20:34 Critical emergency: Red Cross airlifts individuals off rooftop using helicopter
The Red Cross in Bavaria saved two individuals from a roof in Babenhausen employing a helicopter. The two were in a perilous state as their house was at risk of collapsing due to excessive water. Rescue boats were also utilized to extract individuals from their homes. Over 100 people, including several children, were taken to safety by the rescue teams.
In several locations near Augsburg, people were asked to leave their houses by 20:13. Water rescue teams also freed people trapped in their cars as high temperatures prevented doors from opening due to the water levels. The situation could become hazardous coinciding with the increasing water levels inside the vehicles, explained the spokesperson.
The authorities urged residents in numerous communities of Augsburg to abandon their houses owing to the extreme flooding. The situation is anticipated to deteriorate in the northern part of the district during the night, says a spokesperson from the regional office of Augsburg. Some of the areas expected to be affected include a part of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entirety of Nordendorf. The administration of Swabia has designated a shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
At 19:48, soldiers from the Federal Army assisted flood-hit areas in Bavaria. The Bundeswehr dispatched troops to Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, following an official request, stated a Bavarian military command spokesperson on Antenne Bayern. Around Gunzburg, blankets, and portable beds were being handed out. In the Aichach-Friedberg region, approximately 50 soldiers from the Bundeswehr are expected to arrive as volunteer laborers within the ensuing hours. An additional two trucks from the Bundeswehr are in use.
At 19:20, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser ensured further assistance for the regions impacted by the flood in southern Germany. "The THW is prepared to deploy more forces across Germany because of the continuous heavy rain and imminent flooding," said the SPD member in Berlin, referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW) rescue workers. "We will keep aiding the affected states with all our available personnel." Faeser disclosed that 520 THW aid workers are currently on duty. They are involved in rescuing people, reinforcing dikes, and removing water. Faeser also expressed appreciation to all emergency personnel for their efforts in battling against the water masses and working hard to save lives. She cautioned the inhabitants of the flooded locations in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg to heed the instructions and warnings issued by the authorities. "Please take these warnings extremely seriously!"
18:58: 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The 29 climbers who encountered problems at Zugspitze have been saved. The Alpine Rescue Service retrieved all 29 individuals and transported them to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin. Multiple emergency calls were placed by various groups who couldn't proceed further because of the disturbing weather and new snow at approximately 2500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. The Alpine Rescue Service responded to the calls. Zugspitzbahn employees also made their way to the site equipped with snow groomers in an attempt to find the climbers, said a Zugspitzbahn spokesperson.
18:42: Severe storm warning for sections of Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) cautions about the dangers of strong thunderstorms for certain regions of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second highest warning level, which comes with potential lightning hits, falling trees, power lines, heavy objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail, is enforceable.
18:11: Water on the A3 - Partially shutdown
A section of the A3 freeway in Bavaria near Regensburg is closed in both directions covering a distance of nearly 10 kilometers between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The motorway's surface is submerged in water, according to the Police Presidium Upper Palatinate's spokesperson. "The water is pressing from the fields onto the freeway," they added. The authors mentioned that the Traffic Police Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, and Fire Deparment are working at the scene while traffic will be diverted, said a spokesperson.
17:51: Prison in Memmingen is evacuated
The prison in Memmingen was forced to vacate due to the flooding. The inmates were relocated for their safety. Although details about the evacuation process are hazy, it is reported that an urgent evacuation operation was carried out. It is also stated that everyone involved in the evacuation is safe.
In summary, recent developments involved rescuing people from water-threatened areas by Red Cross helicopters and boats, ordering evacuations, deploying soldiers from the Bundeswehr to aid in the flood-affected regions, ensuring support for these regions by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the THW, rescuing mountain climbers from Zugspitze, warning of severe storms in Brandeburg, and the partial shutdown of the A3 in Bavaria.
The prison located in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being cleared as a result of the imminent threat of flooding. This comes from a report by Nonstopnews. The institution will relocate its 150 prisoners to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg temporarily. Close to the facility, the Memminger Ach - a small river - has swollen into a ferocious torrent that endangers the prison. Portions of the courtyard have already been submerged in water. Additionally, there may be a power outage, therefore, the prison management decided to clear the place. The police were on site with multiple rescue vehicles to carry out the evacuation. Eventually, the evacuation had to take place over inundated boulevards due to the fact that the road to the prison had already been flooded. At the time, the fire department was pumping water from the prison.
5:35 PM: Heavy rain triggering water levels to rise
The constant downpour is pushing water levels up in several gauges in Swabia. In Swabia, Lower Bavaria, and the Upper Palatinate, rivers have been swelling. As indicated by the Flood Warning Service (HND), the gauges Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Schmutter) reached Level 4. The gauges Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) are predicted to attain Level 4. Centennial floods are expected at Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The water level at the Wiblingen (Iller) gauge is anticipated to hit its peak in stage 3 from Saturday through Sunday, with water levels already starting to fall at the lower Iller. In the northern Danube rivers of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are some gauges displaying overflows of stage 1 and 2 with an upsurge in the upper reaches. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are expected to reach stage 3 for the entire day, for instance in Gunzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Kelheim gauge might follow suit at night on Sunday. In the further Danube sector to Passau, stages 1 and 2 increases are anticipated.
5:23 PM: Normal flight operations proceeding at Munich Airport
In spite of the heavy rain in many parts of Bavaria, regular flight procedures continue at Munich Airport. So far, no flights have been canceled. There are several explanations for this. "We witness water accumulating on the meadows adjacent to the runways," explained airport representative Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was built higher. Additionally, the runway slopes toward the sides, enabling water to seep away. Moreover, the runways are "grooved," needing grooves that promote water runoff more effectively. Hence, there is currently no potential for aquaplaning, Wilhelm stated to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport foresees no significant challenges over the weekend.
5:07 PM: Söder: "It's getting quite serious now"
Minister President Markus Söder is obtaining a first-hand understanding of the situation in the hard-hit area of Swabia. During his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district, he praises the helpers and officials. Bavaria is resilient, the minister president states. For the citizens, the situation is an "extreme ordeal," he claims in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. And furthermore: "This isn't done yet. It's getting serious now." The focus of the weather pattern is presently in Swabia, hence, resources - like sandbags - are being focused there. "Without the helpers, we wouldn't stand a chance," Söder expressed gratitude to the rescue personnel, including fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Assistance Organization. They showed remarkable dedication. He appealed to the citizens: "Please follow the orders." Evacuation notifications should not be bypassed, not going into the basement any longer or trying to drive your car out of the garage.
4:35 PM: No more trains here
The continuous rainfall and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also affecting train services. Per Deutsche Bahn, there are distruptions and train cancelations in southern Germany. Two ICE lines are notably impacted, a spokeswoman says. There will be no train service between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich for the entire day on Saturday due to floods. The line involving Ulm and Augsburg is also experiencing troubles. The Bahn offers additional details about track closures, terminations, and delays on its website.
4:12 PM: Disaster situation likewise in Unterallgau - Inhabitants in need should hang out white cloth
The dangerous situation now also involves the Bavarian district of Unterallgau. Inside the town of Babenhausen, a part of the mobile phone network has disintegrated. Those in dire need of aid who aren't able to make an emergency call are requested to display a white sheet or cloth at their window to draw attention to their situation, the district administration indicates. In Babenhausen, people are now being saved from their homes with inflatable boats.
3:57 PM: 400 THW Workers Aiding South Germany Flood Efforts
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) based in Bonn has deployed about 400 workers to address the current storm-related issues in South Germany. These workers are currently handling water control, dam safety, and preemptive evacuations. THW has also installed mobile flood sensors in affected areas to monitor levels and assess any further flooding risks.
3:37 PM: Current Flood Warnings Visualized on Map
Check out this map for up-to-date information regarding existing flood warnings.
3:15 PM: 26-Person Mountain Climbing Group Stranded Below Zugspitze
A 26-person mountain climbing group is currently stuck around 300 meters from the summit of the Zugspitze due to heavy snowfall and rain. The difficult weather conditions, including temperatures just above freezing and 100-meter visibility, have made rescue efforts challenging. Officials report that the group is tired and potentially not well-equipped. The cause of their climb amid these severe weather conditions is unknown.
2:52 PM: Donau-Ries District Announces Disaster Situation
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency to unite resources and prepare for potential water levels. District Administrator, Stefan Roßle, shared a statement, emphasizing the necessity to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas.
2:20 PM: Evacuations Necessary in Diedorf after Dam Break
A dam and a dike in Augsburg's Swabian district, specifically in Diedorf, have both broken. The Augsburg District Administration urges residents in designated areas to leave their homes. Diedorf's Anhausen district is expected to initiate an evacuation as the river overflows. The authorities are also urging caution near railway underpasses, as these may become flooded.
1:52 PM: Söder, Herrmann Travel to Augsburg Flood Zone
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann will visit the flood-affected South Germany area on Saturday to evaluate the situation firsthand. The group will be joined by District Administrator Martin Sailer. The original visit location was changed to Diedorf, where evacuations are currently taking place, due to the evolving situation.
1:20 PM: Hochwasser Situation in Meckenbeuren Continues to Worsen
The hydrological level of the Schussen in Meckenbeuren has increased further. Midday measurements recorded 4.72 meters; the peak is expected soon. In previous floods, the river reached 4.50 meters. Normally, it only carries 45 cm of water. On Friday evening, authorities advised nearly 1,300 citizens in the municipality with 14,000 inhabitants to leave their homes as a precaution. Most people went to stay with friends or relatives. Few joined take-shelter efforts. Public schools, kindergartens, and facilities were cleared out ahead of time, and, anticipating potential flooding, several local bridges were shut down.
Bavarian districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Aichach-Friedberg have all declared disaster situations due to the torrential rains, which have caused damage and necessitated evacuations throughout the region.
12:52 PM: Worsening Floodwater Situation in Meckenbeuren
The water level in Meckenbeuren's Schussen River is rising. As of noon, the Schussen had reached 4.72 meters, signifying a possible peak in the coming days. In the 2021 flood event, the river reached 4.50 meters. At its usual state, the Schussen only contains 45 cm of water. Approximately 1,300 people were advised to evacuate their homes on Friday. While some chose to stay with acquaintances or family, others sought refuge at official shelters. Schools, kindergartens, and public halls were awaiting potential flooding by preparing for evacuation.
Several bridges were also closed as a precaution, anticipating further damage.
12:20 PM: Dozens Stuck while Climbing Zugspitze
A climbing group of 26 people is currently stranded beneath the Zugspitze in extreme weather conditions. New snow has fallen, and ongoing rain has made the situation particularly treacherous.
Read also:
- The Red Cross used a helicopter to rescue two individuals from a flood-threatened roof in Babenhausen, a situation that was featured on the live ticker.
- International aid was requested as the situation in Babenhausen worsened, with over 100 people, including children, needing to be evacuated due to the life-threatening flood.
- The live ticker reported that rescue boats were also utilized to extract people from their flooded homes, and helicopters became a crucial resource in the rescue efforts.
- Amidst the flood, helicopters became an essential tool in the rescue operation, aiding in the evacuation of individuals from dangerous situations, as highlighted in the live ticker updates.
- As the flood situation in Babenhausen escalated, numerous international organizations, like the Red Cross, were called to provide aid, ultimately relying on helicopters to save lives, as seen in the live ticker notifications.
