17:04 Law enforcement officers remove woman from tree following a 52-hour ordeal.
In the flood-stricken area of Bavaria, a 32-year-old woman has been sitting in a tree for more than 52 hours. She was discovered in the Swabian Neu-Ulm vicinity close to the Silberwald using a drone and was airlifted to safety by a helicopter, as announced by the Kempten police. The woman had been missing since Sunday.
Meanwhile, Regensburg's mayor, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, expressed concerns about the ongoing flood situation, describing the city as high-strung. "It's still a bit of a nail-biter - we have another one to two days of peak worry," she said during a visit by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder in the Upper Palatinate. The soil on the Danauinseln is "very sodden," "wet, marshy," "like a jiggly pudding," according to Maltz-Schwarzfischer. "So the situation is still hair-raising." The Danube's water level is at a high point, but has not yet receded. Söder deemed Regensburg "experienced, proficient, well-prepared for flood mitigation." However, the groundwater is exerting pressure against the anchors of the facilities and destabilizing them.
In Grimma, a concrete wall has been installed to forestall further flooding, recollecting the city's historic inundation of 2002. Before the completion of renovations in its old town, Grimma experienced severe floods.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, signs of relief are emerging in relation to the flood situation. At the Middle Rhine and select sites on the Upper Rhine, water levels continue to rise as per the Rhineland-Palatinate Flood Forecasting Center of the State Environment Agency Rheinland-Pfalz. The water levels are expected to hit their peak by Wednesday evening and until Sunday and at the Middle Rhine, over the upcoming weekend. At the Maxau gauge, the water level is anticipated to hit its peak Wednesday morning. At Mannheim, however, it is expected to go down. At the Worms gauge, the peak level has been attained. At Mainz, it is slated to be attained Tuesday night or evening. At the Kaub gauge, the peak level is also expected to reach Wednesday night. Koblenz's flood protection measures remain in place for the time being, per their report. The Mosel gauge has decreased slightly. The forecast center anticipates a peak level at the Koblenz gauge only on Wednesday morning. Slightly under the two-year flood, it will be at 570 to 590 centimeters.
Donau in Passau has dipped just below the ten-meter mark after reaching ten meters, per the Flood Information Service (HND), at midday. At 3:00 p.m., it recorded 9.93 meters. Previously, the town declared a state of emergency owing to the expected worsening of the flood situation. Like Regensburg and several other districts. This facilitates better co-ordination of rescue operations.
Intense rainfall precipitated a flood warning in southern Poland. In the city of Bielsko-Biala, portions are submerged. The city's mayor issued a flood warning, according to news agency PAP. The fire department conducted roughly 700 interventions since morning, as numerous cellars and plots flooded. Two tracks at the local railway station are obstructed by water, trains were rerouted to other tracks, with some rendered inoperable. The city archive and the bus depot of the municipal transport firms were also waterlogged. The "Onet.pl" portal broadcasted video documentation showing streets, traffic circles, and a bridge inundated. In the region's rivers, the water level is swelling. The crisis center of the regional administration issued an alarm status in five locations. Meteorologists from the state weather service predict more rainfall for the remainder of the day.
Contrasting statistics regarding the number of missing have emerged: the Interior Ministry communicated several individuals were unaccounted for following the floods in Bavaria.
Some people are currently missing in the flood-stricken areas of Bavaria. A representative from the Interior Ministry in Munich revealed that there were seven missing in the morning, five in the afternoon, and six in the early evening. Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) earlier mentioned during a cabinet meeting that the state could potentially have up to seven missing individuals. The current situation is being described as "highly unstable," according to a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry. Some people reported missing may have reported themselves to the authorities on site, but their information has yet to reach the situation center in Munich. "The precise numbers are therefore not very trustworthy," highlights the spokesperson. In addition to the missing, a firefighter in Swabia is also unaccounted for. The 22-year-old was with other first responders in a boat in Offingen when it capsized. Only the others managed to escape.
14:20 Söder: The flood situation in Bavaria is still "serious and critical"
According to Minister President Markus Söder (CSU), the flood situation in Bavaria remains "serious and critical." In Regensburg and Passau, the highest water levels of the Danube are anticipated. The CSU politician stated this following a cabinet meeting in Munich. "We remain focused," adds Söder. Over 60,000 people have been involved in the flood response in Bavaria, and more than 6,600 evacuations have been carried out. The three confirmed flood victims received a minute of silence at the beginning of the meeting, states Söder. He also talks about "around seven potentially missing persons" who might still increase in number. The state government is in communication with those affected, says Söder. "Their suffering is our suffering as well." The hope is that the next two days pass smoothly in terms of the flood situation.
14:05 Winfried Kretschmann: Baden-Württemberg is well prepared for floods: "We don't react at all"
The state government of Baden-Württemberg believes it is well-prepared for impending floods due to heavy rainfall over the weekend. "We've been prepared and active for a long time," says Minister President Winfried Kretschmann at a press conference in Stuttgart. "We don't react to this incident, as we've been reacting for quite some time," Kretschmann continues. The professional approach of the emergency services has prevented a large disaster, such as the sinking of a power plant. Kretschmann reiterates his demand for a general natural disaster insurance. "There's no getting around it," he insists. However, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann still refuses to implement it. Baden-Württemberg's Environment Minister Thekla Walker calls for regular checks of existing protective measures. "We must remain vigilant," she says. The unfortunate fact is that two deaths have occurred in Baden-Württemberg. While the German Insurance Association is against compulsory insurance for floods, (see entry 11:57)
12:52 Flood levels at ten meters: Passau declares a state of emergency
The city of Passau in Lower Bavaria has declared a state of emergency due to the worsening flood situation. As of 12:30 p.m., the water level in the Danube was pegged at ten meters according to the flood warning service (HND). Meanwhile, the peak of the Inn is set to reach Passau, reports a spokesperson for the city. With heavy rain on Monday, Passau anticipates a water level of more than seven meters. Numerous streets and squares in the city have already been closed, and school lessons have been canceled. Bus services are disrupted, with connections to the old town entirely halted. The old and inner city areas are most affected. Passau urges people to avoid flooded areas and to stay out of them. The entire flood area is being avoided. The city of Passau is home to the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. The flood situation in Bavaria continues to intensify along the Danube.
12:30 Woman swimming in flood
A woman went swimming in the flood in Lower Bavaria's Deggendorf - inside a flooded pedestrian underpass. The fire service observed her in a swimsuit during a patrol on Monday night and urged her out of the water. An official from the city provided this information today. City fire inspector Tim Rothenwöhrer states that people are ignoring barriers and attempting to take selfies, which is now a common occurrence. He has not yet seen such a case involving someone swimming in a flooded area. Deggendorf is urging citizens to observe the ban on swimming in flooded zones and urges them to be patient. Swimming season in Deggendorf commences on Thursday.
(Note: This text is a translation from the German article and may not represent the exact original.)
German insurance companies are set to suffer immense losses from the recent floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. "The images coming out of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are horrific," says Jörg Asmussen, the managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV). "Our companies are already receiving numerous reports of damage." However, it's still unclear how much these floods will cost the insurance companies. "We can only give a rough estimate once the water levels have dropped everywhere." Previously, a flood in Saarland cost them approximately 200 million euros during Pentecost weekend. The cost of these current floods depends on the number of homes that are insured against natural disasters. In Bavaria, this figure stands at 47%, while in Baden-Württemberg, it's a staggering 94%. Prior to 1994, there was a state compulsory insurance. Asmussen is against additional political demands for compulsory insurance against floods. "That wasn't a private-sector solution, and the premiums didn't accurately reflect the actual risk," he says. "Insurance alone isn't the answer. We need to focus on better flood protection measures, such as building bans in risky areas and better dams. That's the only way we can break the cycle of growing damages and premiums."
Munich's Minister President, Markus Söder, has announced that the state government will provide at least 100 million euros in financial aid for those affected by the floods in various parts of the country. This package is intended to benefit both private households and commercial businesses, self-employed individuals, and farmers. "Bavaria will help, quickly and efficiently," he says. "We won't abandon anyone in need." Söder also urged the federal government to follow through on its promises and offer flood relief. Under the Bavarian aid concept, households can claim up to 5,000 euros in emergency aid, with insurance payments to be deducted. For oil damage to residential buildings, households can receive up to 10,000 euros. If there's an imminent threat of complete destruction, up to 100% of the costs could potentially be reimbursed. Companies and commercial enterprises are eligible for between 5,000 and 200,000 euros in emergency aid, depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage is insurable, the amounts would be reduced accordingly.
The water level of the Danube in Passau is threatening to hit the ten-meter mark. At the time of this report, the level was at 9.95 meters, already surpassing the expected level of 9.50 meters for the afternoon. When water levels reach 8.50 meters, built-up areas start flooding more heavily. This threshold has already been reached in Passau.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) confirms that there will be no major rainfall in the flood-affected regions for the next couple of days. "We can now issue a warning for rain in southern Germany," explains meteorologist Robert Hausen from Offenbach. Although there might be some showers and thunderstorms, they're not intense enough to be considered severe. Germany-wide, temperatures will remain under 20 degrees in the north and northwest, while 21 to 26 degrees can be expected in the south. However, temperatures will drop below 10 degrees at night. By the weekend, there will be more rainfall, possibly even thunderstorms in the south, but nothing on par with the previous days' deluge. "We're hoping that the water levels will have stabilized by then," adds Hausen.
In addition to Bavaria, the flood situation in Bavaria has improved significantly. There are no longer any forecasts for severe rainfall that could lead to further flooding. The water levels in some areas are expected to drop. The situation on the Danube is improving, according to recent updates. The water levels of the Danube tributaries are also showing a substantial decrease. In Ingolstadt, the flood peak is expected to be just above the highest alert level four in the evening. Kelheim is receiving slight increases within the level four flood alert, similar to the flood of August 2005. In Passau, the Danube water level is expected to be below the 2002 flood level. High water levels are expected to continue in the Danube section from Kelheim to Passau until Wednesday.
A total of five people have now been confirmed dead due to the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as announced by police. A woman in Markt Rettenbach, Bavaria, lost control of her car and drove into a flooded section of the road, causing it to plunge into the water. Despite efforts from emergency services, she could not be saved. Medical personnel confirmed her death. The woman disregarded a barrier while driving on the flooded conduit in Markt Rettenbach. She lost control of the vehicle and slid into a meadow. The floodwaters were too high to save the car, which was completely submerged shortly after. Investigators believe this was a tragic accident. Four deaths had been previously reported due to the floods.
11:03 Autobahn 9 Reopened After Dam Break
The partially closed section of the A9 freeway in Upper Bavaria following a dam break has been reopened without restriction. A checkpoint at Ingolstadt-South, set up on Monday, was discontinued in the morning. All lanes on the portion between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck are now available for unimpeded travel. During the blockage, only 300 cars were initially allowed on the section, and then the road was periodically closed. However, other roads in the area, such as the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden, remain closed due to flooding.
10:40 Rhine Shipping Halted Due to Flooding
Germany's primary waterway, the Rhine, is no longer navigable in many areas as a result of heavy rainfall. The Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) confirmed that the Middle and Upper Rhine have been closed to shipping. Only the Upper Rhine had been affected in areas such as Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms at the start of the week. Now, with Mainz and Bingen also experiencing flooding, parts of the Middle Rhine have been shut down. "Many ships have already docked or are in the ports," says a spokesperson for the WSA. "They are now waiting for the water levels to drop." Peak water levels are expected to be reached later in the day or evening. The area around Bingen may become navigable again by Thursday. "It's about several days during which shipping is suspended." The closures aim to prevent damage to the banks caused by the ship traffic.
10:20 Multiple Disruptions on Trains in South Germany
Several train lines in South Germany continue to be disrupted due to the flooding situation in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The Deutsche Bahn reports that four lines are currently affected: the section between Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich on the Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Donauwörth and Augsburg on the Nuremberg-Donauwörth-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Buchloe and Memmingen on the Munich-Memmingen-Lindau line, and the entire Ulm-Memmingen-Kempten line. This means that Munich is not accessible from the west and north. However, the railway still advises against traveling by train to South Germany. Delays and disruptions are also reported on the lines Munich-Nuremberg-Erfurt-Berlin, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm, Augsburg-Munich, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt(M), Munich-Lindau-Bregenz-Zurich, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, Augsburg-Kempten(Allgäu)-Oberstdorf, and Nuremberg-Würzburg.
10:06 Ongoing Search for Missing Firefighter
The search for a missing firefighter in Swabia, who disappeared during the flood, has resumed but will not take place in the floodwaters themselves, according to the police. The search team is too dangerous due to the current flow. The search will instead be conducted on land and from the air using drones and a helicopter. Rescuers fear that the 22-year-old has drowned, which would make him the fifth fatality associated with the floods. (See also entries at 09:38 and 06:22 a.m.)
09:38 Police Update: Missing Firefighter in Swabia Search ContinuesDespite earlier reports stating the suspension of the search for a lost firefighter in Swabia, police have since clarified that the search is ongoing. The 22-year-old firefighter disappeared during the flood and was part of a DLRG water rescue team near Offingen, a town on the border of Baden-Württemberg. The team's boat capsized in strong currents, leaving four rescue team members unharmed.
08:45 Regensburg Mayor Warns Against Flood TourismRegensburg's mayor, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, urges people not to visit the city for flood-watching purposes as it could hinder the work of emergency responders. Tourists have already flocked to the city, but locals are also on the move. The mayor emphasizes that it's crucial not to go on the bridges during this time, as helpers may be working there. The tense situation in the fourth largest city in Bavaria has deviated from earlier assessments, with dangerously high groundwater levels and unstable subsoil threatening to hinder evacuation efforts.
08:25 Passau Braces for Extreme FloodingPassau, located in Lower Bavaria, faces a grave situation with water levels exceeding expectations and the Danube reaching alarming 9.54 meters. The city had initially believed the peak would arrive in the afternoon, but the problem was exacerbated by the early surge of water.
07:48 The Bavarian Fire Brigade Association on Massive DeploymentThe Bavarian Fire Brigade Association confirms that never before have their services been called upon to such an extent. The organization mobilizes its 30,000 volunteer firefighters, working tirelessly to prevent further damage. They acknowledge the current state of control over the situation but are prepared for potential unexpected events. Special skills will be required for a long time due to issues like oil leaking from heating tanks.
07:28 Video: Possible Breaking of Dams and Protective WallsMassive water masses are causing dikes and other protective structures surrounding the Danube to buckle and possibly break through. The city center of Passau is already completely submerged, rendering it inaccessible.
06:55 Castle Erodes Among Record RainfallThe Burg Falkenstein in Upper Bavaria is suffering from ongoing rainfall, with parts of the castle sliding away. Evacuations have been carried out for 50 residents living below the castle. The structure, consisting of two parts - the primary castle Falkenstein around 1300 and the outer castle from the 15th and 16th centuries, has been a ruin since the 18th century. Its condition following the latest rainfall remains unclear.
06:22 No Longer Searching for Missing FirefighterThe search for a missing firefighter from a capsized rescue boat in Offingen, Swabia, has ceased, with authorities now believing it unlikely for him to be found alive. The rescue team was made up of five individuals aged between 24 and 70, and was responding to a flood-caused disturbance in the area. Three crew members managed to reach land safely, leaving the fate of one mysterious.
Note: Police later clarified their statement, assuring that they will continue with the search (see entry at 09:38 am).
06:03 Stations Indicate "Century-Rainfall"In several locations across southern Germany, century-rainfall levels have been reached, equating to the volume of rainfall seen just once in 50 to 100 years. Meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer emphasizes that while this is a remarkable occurrence, it's not entirely unprecedented. However, more comprehensive data must be double-checked to ensure its accuracy.
10:36 The Danube in Passau surpasses 9 metersThe water level of the Danube in Passau has surpassed 9 meters. The Flood Warning Service (HND) reports a water level of 9.27 meters at 3 am. On Monday evening, the gauge reading was noted as 8.83 meters. The HND anticipates the peak being reached at noon on Tuesday with 9.50 meters. As a result, the old town of Passau was closed to motorized traffic on Monday due to the flood. Starting from a gauge reading of 8.50 meters, inhabited areas begin to be flooded to a larger extent. This level was reached in Passau on Monday afternoon.
17:09 200 individuals in Regensburg urged to evacuateAs the flood situation in Regensburg worsens, approximately 200 people in the city's historic district have been instructed to relocate from their homes. "Due to the escalating groundwater levels, the foundations of Werftstraße are swelling, and it's anticipated that the flood protection infrastructure will no longer be capable of holding," the city of Regensburg states on its website. Therefore, disaster control has decided to evacuate the entire street.
15:52 Relaxation in the Rosenheim district's flood situationThe flood situation slightly relieves in the Rosenheim district. This information comes from the district. Therefore, the schools and kindergartens in the affected areas are to remain closed on Tuesday. Raubling and Rohrdorf underwent evacuations. At first, the number of individuals impacted was indeterminate. The district had previously declared a state of emergency. Nearly 1,000 emergency personnel from the fire department and the Technical Relief Organization were present on-site, the district clarifies further. According to a message from the German Meteorological Service, less rain is forecast for Bavaria throughout the evening on Tuesday.
14:12 The German Meteorological Service withdraws all weather warningsThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) has retired all weather warnings for Germany. The DWD confirms this. Prolonged rainfall was responsible for the marked increase in the water levels of streams and rivers, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, over the past few days. Several communities were inundated, even after dams had given way. At least four individuals have lost their lives in the flood. The situation remained tense in some areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Monday.
12:00 Lowering water levels in the southwestThe water levels are decreasing at the majority of rivers and creeks in the southwest. The flood forecasting center asserts this. However, the large rivers like the Danube and the Rhine continue to show rising gauge readings. A spokeswoman surmises that there won't be any critical values that are surpassed. The Danube from Pegel Hundersingen in the Sigmaringen district downstream, as well as Lake Constance, the Upper Rhine, and the High Rhine, currently have increasing water levels. The peak value of 8.29 meters at the Pegel Maxau near Karlsruhe will not be exceeded again. The Neckar displays a downward trend.
22:53 Landkreis Rosenheim urges residents to shelter indoors with a sense of urgencyThe Landkreis Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria urges inhabitants to remain at home due to the flood. "There is a significant risk to life and limb," remarks a statement from the authority. Individuals should steer clear of open waters and avoid obstructing emergency responders. On Tuesday, schools in several cities will be shut down: in Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach. The State Education Authority Rosenheim will inform the affected schools. Kindergartens in these towns should also be closed.
21:47 Landkreis Rosenheim: Collapse of Burg Falkenstein's parts in FlintsbachIn Flintsbach, part of Burg Falkenstein has crumbled due to excessive rain. The Rosenheim district administration reports this. The residents below the castle need to be evacuated, nearly 50 individuals in total.
20:53 Cleaning up: The largest camping site in Germany must be clearedThe Wesel camping grounds, Großer Gravwieser, have to be cleared within 24 hours due to the flood situation. The operators of the Grav-Island announce this. The steadily rising water levels in the vicinity's rivers and bodies of water are the cause. The Grav-Island is the biggest camping facility in Germany with 5,000 inhabitants.
20:15 Rescue: Regensburg's Werftstraße to be evacuatedThe historic district's Werftstraße in Regensburg is set to be evacuated, as the city of Regensburg reports. The street is adjacent to the Danube, and the soil of the district is weakening progressively due to the increasing groundwater levels. The installed flood protection systems could suffer damage and the street could be submerged. Approximately 200 people are scheduled for evacuation beginning at 9 pm.
Past updates are available here.
Read also:
- After being rescued from the tree, the woman in the flood-hit area of Bavaria provided updates through a live ticker, sharing her experiences and emotions during her 52-hour ordeal.
- The International Red Cross has sent additional support teams to the flood-stricken regions in both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, aiding in the relief efforts and providing assistance to the affected citizens.
- As flood levels continue to rise in the International Danube River Basin, an emergency meeting is being convened by the United Nations Committee on Food Security to discuss potential food shortages and supply chain disruptions in the affected countries, with a particular focus on Poland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
