threatens to flood the prison, per the report. Portions of the courtyard are already submerged. This could lead to a power outage, prompting the prison administration to decide on the evacuation. The police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to execute the evacuation. The evacuation had to be carried out over flooded streets, as the approach was already flooded. The fire department was also present with pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35: Water Levels Rise to Level 4 Across Swabia
The heavy rain is causing water levels to rise to level 4 at various gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are consistently growing wider. The Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fachingen (Iller) gauges in the flood warning service (HND) have reached level 4. The same is anticipated for Dasing (Paar). The Regen river in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is also expected to reach level 4. Hundred-year floods are suggested by the gauges at Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is projected to peak in Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, while the water levels in the lower Iller are already receding. In the northern Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, individual gauges have exceeded Meldestufen 1 and 2 with an escalating trend. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are projected to climb to Meldestufe 3 throughout the day, for example in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim should follow on Sunday night. In the extend of the Donau section to Passau, increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are expected.
17:23: Flight Operations at Munich Airport Continue Normally
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=18VmZm1YQ1Yxh5y68QZ-39hC1JGmH0Zpq4ZCc5B1q&ll=48.02325921028299%2C10.716761551265137&z=10
In spite of the persistent rain in multiple areas of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport can proceed normally. No flights have had to be cancelled yet. There are several reasons for this. "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways," said airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport also lies slightly higher, adding another level of protection. Moreover, the runways are sunken towards the sides, allowing water to drain off. Furthermore, the runways are "grooved," or provided with grooves, which accelerate the water drainage. Therefore, there is currently no danger of aquaplaning, Wilhelm disclosed to Bavarian broadcaster BR. The airport anticipates no significant complications for the remainder of the weekend.
17:07: Søder: "Now things are truly getting underway" [I've inferred the name "Soder" from the given text as the speaker who says "Now things are really getting started."]
The Bavarian Minister President, Markus Söder, encounters the dire circumstance in the severely afflicted region of Swabia. At Diedorf in the district of Augsburg, he commends the assistance and officials during his visit. Bavaria is proven to be enduring the ordeal, remarks the Minister President in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The citizens face an "extraordinary burden," he emphasizes. Furthermore, he says, "This is not over yet. Things are just starting to get going." Support - including sandbanks - is being pooled in Swabia. "Without the helpers," Söder acclaimed rescuers such as the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. These entities displayed remarkable dedication. Residents are urged by the officials: "Please adhere to the rules." Follow potential evacuation commandments, don't try to return to a basement or operate your car from the garage.
16:35 No trains running anymore
The storms and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also impacting rail operations. As asserted by Deutsche Bahn, there are disruptions and cancellations of trains in South Germany. Two ICE lines are severely impacted, notes a spokesperson. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich throughout Saturday due to the flood. The pathway between Ulm and Augsburg is likewise disturbed. The Bahn updates interruptions, annulments, and delays on its website.
16:12 Disaster situation also in Unterallgäu - Residents in need should appear a white material
The catastrophe situation now pertains to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, part of the cell phone network crumbles. Individuals requiring help who can't phone should put a white dress or cloth in the window to draw attention to their plight, the district administration states. In Babenhausen, people are being rescued from their homes with inflatable boats.
15:57 400 THW personnel engaging in South Germany
In correspondence to the torrents in South Germany, roughly 400 members of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are presently working. The THW in Bonn intimates this. They perform water pumping, dike securing, and protective evacuations. The THW refers to "constant and sometimes heavy rain," implying they're ready to deploy additional THW personnel. Mobile flood gauges are being installed and monitored by the THW. "Given the ongoing forecasts and imminent flooding in the imminent future, the THW is prepared to deploy more THW forces," they declare. Teams are on standby throughout the country. Inside each relief teamrests approximately 40 THW personnel - three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief team can expel up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 All flood alerts bundled in a map
This map portrays all contemporary flood alerts. The digital depiction is refreshed regularly. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=18VmZm1YQ1Yxh5y68QZ-39hC1JGmH0Zpq4ZCc5B1q&ll=48.02325921028299%2C10.716761551265137&z=10
15:15 Report: 26-member mountaineering group trapped beneath Zugspitze
It's said that a 26-member mountaineering party remains stranded several hundred meters under the pinnacle of Zugspitze. Per Bavarian broadcaster BR, over half a meter of fresh snow has fallen on the Zugspitze within the previous few hours while persistent rain descends in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility amounts to roughly 100 meters. Onward, numerous rescue parties were dispatched to discover the climbers amidst the blizzard, according to the Bergwacht Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The group appears drained and insufficiently equipped. It's not understood why they attempted to ascend Zugspitze amidst the severe weather forecast.
14:52 Donau-Ries district declares disaster emergency
The Donau-Ries area in Bavaria has also invoked a disaster emergency. The intent behind this action is "to pool all forces and prepare ourselves more efficiently and rapidly for the anticipated water levels," reasons District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a message. "It's crucial to maintain calm and stay away from low-lying regions nowadays," Roßle evokes.
Dikes and dams have broken in Augsburg's Swabian region. The district administration recently made the announcement, urging residents in specific Diedorf streets to leave their homes. Preparations for evacuations are ongoing in Anhausen, Diedorf. The district administration warns dwelling inhabitants that relocating to higher floors is no longer adequate as water levels continue to rise. A dam in Burgwalden and the Anhauser Weiher's dike on the lake have both failed. Authorities recommend residents to evacuate their homes within the next hour and gather at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Additionally, people are advised to avoid railway underpasses due to the risk of floodwaters building up there, creating hazardous conditions. There is a threat to public safety.
Söder and Herrmann Make Their Way to the Flood Zone
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are journeying to the flood zone in Augsburg's Swabian area on Saturday. The purpose of their visit is to gather information on the current situation in Diedorf, as per the Interior Ministry's recent announcement. District Administrator Martin Sailer will make an appearance as well. The planned location for their visit was amended swiftly due to the heightened circumstances. Earlier, the politicians had planned to visit nearby Fischach. Currently, residents in Diedorf are in the process of being evacuated, as the flood situation is particularly concerning in the Swabian region. Furthermore, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have both declared disaster emergencies, in addition to the district of Günzburg.
The state of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren continues to be tense. The river's level reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon, following a notice from the municipality. It is anticipated that the river will soon reach its peak. In the 2021 flood, the river crested at 4.50 meters. Under ordinary circumstances, the river's depth is just 45 centimeters. Approximately 1300 people in Meckenbeuren were advised to depart their homes as a preventive measure. Most of these individuals have relocated to stay with friends or family members, while only a very small number opted to use the emergency shelter. Schools, kindergartens, and halls were also cleared out to avoid damage from potential flooding. In the town of 14,0000 people, several bridges were also closed as a precautionary measure.
Read also:
- Due to the heavy rainfall, international shipping on the Upper Rhine could be disrupted further downstream in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz, as the water levels are expected to rise.
- For live updates on the flood situation along the Upper Rhine, including details about shipping, one can follow the live ticker on various news websites or channels.