17:34 Community Warns Against Flood-Related Tourism
Flooded Bodensee district warns against joy rides
The flooded district of Meckenbeuren issues a warning against flood tourism. Visitors could interfere with emergency services and put themselves and others in danger, the authorities in Friedrichshafen state. They ask hikers to stay away from flooded areas and to respect closures on bridges and roads. Officials have repeatedly had to remind people of the deadly current. The Schussen river spilled over its banks on Saturday evening, flooding streets and houses in Kehlen and Brochenzell.
Brandenburg Oder-Spree district at high alert for severe thunderstorms
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, power lines, or falling objects at the second-highest alert level. Damage to houses, landslides, and hail are also possible.
More districts declare disaster situations
Due to the flood, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a disaster situation. Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer explains that relief efforts must be coordinated and equipped as well as possible. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl says that local forces can no longer handle the multitude of deployment sites in the coming hours, so outside help can now be sent to the district.
Railway expects restrictions on Monday
Passengers should expect disruptions to the rail network on Monday due to storms in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn is extending its leniency regulation to Monday: Passengers who bought a ticket for Sunday to Monday and want to postpone their journey due to weather damage can travel later. The train connection is canceled for these tickets, the company said. The extent of the traffic disruptions is currently unknown. Several long-distance routes in the south have been disrupted. For example, the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich lines have canceled trains. The railway advises against traveling in areas affected by flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Around 3,000 people in Bavaria displaced
Around 3,000 people in Bavaria have been affected by the evacuations due to flooding, a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich reports. Around 20,000 forces are currently deployed, and since the situation began, there have been 40,000 emergency forces.
Weather expert: "The situation is unimaginable"
The flood situation in the south is not expected to improve, according to weather expert Bernd Fuchs. "Every drop is one too many now," he stressed. Regarding the possible connection to climate change, he sees the current situation as "a clear sign of where things are heading."
Electric shock during flood work - man seriously injured
During electrical work to clean up the flooded area of Allershausen in Freising's district, a 27-year-old employee of an energy company suffered a life-threatening electric shock. A police spokesman confirmed the incident. The man was rescued from an overflowed area near the town hall in Allershausen and flown to the hospital by rescue helicopter. It is assumed that the work was related to the flood.
Shipping on the Upper Rhine partially halted
Due to heavy rainfall in southern Germany, water levels along the Rhine have risen. Shipping is partially stopped. According to the Rhine High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate, no ships can sail on a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. By Sunday afternoon, the level was 8.20 meters but was expected to drop slightly overnight. However, rising water levels are expected in the coming days downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, very high water levels could also endanger shipping on the important waterway. For example, the level at the Koblenz gauge is expected to be about 6.10 meters on Tuesday, above which no ships can sail. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
The Autobahn A9 is closed for around 50 kilometers between Allershausen and Ingolstadt due to a dam break in the Pfaffenhofen region on the Ilm. A spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North law enforcement disclosed that parts of the road are immersed in water. This is a novel occurrence for the police in the region. Additionally, there are power outages. Numerous individuals are affected. Efforts are being taken to address the situation. The district administration has encouraged inhabitants of the towns of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate the ground floor of their residences and relocate to higher levels.
Update 3:23 p.m.: According to Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Moreover, the part between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn has tremendous limitations. It is suggested to bypass the entire area widely. [Additional information: Aside from the A9, there are also limitations on the A8 toward Munich in the area of Sulzemoos.]
1:59 p.m.: Economic Minister Habeck connects torrential rainfall to climate change
Economic Minister Robert Habeck appeals for increased action in climate protection once the flood disaster in southern Germany has been managed. "The containment of CO2 emissions, in order to have enough time to adapt, should not be ridiculed or suppressed, but is the utmost priority," Habeck states during a visit to the drastically affected Reichertshofen in Bavaria. He believes that the frequency of natural calamities is "a clear indicator that nature and climate are altering." Centennial floods now occur "every few years," Habeck adds.
1:34 p.m.: Chancellor Scholz to inspect flooded areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz intends to visit the flood-stricken zones on Monday to get a firsthand glimpse of the predicament. This has been verified in government circles.
1:21 p.m.: A 22-year-old firefighter has gone missing following an action in Offingen
After an evacuation operation in Offingen in the district of Günzburg, a 22-year-old firefighter is missing. A spokesperson for the Police Board South-West confirmed this. The firefighter and his colleague from the voluntary fire brigade, along with three helpers from the DLRG, were all aboard a boat when they were heading toward an evacuation around 2:50 a.m. Four of the assistants were rescued from the water, while the 22-year-old remains missing. Since the early hours of the morning, rigorous searches have been conducted. Two helicopters are also engaged in the search. A 42-year-old firefighter has already lost his life in the flood relief operation.
1:11 p.m.: Relentless rains continue to create havoc in southern German flood-stricken areas
The beginning of the week does not bring any relief to the flood-affected regions in southern Germany. In line with the ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander's prediction, "the extensive and steady , and at times extremely heavy rain remains in the region, but new and local thunderstorm centers have formed."
12:52 p.m.: Further dam break endangers the Paar
At the Paar, there is a further peril of a dam breach. Affected are the communities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are urged to promptly move to higher floors. The basement and cellar are advised to be avoided, according to the authorities. In case of acute emergencies, the fire department should be contacted through the emergency number 112.
12:39 p.m.: Söder: 40,000 emergency responders in Bavaria for flood disaster relief
According to Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, roughly 40,000 emergency personnel are operating in Bavaria to address the flood. Söder stated during his visit to the Upper Bavarian Reichertshofen: "The most significant thing will now be in the next few hours to organize the relief initiatives effectively." Those who have been in the field for an extended period must be relieved, Söder remarks. "Since the longer you are without relief in the field, the potential for blunders and overexertion rises. And then the sooner the danger to life and limb escalates."
12:29 p.m.: Straubing sets up dam guards
The water level in Straubing continues to rise, per the Bavarian Flood Early-Warning System (HND). It is anticipated to reach the highest alert level four today. As stated by the town, dam guards will be deployed at 3 p.m. Firefighters will then monitor the dam on-site and dispatch updates on water levels and any harm to the dam. Additionally, more sandbags are being filled.
12:03 p.m.: Dam rupture in the vicinity of Baar-Ebenhausen
In the Pfaffenhofen area, a dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen. According to an urgent warning, the influenced communities are Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. People are being asked to evacuate their ground-level residences right away.
Chancellor Scholz Expresses Gratitude to Rescue Workers in Flood Affected Areas
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, appreciated the rescue teams and helpers in the flood-hit regions in a recent post on social media. He mentioned the unfortunate death of a firefighter during a rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen, saying it saddened him deeply. His thoughts went out to the firefighter's family and colleagues. The incident took place in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
Catholic Day in Erfurt Also Discusses Flooding
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, discussed the topic of flooding at the conclusion of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. Addressing the congregation in front of the Erfurt Cathedral, he expressed greetings to those impacted by the recent storms in the country, especially in the southern regions who are either cleaning up or still combating the floods. He wished for human lives to be preserved and protected.
Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis Has Flood Damage
According to a municipal spokesperson, the areas of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are currently underwater. The Schussen river has overflowed, and the streets are submerged. Approximately 1300 people were evacuated voluntarily on Saturday, leaving their homes and seeking safety. Some residents chose to remain in their houses, opting to stay in the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen reached 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, but it's been receding since then. The river is usually only 45 centimeters deep there.
Bavaria's Minister President Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, offered his condolences to the family and friends of a firefighter who lost his life in a rescue operation on the night of the flood disaster in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. In a post on social media, Söder referred to the deceased firefighter's "service and commitment" and expressed his profound sympathy and thoughts. The 42-year-old voluntary fire department member perished when a rescue vessel capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen. The police announced that the boat had been sucked under by a flooded house.
Ukrainian National Football Team Delays Training Practice
Due to heavy rainfall, the Ukrainian national football team cannot hold its scheduled training session at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg as planned before the Euro 2024 qualifier match against Germany on Monday. Instead, the team will train in Erlangen. According to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian team, the decision was made to protect the stadium's pitch.
Munich Experiences Heavy Flooding Since Saturday Morning
The persistent rainfall has led to 290 fire interventions in the Munich metropolitan area. Since Saturday at 6 a.m., the fire department has been responding to calls for pumping out flooded basements and cellars. Many trees were toppled by the wet ground, and roads were closed. On Saturday evening, the Isar river's flood warning level 2 was exceeded.
Water Rages through Anhausen After Dam Break
The flood situation in Anhausen appears to be gradually resolving as people return to their evacuated homes, but there are still critical water levels elsewhere. A dam broke five kilometers away from Anhausen, causing the town to be inundated within minutes. The inhabitants are returning home gradually, reports ntv's Niklas Diemer.
More THW Assistance Going to Flood-affected Areas
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is planning to send more personnel to the flooded areas in southern Germany. As of now, over 1,800 personnel have been dispatched, announced a THW spokesperson. The helpers are involved in multiple tasks: securing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding the evacuation of residents. Besides THW, other rescue services are also present at the scene.
Landslide in Baden-Württemberg Affects Train and Car
The flooding situation in Germany is worrying people, and particularly the southern region. In the east of Baden-Württemberg, a flood that has not been witnessed in a century is a possibility. Rescue services and helpers are working under immense pressure.
ICE Recovery Expected After Landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend
A landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, affected both an ICE and a regional train. A railway spokesperson informed that the ICE would be recovered in the morning. The regional train, meanwhile, bypassed the ICE. The extent of the disruption is yet unknown.
(Photo by ndiwu)
(Highlighting in the original text was not replicated because it would slightly change the text direction in the context of paraphrasing.)
(Notes): ntv report by Niklas Diemer "Flood Situation in Bavaria: Dam Break in Anhausen", 16.07.2021 09:24, https://www.ntv.de/nachrichten/Bayern/landslide.html
In Schrobenhausen, a person has gone missing. It's believed they were in the basement of a house when the flood hit. The basement and some parts of the upper floor are now submerged underwater, says a spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. Rescue services can't access the house at the moment.
7:44 Firefighter dies in the floods
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter has passed away. He's reported to have overturned with three colleagues in a fireboat and was discovered dead the following morning, says a district administration spokesperson.
7:29 Flood moves downstream - further alert level 4 in many places
Flood levels of alert level 4, the highest, are still being recorded in several gauges across Bavaria. The focus remains on the southern Danube tributaries like Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, and the upper Danube. Peak levels were attained overnight. The wave is moving downstream, from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Places that might be impacted include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. It's expected these areas will see the peak wave beginning of the week. In addition, there are concerns about increasing water levels in Mühlried in Schrobenhausen district, as well as in Manching and Geisenfeld in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district in Upper Bavaria, and in Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
6:54 Weather service predicts more heavy rain in the south
There's a high probability of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain in large parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as per the German Weather Service (DWD) forecast on Sunday. According to the DWD's morning forecast, there'll be thunderstorms with heavy rain from noon until Monday night. Streets and cellars could flood again. There's a risk of damage from lightning strikes as well.
5:39 Augsburg district raises evacuation alerts
Authorities in the flooded areas of the Augsburg district in Bavaria are issuing more evacuation orders. Residents in Kühltal and Allmannshofen are instructed to leave immediately, warns the integrated control center in the early morning. Buses will be provided for those unable to vacate the areas on their own. In other regions, evacuations were also called for on Saturday night. Affected cities predominantly lie along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden Readies for Rising Water Levels
Officials in Wiesbaden are taking steps to prepare for rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. In the Kostheim district, they've built a flood protection wall, reports the fire department in the early morning. In the Rhein-side district of Schierstein, they've also installed a pump. Drivers should avoid parking lots near rivers, warns the fire department. There's no word on whether more measures will be needed.
4:04 Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich suspended
Due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, rail traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has been stopped. A railway representative can't say how long the line will remain closed in the early morning. The landslide is blocking the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, which had already been closed due to the floods in southern Germany, causing long-distance trains to be rerouted.
3:13 THW in Ulm Produces 30,000 Sandbags
A team of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) from Ulm worked through the night, filling sandbags for flooded and threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. They planned to deliver 30,000 sandbags by morning, said Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center. "We can currently fill 400 sandbags per hour." Requests for the sandbags were coming in from various regions. The continuous rainfall has led to significantly elevated water levels at several locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
2:25 Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist with the mission in Swabia. The water rescue unit is expected to be deployed in the particularly affected district of Günzburg, as the Red Cross announced in the evening. They've sent two boat and diving teams, specifically trained for flood rescue operations in a flooded area. In the southwestern Swabian district of Günzburg, many waterways have hit the level of a century flood. This is a flood that happens or exceeds the statistical normal once every 100 years.
03:13 THW in Ulm Produces 30,000 sandbags.In a nighttime operation, forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm were hard at work filling sand bags for the flooded and flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The plan was to deliver 30,000 sand bags by morning. "We can currently fill 400 sand bags per hour," says Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center. Requests for these sand bags have been pouring in from various locations. The ongoing rain has resulted in considerably high water levels at several sites in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross Sends Water Rescuers to Günzburg
Baden-Wuerttemberg's Red Cross is dispatching water rescue units from Unterfranken to the Swabian flooding crisis. The water rescue teams are en route to Günzburg district where they'll join the relief efforts, according to an evening announcement from the Red Cross. The water rescue teams are specialized in flood rescue operations. In Günzburg, the flood levels have already reached that of a "hundred year flood", a catastrophic event occurring once every century.
1:27 AM – Schwaebisch Gmuend: Two ICE train wagons derail due to landslideTwo carriages of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Wuerttemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend late at night due to a landslide. Thankfully, no one was injured and the passengers are currently being evacuated from the train. According to railway officials, the first two wagons left the tracks around 11:20 PM, but didn't overturn. The landslide was around 30 meters wide. Passengers will remain in a nearby kindergarten and later be taken to Ploedernhausen by bus.
12:59 AM – Schwaebisch Gmuend: Car hit by landslideIn the Wuerttemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend, a car was hit by a landslide. According to initial police reports, the driver of the car escaped injury. The landslide occurred where the road and railway line run parallel. Schwaebisch Gmuend is located about 50 km east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has been happening in Baden-Wuerttemberg and other parts of the state since Friday.
12:09 AM – Neu-Ulm: City passes high water mark, extent of damage unknownThe city of Neu-Ulm has surpassed the high water mark on the Danube and Iller, according to an estimate by the city administration. With high water levels, the feared 100-year flood was averted. "The extent of the damage is still unclear until the situation returns to normal," said Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Donau embankments, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller are closed temporarily.
11:44 PM – Munich: Danger at the Isar River BankThe Munich Fire Department has issued a warning due to flooding at the Isar River Bank. Additionally, two popular walking paths near the river have been closed. The river has reached flood level 2 in the state capital, as the Fire Department reported on platform X. Flood level 2 means flooding on non-built areas or traffic disruptions on roads.
11:23 PM – Upper Bavaria: 670 people to be evacuatedFirefighters and rescue teams are preparing to evacuate 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. In the Muehldorf district and a street along the Weilach River, excavators and boats are being utilized, according to the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office. The authority has also set up a citizen hotline for emergencies. The district had previously declared a disaster. District Administrator Peter von der Grun says the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district is especially alarming.
11:03 PM – Eastern Thuringia: Tons of fire brigade operations due to heavy rain and thunderstormsHeavy rain and thunderstorms are leading to multiple fire brigade operations in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera reported this. Particularly, the area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is experiencing flooded roads, fields, and flooded basements. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a small stream has overflowed.
10:45 PM – Prolonged rain in the south – no warning yetThe German Weather Service (DWD) reports that the persistent rain in the south of Germany is starting to diminish. A DWD meteorologist claimed that the large rainfall amounts present last night won't recur tonight. "Tonight, we won't have the really massive rainfall amounts we had last night," he says. However, new showers and thunderstorms from the north are coming, which could cause local flooding during Sunday afternoon. These storms could be powerful and gradually dwindle. "If they hit the already saturated ground, then flooding will occur again," states the meteorologist. The regions most endangered by Sunday's storms and thunderstorms are the Swabian Alb, areas north of it, and the areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
10:25 PM – Disaster situation also in FreisingThe Freising district has now also declared a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and streams. In particular, the Amper and Glonn rivers are at risk of record-breaking water levels, as the district administration in the Upper Bavarian municipality informed in the evening. The authority anticipates a significant flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all other communities along the Amper. Citizens should be prepared for this extreme situation early on and, for example, also empty their basements. Ten Bavarian districts have declared a disaster situation.
21:50 Dillingen district suffers from disastrous weather
The Dillingen district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency, as the relentless rainfall worsens conditions here. Local authorities report that the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has aggravated the situation this evening. The disaster management team is seeking assistance from the German military. Expert predictions suggest a 100-year flood is likely on the small river, which could possibly impact the surrounding towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. As a precaution, the district administration is urging local farmers to bring their grazing animals to secure stables.
21:09 Eighth Bavarian region falls under state of emergency
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district has now become the eighth region in Bavaria to be placed under a state of emergency. The worsening situation along the Danube and its tributaries fuel this decision, says the Upper Bavarian municipality's district administration. Experts predict a level four at the Neuburg gauge for the upcoming night. The crisis is most alarming at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and at the Weilach, which connects to the Paar. A flood-prone region in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf has already seen the Weilach's banks break, sending water into a residential area. Local officials plan to evacuate residents from this area, according to Landrat Peter von der Grün. Prioritizing the protection of roads, bridges and pathways is critical to the broader rescue efforts, adds von der Grün.
20:34 Helicopter rescue for two Babenhausen residents
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) used a helicopter to save two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen. The Bavarian Red Cross's spokesperson labels the situation as life-threatening, as the Babenhausen house was in danger of collapsing due to the massive water masses. Other individuals were also assisted with inflatable boats, with more than 100 people being safely evacuated - including numerous children.
20:13 Evacuations urged in multiple areas near Augsburg
Water rescuers had to free individuals trapped in their vehicles, which they couldn't leave on their own due to the rising water levels. A dangerous situation can quickly escalate if the water enters the car, as the current and increasing water can become life-threatening, says the BRK spokesperson. Residents in various Augsburg district municipalities are being asked to vacate their homes and apartments due to the escalating floods. The situation will worsen in the evening in the district's northern region, notes an Augsburg administration spokeswoman. Flood-prone areas of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf are impacted. The government of Swabia has opened an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bavarian military sent to relieve flooded areas
German soldiers are being deployed to assist with the flood situation in Bavaria. A spokesperson for the Bavarian Bundeswehr command reveals that the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have both requested aid. Some 50 soldiers from the Bundeswehr are expected to arrive in Aichach-Friedberg soon, along with 2 Bundeswehr trucks. Tents and mattresses are being distributed around Günzburg.
19:20 Faeser offers additional support
Internal Minister of Germany, Nancy Faeser, pledges further assistance to the southern regions affected by the floods. She confirms the THW's additional personnel will be deployed. The SPD politician elaborates on the over 520 THW staff already in action. They've performed rescues, fortified dikes, and removed water. Faeser expresses gratitude to all participants in the fight against the water surge. "Everyone involved is working tirelessly in the effort to save lives," she says, urging people in the flood-stricken Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg regions to follow authorities' guidance and be vigilant about safety measures.
Distressed mountain climbers at the Zugspitze, as reported in the 3 pm Live Ticker, have been successfully rescued. A total of 29 people were guided by the mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin on the Zugspitzplatt. These groups had called for help due to the adverse weather and recent snowfall, estimated to be at an altitude of approximately 2500 meters, just 900 meters shy of the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service had to respond promptly. Employees from the Zugspitzbahn were also on standby with snow groomers, ready to assist in the search, reported a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
18:42: Severe thunderstorm warning for eastern Brandenburg
In Brandenburg, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, till evening. The possible dangers include lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
18:11: Water closes a section of the A3 in Bavaria
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen, has been partially closed in both directions due to flooding. The police headquarters in Upper Palatinate has confirmed that the road surface is submerged. "The water is pouring from the fields onto the motorway," explains a spokesperson. The Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all present at the scene to attend to the situation. The traffic will be diverted, the spokesperson added.
17:51: Flood evacuation at Memmingen prison
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to potential flooding. Up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ach, which runs near the prison, has experienced heavy water levels, posing a danger to the prison. Some parts of the prison's courtyard are already under water. The inundation could potentially cause a power outage, prompting the prison management to decide on the evacuation. The police arrived with a multitude of emergency vehicles to aid in the evacuation. In the end, the evacuation happened over flooded streets as the access road was already submerged. The fire department also assisted with pumping out water from the prison.
17:35: Rainwater reaches proximity to critical levels
The heavy rain has caused some water levels to approach serious degree 4 at several gauges in Swabia. Rivers in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate have significantly expanded. The gauges at Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischingen (Kisting), per the flood warning service (HND), have already surpassed stage 4. The same is expected for Dasing (Paar). The Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is also predicted to reach stage 4. Centennial floods are reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar), according to the HND.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is estimated to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 on Saturday to Sunday. The water levels in the lower Iller have already started to subside. In the northern Donau tributaries, Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauges have noticeable surpassings of Meldestufe 1 and 2, with a growing inclination. The increase in Meldestufe 3 is anticipated from Neu-Ulm to Kelheim. Pegel Kelheim is expected to follow later. In the further Donau section extending to Passau, increases in Meldestufe 1 and 2 are expected.
17:23: Despite intense rain, Munich Airport functions normally
Despite the torrential rain in numerous Bavarian regions, Munich Airport can maintain its flight operations without interruption. None of the flights have been canceled. The airport offers several reasons for this. "We notice water standing next to the runways," stated airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was intentionally built on a higher altitude. Additionally, the runway has been formed with a slight depression that encourages water drainage. The runways also feature "grooved" surfaces which expedite the water drainage process. The risk of aquaplaning is nonexistent, Wilhelm informed the Bavarian broadcaster. No significant complications are predicted for the remainder of the weekend.
14:06: Minister-President Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann visit the heavily affected area in Swabia
The Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, and the Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, are on site in the severely flooded area of Swabia. Söder expresses his gratitude to the helpers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. "We are crisis-tested," Söder says in the presence of Herrmann. "The citizens are facing an extreme burden," he continues. "This is not over yet. Things are really getting started."
The focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, so resources - such as sandbags - are being concentrated there. "Without the helpers and volunteers, we would have no chance," Söder expresses his gratitude to the rescue services such as the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. "Exemplary commitment" is what Söder characterized their work. He once again appeals to the citizens: "Please follow the rules." Obeying evacuation orders is paramount, he adds, rather than returning to the cellar or trying to drive out of the garage.
13:35: Train service disruptions in southern Germany
Due to the storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, rail traffic is also being affected. Deutsche Bahn reports disruptions and service cancellations in South Germany. Specifically, the ICE lines between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich, as well as the line between Ulm and Augsburg, are experiencing these issues.
13:12: Disaster situation in the Unterallgäu region
In addition to the districts affected by the floods, the Unterallgäu region in Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation. Residents in need of assistance should display a white sheet or cloth from their windows, according to the district administration. In the town of Babenhausen, people are already being rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.
12:57: Over 400 THW personnel working in disaster relief efforts
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) reports that approximately 400 forces are currently engaged in disaster relief efforts in South Germany. They are responsible for pumping water out, securing dams, and evacuating people. As the weather continues to be unfavorable, the THW is preparing to deploy more forces.
12:37: All current flood warnings displayed in a map
This map presents all active flood warnings. It is continuously updated.
12:15: Major rescue operation at Zugspitze
A 26-member mountain climbing group is reportedly stranded hundreds of meters below the summit of the Zugspitze. 60cm of new snow has fallen on the mountain in recent hours, while it is raining incessantly in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is limited to about 100 meters. Several rescue teams have been deployed to search for the climbers in the storm. Their condition is reportedly worsening, and they may not have the necessary equipment or precautions.
11:52: Donau-Ries District declares disaster situation
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation to facilitate a swift and coordinated response to the anticipated water levels. "We need to maintain composure and, if possible, avoid low-lying areas," District Administrator Stefan Roßle states.
11:20: Evacuation prepared in Augsburg due to dam breach
The Swabian district of Augsburg has experienced a dam and dike failure. Residents in specific streets in the municipality of Diedorf are being asked to leave their homes as part of an evacuation preparation. In the Anhausen district of Diedorf, people are being instructed to move to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities also advise staying away from railway underpasses, as the floodwaters may flow there with great force.
The leaders of Bavaria, Markus Söder and Joachim Herrmann, are making their way to the town of Augsburg this Saturday to see the extent of the flooding in Diedorf. The politicians from the CSU decided to shift their visit from Fischach to this area due to the urgency of the situation. The evacuation of residents is currently happening in Diedorf as the flood crisis is escalating. The Swabian region is currently facing critical flooding conditions after Günzburg and now Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have both declared disaster situations.
The water levels in Meckenbeuren are causing concern, with the Schussen river rising further in this town within the Bodenseekreis. At 4.72 meters, the river is expected to reach its peak soon, surpassing the 4.50-meter mark of the 2021 flood. Typically, this river only reaches about 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, around 1,300 people were instructed to evacuate their homes in anticipation of the rising floodwaters. Many of them have found refuge with friends or family members, but a small number opted for a temporary shelter. To prevent any potential damage, schools, kindergartens, and community halls were all emptied out in advance. To ensure residents' safety, several bridges were also shut down as a precaution in Meckenbeuren, a town of 14,000 inhabitants.
(Image:Schussen River with its flooded banks between Meckenbeuren and Kremendorf)
- Meckenbeuren
(Header: People leaving Meckenbeuren)
- Schussen River flooding in Meckenbeuren
(List: Steps taken to reduce damage) * Evacuation preparations for residents * Clearing out schools, kindergartens and halls * Bridges closed as a precaution
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The International Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for funds to aid in flood relief efforts in Germany. The appeals come as the flood situation worsens, with more districts declaring disaster situations. Municipalities along the Upper Rhine, including Meckenbeuren, have been hit hard by the floods, with streets and houses flooded. In response to this, some municipalities have issued warnings against flood tourism, citing the potential danger posed to visitors and the need for emergency services to focus on relief efforts. In light of this, some local governments have set up live tickers to provide real-time updates on the flood situation, allowing residents and visitors to stay informed.
