19:32: Combating Floating Debris in Lake Constance's Ports
The aftermath of the flood catastrophe affects ports near Lake Constance. Large amounts of driftwood are being swept towards the shore. Branches and whole trees lie on the water's surface, spread out like a brown rug. This situation poses a major issue for the ports. In Kressbronn (Bodenseekreis), a yacht harbor has laid out oil booms to prevent the drifting wood from entering the harbor basin. Despite having previous experience with a lot of driftwood, the harbor team states that the amount of washed-up wood is greater this time around.
Donau water levels in Kelheim and Neustadt are still rising. The district administration anticipates that the highest water level will be reached on Wednesday. The Donau's water level is also observing an increase in Neustadt, with peak occurrence expected in the evening. No significant increase in Abens water levels is currently predicted according to the district administration. The Abens water levels in Mainburg and Abensberg have descended below the warning level 1. While there's no prediction of a significant rise in Abens water levels for the next few days.
Rems-Murr-Kreis has lifted the disaster alert. Authorities state that the high water issue has improved within the district. With the preliminary stage of the disaster alert, deployment of helpers and disaster control helpers was prioritized. Now, retention basins are slowly being drained and controlled.
Lauffen is dealing with a dirty inner city flooding. A mixture of human waste, oil, medication residues, and other dirt is flooding Lauffen am Neckar's (District of Heilbronn) inner city, fields, and a playground. This pollution has its origin from the sewage system. Both the sewer and the sewage treatment plant are overloaded due to the extreme high water situation.
Austria has shut down the Donau for shipping. The entire Donau course in Austria is closed, as reported by the state waterway authority "via donau". "At a certain water level, safety is no longer guaranteed," explains Christoph Caspar, spokesperson for "via donau". The duration of this measure relies on additional rainfall and water volumes of the tributaries. The Donau stretches through Austria for 350 kilometers, from Passau on the Bavarian border to Slovakian main and border city, Bratislava. Some cruise ships must dock in Linz where the Donau overflows its banks. Road closures have also been implemented. In Schärding, located on the Donau's tributary Inn, the flood protection is being enhanced to avoid severe flooding.
A 32-year-old woman in Bavaria has been rescued from a tree after being stranded for more than 52 hours. Police in Kempten located the woman in Silberwald, Neu-Ulm, using a drone. She had been missing since Sunday.
A tense flood situation is experienced in Regensburg. Regensburg's mayor voices concern, highlighting the potential danger of the security measures developed for the area. She describes the Donauinseln's ground as "really wet," "wet, swampy," and "like a wobbly pudding." The worry lies in whether these protective measures will be held by the anchors. Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder acknowledges the city's 'experience, professionalism, preparation' for flood protection. Although the groundwater is pushing against the anchors, making them "wobbly."
Grimma takes protective measures against flooding. Just before the completion of the renovated old town, Grimma underwent a disaster related to floodwater. To prevent the city in Saxony from being devastated by floodwaters once more, various security measures are being taken. One of these measures is a huge concrete wall extending deep into the ground. In 2002, Grimma was severely damaged during a historical flood.
P.S. Here's the title: "Paraphrased News: Incidents in Germany Due to Flooding"
16:17 Rhine flood situation improving: The Rhine flood situation in Rhineland-Palatinate is becoming less severe. Although the water levels are still rising in some areas, particularly along the Middle Rhine and the Upper Rhine, the Rhineland-Palatinate Flood Forecasting Center of the State Environment Office believes they will peak tonight and tomorrow. Afterwards, the water levels are predicted to decline. At the Maxau point, the water level is expected to climb until tomorrow. However, at Mannheim, it is anticipated to fall again. At Worms, the highest level has already been reached, whereas at Mainz it should reach its peak tomorrow night. At Pegel Kaub, the highest level is predicted to occur tomorrow night. In Koblenz, the flood barrier measures are still in place for now, as per the city’s reports. The Mosel point has slightly decreased. The Flood Forecasting Center forecasts that the Pegel Koblenz won’t attain its peak until tomorrow morning. It is projected to be only slightly over a two-year flood, reaching heights of between 570 and 590 centimeters.
15:52 Donau in Passau back under nine-meter mark: After reaching a ten-meter mark in the Donau peg in Passau at noon, it has reduced once more. At 3:00 pm, the level stands at 9.93 meters. Earlier, Passau and some other districts had declared a catastrophe situation as a result of the deteriorating flood situation. Similar measures were taken by Regensburg and other regions. This allowed for more efficient coordination of emergency operations.
15:26 Heavy rainfall: Flood advisory in southern Poland
Heavy rainfall in Poland has led to several areas within Bielsko-Biala, Silesia, being flooded. The city’s mayor issued a flood warning, as reported by the PAP news agency. The fire department has already carried out around 700 interventions since early morning. Many basements and properties have been inundated. Two rail tracks at the local railway station are blocked by the water, leading to trains needing to be diverted to other tracks, some of which are now non-operational. The city archive and the bus depot of the municipal transport company are also affected by the flooding. The website "Onet.pl" shares video recordings of flooded streets, traffic circles, and a bridge. The regions' rivers are witnessing rising water levels, and the regional crisis center has sound the alarm status at five locations. Polishemeteo, the state meteorological agency, predicts additional heavy rainfall for the remainder of the day.
14:59 Diverging statistics: Interior Ministry reports several missing in Bavaria's flood zone
Several individuals are missing in the flood-stricken parts of Bavaria. An Interior Ministry spokesperson in Munich states that the number of missing persons fluctuated overnight, from seven in the morning, then five in the afternoon, and then six in the early evening. Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) had stated earlier in the day that there were around seven missing people in the state. "The situation is unstable," comments the Interior Ministry spokesperson. Thewhereabouts of some individuals might be unclear because people might have reported their disappearance locally but their information has not yet reached the situation center in Munich. "The real numbers aren't very precise," states the spokesperson. In addition to the missing people, a firefighter in Swabia is also missing. The 22-year-old was in Offingen with other rescue teams in a boat when it capsized. The others managed to save themselves.
14:45 Söder: Bavaria's flood situation remains "serious and critical": Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) maintains that the flood situation in Bavaria remains "serious and critical." In Regensburg and Passau, the highest Danube levels are still anticipated, says the CSU leader following a cabinet meeting in Munich. "We stay focused." In the last few days, over 60,000 people have been engaged in the flood response in Bavaria, reveals Söder. Over 6600 evacuations have been necessary to date. The cabinet held a moment of silence for the three known lives lost due to the floods. Söder also mentions "up to seven missing persons, potentially with the number still increasing." The state government is in touch with the affected individuals. "Their suffering is also our suffering." Now, officials are hoping that the next two days will be handled well in terms of the flood situation.
The Baden-Württemberg government is well-prepared for the impending floods in certain areas of the state as a result of heavy rainfall over the weekend. "We've been preparing for this for a long while and have been actively taking measures for a considerable period of time," says Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minister, Winfried Kretschmann, to reporters in Stuttgart. "We're not reacting to this incident at all since we've been reacting for a long time," he further comments. The quick response from emergency services has averted a major catastrophe, such as the collapse of a power plant. However, Kretschmann emphasizes the need for a general natural disaster liability insurance. "There's no other way," he says. Yet, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann opposes implementation. Baden-Württemberg's Environmental Minister Thekla Walker emphasises the significance of regular checks of existing safety measures. "We cannot afford to be lax about it," she says. Tragically, two deaths have been reported in Baden-Württemberg.
At 13:57, the water level on the Danube in Passau, Lower Bavaria, stands at ten meters, prompting the city to declare a state of disaster. According to the flood warning service (HND), the peak of the Inn river is expected to reach Passau. The city expects a water level above seven meters due to the heavy rain on Monday. Several streets and squares in Passau have already been closed by the flood, with school lessons being canceled. Bus transportation has been disrupted, and connections to the old city completely halted. The old and inner city are primarily impacted. The city cautions the public strongly against entering flooded areas. All flood-affected areas are to be avoided. The convergence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers in Passau has exacerbated the flood situation in Bavaria.
At 13:13, a woman swam in the flooded pedestrian underpass in the Lower Bavarian town of Deggendorf. The fire department found her wearing a bathing suit while performing a patrol on Monday evening and removed her from the water. City fire inspector Tim Rothenwehr cautions that people are no longer adhering to regulations and are trying to capture selfies in the flood, which is now considered typical behavior. Rothenwehr has not encountered a case as bizarre as this swimmer's. The city requests that citizens adhere to the bathing ban in flooded regions and appeals for "patience." Deggendorf's swimming season commences on Thursday.
In regard to the floods in South Germany, Jörg Asmussen, the managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV), estimates that they would be a significant financial burden for the industry. "The images from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg suggest a catastrophe," says Asmussen. "Our companies are already receiving numerous damage reports." It's too early for a precise estimate of the damage. Asmussen asserts, "We can only provide a forecast once the water levels have subsided entirely." The 200-million-euro flood damage from Saarland on Whit Sunday offers a potential clue. The expense of the floods for Bavaria and Lake Constance, according to Asmussen, depends on how many houses are insured against natural disasters. Only 47 percent of properties in Bavaria and 94 percent of those in Baden-Württemberg have flood insurance. Up to 1994, there was a mandatory flood insurance policy. Asmussen remains opposed to political demands for compulsory flood insurance. "That was not a market-driven solution. Furthermore, the premiums did not reflect the actual risk," he explains. "Insurance on its own is not a solution." The Association remains committed to flood prevention. This includes, among other things, building restrictions in at-risk regions and more robust dikes. "Only then can we stop the cycle of increasing damage and increasing premiums," concludes Asmussen.
The Bavarian government plans to provide at least 100 million euros in financial aid to citizens affected by the flood disaster in several parts of the country. Minister President Markus Söder announced this decision after a cabinet meeting in Munich. The aid package is meant to help both private households and commercial enterprises, self-employed people, and farmers. "Bavaria stands ready to help - quickly and without bureaucratic hassle," said Söder, emphasizing that no one will be left to fend for themselves in times of distress.
He also urged the federal government to keep its promises and provide flood relief. According to the Bavarian concept, households could receive up to 5,000 euros in emergency aid for damaged private homes, and up to 10,000 euros for oil damage to residential buildings, with insurance payments to be deducted later. For cases of an existential threat, Söder said up to 100% of the costs would be reimbursed. For businesses and companies, emergency aid ranging from 5,000 to 200,000 euros could be claimed. However, if the damage was insurable, the amounts would be reduced.
The water level of the Danube in Passau is rapidly approaching the ten-meter mark. At noon, the flood warning service (HND) reported a water level of 9.95 meters, significantly exceeding the afternoon prediction of 9.50 meters. Once the water reaches 8.50 meters, built-up areas will be flooded to a greater extent. Passau saw an increase to this level in the afternoon.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for rain in southern Germany, but promises that it won't be severe. There may be some showers and thunderstorms, but not enough to cause significant flooding. The rainfall rate is expected to increase again over the weekend, however, with rain and even thunderstorms expected in the south. The meteorologist, Robert Hausen, states that there's hope that the water levels will have normalized by then.
The high water situation in Bavaria has improved considerably. The high water notification service for Bavaria explains that while the high water levels remain a concern, no more severe rainfall is predicted. The Danube is currently the primary focus of the high water situation, but the water levels of the Danubezufluessen are dropping significantly. In Ingolstadt, the peak of the high water is expected to be just above level four at night, and in Kelheim, minor water level increases within level four are expected, according to the report. The Donau section from Kelheim to Passau will remain at high water levels until Wednesday, but the situation is improving.
There have been five reported deaths from flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as police report the discovery of a woman's body in her car in Markt Rettenbach. The woman was driving on a flooded state road and ignored a barrier, sliding sideways into a meadow with water levels so high that the car was submerged. The police suspect a tragic accident.
The Autobahn 9, which was partially closed in Upper Bavaria due to a dam break, has been reopened without restrictions. The blockade checkpoint set up towards Munich was dismantled in the morning, allowing all lanes to be used on the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck. Other roads, such as the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden, remain closed due to flooding.
The latest update from the Bavarian government regarding the flood disaster and rescue efforts.
After intense rainfall, Germany's primary waterway, the Rhine, has become impassable in multiple areas. As reported by Reuters, a spokesperson for the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) disclosed that there's a halt in shipping on the Middle and Upper Rhine. The initial impact was in the Upper Rhine region, specifically in locations like Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms. With further developments, the Middle Rhine is also being affected. Many ships have either docked or are currently at ports, awaiting a reduction in water levels at the gauges. The peak could either occur during the day or in the night. The area surrounding Bingen might become navigable by Thursday. The shipping interruption will likely persist for several days. What's important is preventing damage to the banks, as the shipping vessels create waves that can cause a flood of the banks and inundate cellars, among other things.
10:20: Additional Disruptions to Railway Transport in South Germany
Due to the ongoing flooding situation in some parts of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the German Railways (DB) are experiencing problems on certain lines in both local and long-distance services. Four lines are currently affected, as per the German Railways: the stretch between Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich via Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich line, the segment between Donauwörth and Augsburg via 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. Munich is inaccessible from the west and north under these circumstances. The Deutsche Bahn is discouraging travel to South Germany and has reported delays and failures on several other routes: 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: Rescue efforts for a missing firefighter continue with aerial assistance
The search for a missing firefighter in the flooded region of Swabia persists, as per recent police reports. However, search and rescue operations in the floodwaters are currently too risky for emergency services to conduct directly due to the powerful currents. Hence, the authorities will conduct the search from land and air instead. The firefighter in question is a 22-year-old individual. In the event of his demise, he would be the fifth known victim of the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. (Refer to entries at 09:38 am and 06:22 am)
09:38: Clarification on the search for a missing firefighter
The search for a missing firefighter in the flooded region of Swabia is still in progress. The police have retracted their previous statement, which mentioned that the search had been temporarily suspended. (Read entry at 06:22 am) The firefighter was last spotted near Offingen, which borders Baden-Württemberg, approximately near the Water Sports Club Offingen. He was in the DLRG water rescue service boat when it overturned in swift currents during the night from Sunday to Monday. Four other DLRG employees between the ages of 24 and 70 managed to reach safety and avoided harm.
08:45: Regensburg's mayor warns about the dangers of flood tourism
Regensburg's mayor, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, is urging people to avoid what she calls "flood tourism." According to her, the city is already overwhelmed with visitors, and she implores them to desist from observing the floods. The mayor particularly requests that people should not venture onto the jetties, as emergency personnel might be working there. The severely flooded city in Bavaria experienced a tense evening, with high groundwater levels and an unstable subsoil presenting challenges for evacuations. Maltz-Schwarzfischer is optimistic that the water levels will decrease during the day. Despite the dikes and protective structures, it's uncertain if these measures will hold. "The situation we face now is different from 2013," she says. "High groundwater levels and shocking subsoil conditions create excessive strain on the dikes. Given these circumstances, predicting their response is immensely difficult."
08:25: Mayor of Regensburg cautions against flood tourism
The mayor of the city of Regensburg - located on the Danube River and inundated by the floods - appeals to tourists to refrain from visiting the flooded areas. "We have a lot of tourists present, along with locals moving around now. Don't go and watch, view the situation," cautions Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer for Bavarian Radio. Visitors are strongly discouraged from exploring the jetties because emergency personnel may be in operation in these areas. The city's situation was tenuous during the night, as she estimated that the high tides and the unsteady foundation underneath add significant strain on dike structures. Maltz-Schwarzfischer expressed hope that water levels will recede during the day, unsure if the dikes and security measures will endure. "Conditions are not the same as in 2013," she adds. "We have high groundwater levels, leading to an unstable subsoil. Such factors place tremendous pressure on the dikes."
The city of Passau in Bavaria is facing a rapidly deteriorating situation. Expected to reach the flood's peak with 9.50 meters water level by afternoon, that benchmark has already been surpassed, according to NTV reporter Felix Balß.
7:48 Bavarian Fire Brigade Association: Unprecedented DeploymentBavaria's fire departments are experiencing an unprecedented workload, reports the Bavarian Fire Brigade Association. "This, and on this scale, is indeed unmatched," says head of the association, Johann Eitzenberger, to Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Every day, we have 30,000 volunteer firefighters, who are trying to prevent and minimize damages as much as possible. Right now, the situation is generally under control, but we can't anticipate what else might happen." Eitzenberger adds that there will be further need for specialized capacities, such as for dealing with oil spillovers from heating tanks.
7:28 Video: Endangered Danube Dikes and Protective WallsThe Danube river's force is causing dikes and supplementary protective walls to be threatened with a breach. Passau's city center is already submerged, closed for traffic.
6:55 Bavarian Castle Ruins Slide: Residents EvacuatedPortions of the Burg Falkenstein in Upper Bavaria have shifted due to relentless precipitation. As a result, 50 residents from beneath the site have been evacuated, as per Rosenheim's district authority. The ruined castle, a popular hiking destination on the border with Austria, dates back to the 13th century for its main section and 15th-16th centuries for the adjacent outer castle. Following an extensive refurbishment in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was incidentally destroyed by a series of fires at the end of the 18th century. The remainder of the ruin's condition is yet to be ascertained.
6:22 Missing Firefighter's Search CeasedA firefighter who'd gone missing in high water in Swabia would no longer be subject to active search and rescue operations. It's suspected that he perished in the flood, substantiating the hypothesis made by a police officer. The 22-year-old was routing to the DLRG rescue boat in Offingen near the Baden-Württemberg border during Sunday-Monday transition. In the boat named "Marie", 5 rescue crewmates, from ages 24 to 70, surmounted the flooding unharmed.
Note: Police reverse stance: The search for the missing firefighter will continue (see entry at 9:38 a.m.).
6:03 Century-Scale Rainfall RecordedParts of southern Germany have received an unusual deluge, resulting in what meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer of the German Weather Service refers to as "century-scale rainfall." Bidding farewell to modesty, he asserts, "This is indeed quite special yet it's not unprecedented." Nonetheless, he qualifies, "The given data are somewhat preliminary, and we must ensure their authenticity" due to instances of stations being inoperative or delivering inadequate measurements. "However, the grim reality is that more heavy rainfall is awaited."
5:33 The Danube in Passau Overtakes Nine-Meter ThresholdThe Danube waterway had surpassed the nine-meter mark at Passau at 3 a.m., as shared by the flood warning service (HND). Monday's evening's gauge reading stood at 8.83 meters. The projection for maximum water level is on Tuesday afternoon at 9.50 meters, as per HND predictions. The Passau old town was largely closed for traffic earlier due to the rising flood. When a water level of 8.50 meters is reached, regions are more substantially flooded, a level attained in Passau on Monday afternoon.
4:07 Evacuation Announcement for Regensburg ResidentsAs the flood harms escalated, a Regensburg decree informed its residents of 200 people to smoothen their way out of their homes within the city's core region. "Since the groundwater levels in the Werftstraße are rapidly increasing, there's a considerable hazard the flood protection elements may fail." Therefore, the disaster management instituted an evacuation order.
2:47 Slight Improvement in Flood Condition Within Rosenheim RegionThe flood situation in Rosenheim district has eased a tad. Reported by the district, the schools and kindergartens in the affected areas shall stay shut on Tuesday. Raubling and Rohrdorf were subject to prior evacuation efforts, and the number of individuals involved is still vague. Previously, a disaster was announced. A flood of relief had beset over 1000 officers across fire department and the Technical Relief Organization as part of the response. Latest German Weather Service prognostication predicts reduced precipitation from the night to Tuesday.
1:30 PM: German Meteorological Service removes weather alerts
In the midst of the tense flooding conditions in South Germany, Germany's Meteorological Service (DWD) has taken back all weather warnings for the country. This is confirmed by the DWD. Torrential rain in the previous days led to a huge rise in the water levels of many streams and rivers, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Entire villages were submerged, even after dams collapsed. At this point, four people have lost their lives in the floods. The scenario was still tense in both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Monday.
12:12 PM: Many water levels in the southwest are declining
After the torrential rains of the past few days, the water levels at most watercourses in the southwest are dropping again. Only at the larger rivers like the Danube and the Rhine are the water levels still rising, as per the flood prediction centre. However, there are no longer any critical values expected that would be exceeded, according to a spokeswoman. The water levels are falling at the Danube from the gauge in Hundersingen in the Sigmaringen district downstream, as well as at Lake Constance, the Upper and the Upper Rhine. At the Maxau gauge near Karlsruhe, the peak value, which was 8.29 meters on Sunday, is not expected to be surpassed again. The Neckar is showing a downward trend.
10:33 PM: Rosenheim County advises residents to stay indoors
The Rosenheim County in Upper Bavaria requests residents to remain indoors due to the flood. "There is an imminent danger to life and limb," says a statement from the authority. People should avoid stepping outdoors, keep away from open water bodies, and not hinder rescue services in their operations. On Tuesday, schools will be closed in several municipalities: in Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach and Flintsbach. The State Education Authority Rosenheim will inform the impacted schools. Kindergartens in the flooded areas should also be shut down.
9:47 PM: Donjon Falkenstein in Flintsbach collapses
In Flintsbach, Rosenheim County, parts of Donjon Falkenstein have slipped away due to heavy rains. The Rosenheim district administration reported this. 50 residents below the castle must be evacuated.
9:08 PM: Largest German camping site must be cleared
The camping site in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia has to be cleared within the next 24 hours due to the flood situation. The operators of the Grav-Island report this. The rising water levels in the surrounding rivers and bodies of water are the reason for this, according to the operators. The Grav-Island is Germany's biggest camping site with 5,000 permanent campers.
9:53 PM: Regensburg's Werftstraße is being evacuated.
The Werftstraße in Regensburg is being evacuated, as the city reports. The street is right next to the Danube and the soil under the street is becoming more and more unstable due to the heavily increased groundwater levels. The installed flood protection elements could fail, resulting in the flooding of the street. About 200 people should now be evacuated from 9:00 pm.
Read also:
- The live ticker for the flood situation in Lake Constance's ports shows an increase in driftwood, with some reports indicating a greater amount than in previous occurrences.
- International aid organizations have been called upon to assist in removing the flood debris from the shores of Lake Constance, including large quantities of driftwood.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has expressed concern about the impact of the increased driftwood on the Lake Constance ecosystem, particularly in relation to the preservation of rare aquatic plant species.
