23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils issues complete alarm status.
In the town of Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, a full-blown alarm was issued on a Sunday night due to the flood. This means that all firefighters were called to action. At the Federal Highway 10, water masses have burst through a noise barrier and inundated the road, as captured in a video posted on the city's Facebook page. The residents were cautioned severely: "Please remain indoors and avoid visiting the emergency sites. The video shows a dangerous situation. Do not venture into the water, as there might be unseen manhole covers!" The authorities advised people not to seek refuge in their basements and to stay on the upper floors.
At 9:16 p.m., a 48-year-old missing person was discovered dead in a basement, according to Bayerischer Rundfunk. The torrential rains in South Germany have led to another casualty.
At 8:16 p.m., a lightning strike hit a signal box, causing a disruption in regional train traffic in the vicinity of Dresden for a short period. The Bavarian railway spokesperson stated that the Landbahn line connecting Dresden, Bautzen, and Görlitz was largely affected. A lightning strike had damaged the signal box in Radeberg, located east of the state capital at 5:10 p.m. Repairs were completed by the evening, and trains began operating regularly once more.
A nursing home situated close to the Danube in Lauingen was evacuated at 8:00 p.m. due to the flooding. The city's website emphasized the importance of ensuring that these residents receive lifelong care. The residents were transferred to an educational center.
At 8:30 p.m., a dam was breached in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries, prompting the evacuation of several communities located between the Danube and the Schmutter. The district administration in Donauwörth identified Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof as the affected areas. The authority counseled calm and instructed residents to follow the guidance of the emergency services, while notebooks were also distributed.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the affected areas in Bavaria the next day. They will be accompanied by Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria. The President of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner, is also expected to attend the meeting.
On Monday, more than 40 schools across eight districts in Bavaria will not conduct in-person classes owing to the flood situation. These districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, for instance, all Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschulen, together with the local Gymnasiums, vocational and professional high schools, and special needs centers, will not have in-person classes. Similarly, all schools in Wertingen within the Dillingen district will remain closed. Some schools in the Pfaffenhofen district will not hold in-person classes on Monday. The Pfaffenhofen district administration reported that certain kindergartens would also be closed on Monday. In-person classes in Schrobenhausen would be canceled on Monday and Tuesday, affecting Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschulen, as well as the vocational school, special needs center, and Gymnasium.
Approximately 30 towns in Swabia are currently dealing with partial power outages, as announced by the power supplier LEW. There are also intervals in the local grids (low voltage) affecting particular streets and residences. The outages are predominantly concentrated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "The emergency crews are attempting to restore power by switching to other lines, as far as feasible in the current circumstances," the power supplier stated. The duration of each outage depends on the conditions at the site.
In the small town of Günzburg, about a thousand residents have been brought to safety by authorities, as reported by the district administrator Franz Rauch to the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. They're being housed in sports facilities and, in part, at Legoland. The evacuations were made necessary by the rapid rise in the Günz River's water level.
Meanwhile, Germany's meteorological service, DWD, has warned about more heavy rain showers in the southern region of the country. Particularly in the Stuttgart area, there may be extreme rainfall on Sunday evening. The Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alpine foothills up to the Bavarian Forest are also expected to receive heavy rain. On Monday morning, the Alpine foothills south of the Danube will have showers, followed by potential thunderstorms around Monday afternoon, as well as in the Bavarian Forest. There's still a risk of heavy rainfalls, with local amounts reaching 40 liters per square meter per hour.
As a result of the ongoing flood situation along the Danube, Straubing's mayor, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a state of emergency. The reason is the size and complexity of the demands and the manpower needed to deal with it. The water level in Straubing has reached over six meters, and the city anticipates that the disaster level will surpass level 4 relatively soon. The flood warning service categorizes warnings into four levels. Level 1 marks minor overflows, whereas level 4 involves significant flooding of large areas. So far, the measures taken have been successful, and they will continue, according to officials. Some streets have already been shut down due to flooding.
A partly flooded region in the Lake Constance neighborhood of Meckenbeuren laments those who indulge in flood tourism. Such activities would hamper emergency services and put both spectators and rescuers at grave risk. The Schwassen River spilled onto the riverbank Saturday evening, leading to flooded streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the DWD for the Brandenburg Oder-Spree region. Until Sunday afternoon, there's a risk of lightning strikes, falling trees, strong winds, or heavy objects being displaced. Damage to properties is also possible, along with landslides and hailstorms.
Two more districts, Dachau and Kelheim, have been forced to declare disasters due to the flood's aftermath. "The current situation, combined with the forecasts for rising water levels, remains unsettling," Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer said. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Loewl shared similar words. The decision for declaring a state of emergency was necessary because local forces could no longer handle the numerous emergency sites that are expected in the next few hours. Centralized coordination and assistance will now be possible.
German Railways has also announced milder rules for train passengers on Monday due to the bad weather in South Germany. Travelers who bought a ticket between Sunday and Monday and wish to postpone their journey due to weather damage can do so without facing penalties. The exact impact on rail traffic is unknown at this time, but several long-distance routes in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have reported disruptions. The railway advises avoiding areas affected by flooding in the region.
Overall, around 3,000 people in Bavaria have been affected by forced relocation due to flooding. A spokeswoman with the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior reported this information from Munich. Since this crisis started, some 40,000 personnel in total have been involved, while 20,000 are currently working on the evacuations.
The flooding situation in the south is slowly improving, as stated by Bernd Fuchs of ntv weather. "We can't just ignore every drop of rain," he cautioned. There's been talk about the connection between this crisis and climate change, and Fuchs said it shows where we're headed.
Accident During Flood Work: Man Suffers Electric Shock in Freising
While working in the flooded area of Freising, a 27-year-old man from an energy company received a severe electric shock. He was found in a flooded region near the town hall in Allershausen and was airlifted to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It's believed the incident happened while undertaking flood-related tasks.
12:02 River Navigation on Upper Rhine Suspended: High Water Levels in Baden-Württemberg
Due to heavy rains in southern Germany, water levels along the Rhine River have risen, leading to partial suspension of river navigation. A section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe has not allowed any ships to sail since Saturday, according to the Rhine High Water Forecast Center Rhineland-Palatinate. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping high water mark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. As of Sunday afternoon, it was at 8.20 meters but is expected to fall again on Monday night, yet higher water levels are expected further downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. High water levels may also affect shipping on the Rhine's Middle and Lower regions, putting the crucial waterway at risk. At the Koblenz gauge, around 6.10 meters are predicted on Tuesday, when ships can no longer sail. On Wednesday, the highest levels are forecast in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
11:38 Autobahn A9 Closed: Flooding Reshapes Route Due to Dam Breach in Pfaffenhofen
The A9 motorway is closed for approximately 50 kilometers between Allershausen and Ingolstadt in Pfaffenhofen due to a dam breach. Spokespersons at the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters say the flooded road is causing significant issues. This situation is new to the police, who are working to resolve the situation. The district administration is instructing residents from towns like Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to evacuate and move to higher floors in their homes and apartments.
Update 14:53 p.m.: As per the Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. The section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn has been seriously restricted. It's recommended to bypass the area entirely. In addition, there are restrictions along the A8 towards Munich in the Sulzemoos area.
11:09 Economy Minister Habeck Urges Climate Protection Efforts: Nature and Climate Change a "Clear Indicator"
Economy Minister Robert Habeck calls for increased efforts in climate protection once the current flood disaster in southern Germany subsides. "We must not belittle or brush aside the need to reduce CO2 emissions so we have enough time to adapt," advised Habeck while touring heavily flooded areas in Reichertshofen, Bavaria. He asserted that the frequency of these natural disasters is "a clear indicator that nature and climate are changing." Indeed, "century floods" now occur "several times a year."
10:34 Chancellor Scholz to Visit Flood-Ravaged Region on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the flood-stricken area in the southern German towns on Monday to better understand the situation in person. (As reported by government sources.)
10:21 Missing Firefighter: Second Tragedy in Flood Relief Efforts, Offingen, Günzburg
A 22-year-old firefighter is missing after an evacuation operation in Offingen in the district of Günzburg. Police representatives stated the man was sailing with a colleague from the volunteer fire department and three DLRG helpers in a boat for an evacuation around 2:50 a.m., when the vessel capsized. Four of the assistants were rescued from the water, but the 22-year-old is yet to be found. The search resumed immediately. Tragically, a 42-year-old firefighter has already died in this flood relief effort.
10:11 Endless Rain Falls: No Relief from Weather in Southern Germany
The start of the new week brings no respite to the southern German flooding areas; persistent rainfall continues. As explained by NTV meteorologist Björn Alexander, "it's raining heavily and continuously." There are also new and local thunderstorm areas forming.
At the Paar, another impending dam break is on the horizon. It affects the communities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen region. Residents are urged to promptly relocate to higher levels in their buildings. The ground level and basement are to be avoided, as per authorities' recommendations. In the event of urgent emergencies, dial 112 to contact the fire department.
Söder: 40,000 rescue personnel deployed for Bavarian floods
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder revealed that approximately 40,000 emergency response team members are being dispatched to tackle the floods across the entire state of Bavaria. Söder made this statement while visiting the Upper Bavarian city of Reichertshofen, emphasizing the need for expert relief management in the coming hours. Those who have worked for an extended duration in the field must be temporarily relieved, noted Söder, adding that the risk of human error and fatigue increases without adequate rest. This, in turn, could put lives at higher risk.
Straubing sets up dam patrol
The Donaupegel in Straubing is predicted to reach the highest alert level four, according to Bavaria's High Water Information Service. Commencing 3 pm, dam monitors will be stationed to observe the dam and report on both the water level and any structural damage. Additionally, more sandbags are being stuffed.
Dam failure at Baar-Ebenhausen site
In Pfaffenhofen's district, a dam has succumbed to failure in the vicinity of Baar-Ebenhausen. This has impacted the residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching, with orders to leave their ground-floor residences.
Scholz expresses thanks to rescue workers in flood zones
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his appreciation and respect for the rescue workers and volunteers in flood-stricken regions. "The demise of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen has left an impression on me," writes Scholz on X. "My sentiments are with his colleagues and fellow firefighters." The SPD leader reminisced about the passing of a volunteer firefighter in Bavaria's flood region that night.
Flooding serves as a context at the Catholic Day in Erfurt
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, shared a poignant message at the Catholic Day's closing mass in Erfurt, addressing those affected by the recent storms. "Let's hope life is saved and protected," elaborated Bätzing at the Erfurt Cathedral.
Flooding immerses parts of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis
Meckenbeuren's districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the Bodenseekreis are submerged. The Schussen has breached its banks and flooded the streets, a spokesman for the municipality informed. Almost 1,300 residents had already evacuated voluntarily on Saturday to seek refuge in safer locations. The Polish community disclosed that some residents had chosen to remain in their homes and retreated to the upper floors. The Schussen's water level peaked at over 4.86 meters on Saturday evening - a considerably higher level than usual.
Söder commemorates fallen firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder honored the firefighter who lost his life during a rescue operation in the Bavarian flood area on X. "His selflessness and dedication to humanity will forever be remembered," wrote Söder. "Our sincerest condolences and thoughts go out to his colleagues and family. We all are grieving." A 42-year-old volunteer firefighter perished when a rescue craft capsized near towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen due to submerged homes.
Rainfall forces training relocation for Ukraine's football team
The Ukrainian national football team cannot hold up its final practice session on Sunday at 6:00 pm at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadium due to heavy downpours, as initially intended prior to the EM test match against Germany. Instead, they will train in Erlangen. The thousand-person gathering decided to preserve the stadium's lawn by forgoing tomorrow's practice. Ukraine will face the German national football team on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD) in Nuremberg.
This was reported in government circles.
A total of 290 interventions by the fire department in flooded Munich
Munich has also felt the weight of continuous rainfall. Since 6:00 am on Saturday, the fire brigade has attended to over 290 interventions, the Munich fire brigade relayed. Typically, the fire department is called for pumping out cellars and underground garages, uprooted trees, and blocked streets. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was surpassed on Saturday evening.
12:39 40,000 emergency personnel deployed for Bavarian floods Söder: Affecting the entire state of Bavaria
12:29 The Donaupegel in Straubing is raising. Alert Level 4 flooding
12:03 Dam collapse in Baar-Ebenhausen area; Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, Manching are Bavaria district affected
11:37 The chancellor Scholz extends condolences to rescuers of flood victims in Bavaria; firefighter death
11:25 Ukraine team Sommerfest, Erfurt Cathedral; flood-affected people in German Bishop Conference chairman's greeting
10:59 Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis; kehlen and Brochenzell districts under water
10:34 Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister President condemns fallen firefighter in Bavaria flood area; 42-year-old volunteer firefighter perishes near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen in capsized rescue boat
10:09 Ukraine national team; final practice postponed from training due to floods; Nuremberg Max-Morlock-Stadium to Erlangen
09:24 Masses of water flow after a dam burst in Anhausen
In Anhausen, the flooding situation is beginning to ease up, following the breaking of a dam five kilometers away and the ensuing torrential flow of water into the area. According to ntv correspondent Niklas Diemer, individuals who had been evacuated to this location are now gradually returning. However, critical water levels persist elsewhere.
09:08 THW expedites assistance efforts in waterlogged sections of Germany
The Technical Aid Organization (THW) is sending more personnel to the waterlogged regions of Germany. With more than 1800 personnel now on the job, a spokesperson relayed this information. The THW volunteers are engaging in various tasks such as securing dams, helping with sandbagging operations, and providing support during evacuations in the flood-threatened areas. In tandem with the THW, the fire department and other emergency services are also actively responding.
08:47 Substantial landslide in Baden-Wuerttemberg disrupts train and vehicle traffic
Concerns about flooding persist in certain areas of Germany. In particular, the southern portion of the country is experiencing substantial water flow, and there is even the risk of a 100-year-long flood occurring in the eastern part of Baden-Wuerttemberg. The teams of rescuers and support services are also beginning to strain.
08:30 Efforts to salvage landslide-stricken ICE in the morning
The ICE train in Baden-Wuerttemberg's Schwabisch Gmuend will be retrieved in the course of the morning. The regional train is unable to traverse the track due to the landslide, said a spokesperson. A rescue locomotive has been placed on the second track to assist in the recovery process. The duration of the closure remains unknown. Meanwhile, the regional train has been able to pass the stranded ICE. On Saturday night, two cars of a 185-passenger ICE derailed after landslide.
08:16 Agreed Missing Person in Schrobenhausen
In Schrobenhausen, one individual is reported missing. It is suspected the individual was in the basement of a house when the flood hit. The cellar and segments of the upper floor are now submerged entirely, as per a spokesperson for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. Emergency personnel cannot currently get to the house due to the ongoing flooding.
07:44 Firefighter perishes in floods
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, a firefighter lost his life. He was on duty with three co-workers in a rescue boat when it overturned, and his body was discovered in the morning, as confirmed by a district official.
07:29 Floods move downstream: Multiple Level 4 alerts in place
In Bavaria, several Level 4 alert pins pertaining to the most severe floods remain operational -- these are notably situated in the southern Donau tributaries consisting of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, in addition to the upper Danube. Reaching peak levels overnight, the focus is shifting further downstream---from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potentially at-risk areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The heightened wave is foreseen to arrive at these locations around the beginnings of next week. Specifically, the flood wall is anticipated to reach areas like Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria throughout Sunday.
06:54 Meteorological Service predicts more extreme rainfall in the south
Across Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, there is a potential for further heavy thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, as per the German Meteorological Service (DWD) outlook for Sunday. According to the DWD forecast released in the morning, thunderstorms with intense rainfall might occur from noon on Sunday until Monday night. Some additional flooding of streets and basements is likely. There is also a risk of lightning-induced damage.
05:39 Augsburg district broadens evacuation warnings
In the flood-affected districts of Augsburg, Germany, authorities are intensifying their evacuation notices. Community residents in Kühltal and Allmannshofen are encouraged to leave immediately, relayed the integrated control center early in the morning. Buses have been made available for individuals who cannot abandon the locations alone. In other areas of the district, individuals were also encouraged to leave their homes and residences on Saturday evening and throughout the night. The communities primarily present along the Schmutter River, a tributary flowing into the Danube, are the ones being affected.
05:05 Wiesbaden enacts measures for potential rising water levels
In Wiesbaden, authorities are taking precautions against seemingly rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. A water barrier has been erected in the Kostheim district, informed the fire department in the early morning. A pump has also been installed in the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein. Motorists are advised to steer clear of the river's parking lots in the upcoming days, warns the fire department further. At the moment, there are no indications that additional measures will be required.
04:04 Train traffic frozen between Stuttgart and Munich
There's been a halt in long-distance train travels between Stuttgart and Munich due to a landslide occurring in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, located in Baden-Württemberg. The Railway authorities have been unable to give an estimated time for when the line will reopen. The landslide has caused a block in the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, and with the line between Ulm and Augsburg already shut down due to the floods all over southern Germany, long-distance trains are being re-routed.
03:13 THW teams in Ulm filling sandbags non-stop
In the middle of the night, forces from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm have been filling sandbags for the flooded and potential-flooding areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. THW Logistics Center's leader, Bernd Urban, informed that they were delivering 30,000 sandbags at night on Sunday. With an hourly production of 400 sandbags, these were being filled at a fast pace. Requests for sandbags have been coming in from various regions in the southwest and even neighboring areas. The consistent rain has significantly raised water levels at several locations in both Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross stations water rescuers in Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is deploying water rescuers from Unterfranken to aid in the mission in Swabia. The water rescue units are expected to be deployed in the very affected region of Günzburg. These teams are trained specially for flood rescue operations, including two water patrol and diving squads. In the swabian district of Günzburg, bodies of water have reached a hundred-year flood level, which is considered a flood that might occur or exceed the average statistical level once every hundred years.
01:27 Trans-European express tumbles off track from landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd
An ICE train carrying 185 passengers in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd skidded off track at around 11:20 p.m. due to a landslide. While no injuries were reported, passengers are being evacuated from the train. The landslide measured about 30 meters in width. The passengers are expected to move to a nearby kindergarten and then be transported to Plüderhausen via bus.
00:59 Car crashes into a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd
A car in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd was crashed into by a vast landslide. The police have stated that the driver of the car escaped without harm. The landslide took place parallel to the affected country road and rail line. Schwäbisch Gmünd is approximately 50km east of Stuttgart. The continuous rainfall has been affecting a large part of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm surpasses its high water mark- wary of damage ahead
The city of Neu-Ulm has prevailed over its water high mark on the Danube and Iller Rivers, and with the 100-year flood having been avoided, as estimated by the city administration. However, it is yet to be seen how extensive the potential damage is going to be once things settle down, per Mayor Katrin Albsteiger. Two streets, the Donau promenades and the cycle paths adjacent to the Danube and Iller, are expected to be closed for the time being.
23:44 Munich: Danger on the Isar River's edge
The Munich Fire Department has cautioned the citizens against getting in contact with the Isar River due to flooding. They have also shut down two popular routes for walks along the river. The Isar River's water levels have reached stage 2 alert in the state capital. This means that flooding can be expected in non-built areas or disrupted traffic flow on roads.
23:23 Evacuation of 670 individuals underway in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria
The Schrobenhausen district of Upper Bavaria has activated fire brigade and rescue teams to evacuate 670 people. In Muhlried and a street parallel to the Weilach River, bulldozers and boats are being employed. The district authority set up a citizen's hotline for emergencies. After declaring a disaster, District Administrator Peter von der Grün shared the situation is most concerning in the southern area of the district.
23:03 Intense firefighting efforts throughout eastern Thuringia
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have led to several firefighting operations in the eastern part of Thuringia. The control center in Gera has confirmed this development. The area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district has been worst affected by flooded roads, fields, and basement. In Gera, a small stream has also overflowed.
22:45 Heavy rain in southern Germany gradually subsides: German Weather Service.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) states that the duration of rain in southern Germany is gradually easing. A DWD meteorologist remarks, "Tonight, we won't see the enormous rainfall amounts we experienced last night." Nevertheless, thunderstorms and showers from the north are on their way, which could potentially lead to local flooding in the afternoon of Sunday. These incoming storms could be intense and take a long time to die down. "If they reach the already saturated ground, there will be flooding again," the meteorologist warns. Mainly affected by these showers and thunderstorms this Sunday are the Swabian Alb, areas surrounding it, and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Freising district announces disaster situation: Severe river overflows.
The Freising district has announced a disaster situation due to overwhelming rivers and streams. The district administration in the Upper Bavarian municipality is especially concerned about the Amper and Glonn rivers, causing significant concerns of widespread flooding in the town of Hohenkammer and all areas along the Amper. The authority advises residents to be prepared and clear out their cellars as a precautionary measure to handle the expected record-level water levels. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster.
21:50 Dillingen District declares disaster situation due to frequent rainfall.
The Dillingen district in Bavaria has announced a disaster situation, as a result of nonstop rainfall. The crisis team warns that the Zusam river, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened throughout the evening. The local crisis team has requested army assistance. "We anticipate a 'hundred-year flood' on the Zusam, which could impact the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen," the district administration says. They also plan to release water from the overflowing Danube into the Riedstrom, a former flood plain of the river. Farmers in the district are advised to secure their cattle in safe stables.
21:09 Eighth district in Bavaria declares disaster situation: Daunting Danube conditions.
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster situation in response to the rising levels of the Danube and its tributaries. The Landkreis administration explains, "Due to the severity of the Danube and its tributaries, a disaster situation has been announced." The Water Management Office Ingolstadt predicts a level 4 reading at the Neuburg gauge for the imminent night. The Water Management Office further states that the situation at the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is of extreme concern. In the Schrobenhausen District of Mühldorf, the Weilach has already spilled over into a residential area. Emergency teams are preparing to evacuate residents, as Landrat Peter von der Grün describes. Most importantly, the safety of roads, bridges, and paths is a top priority for the administration, ensuring that emergency responders can continue to function.
20:34 Red Cross rescues stranded people through helicopter.
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has assisted in rescuing two people from the roof of their Babenhausen house. A BRK spokesperson reports that these individuals were in a perilous condition due to the substantial water volumes outside their home, "As the house in the Unterallgäu District was at risk of falling apart, we managed to airlift them to safety using a helicopter." Other people had been rescued through the use of inflatable boats, and more than 100 people, including many children, have been saved.
20:13 Residents in various locations surrounding Augsburg are urged to leave homes: The impending flood threat.
Emergency services had to free occupants from their vehicles, whose doors were no longer functional due to the intense water masses. With each hour, the water situation grows critical, posing a possible threat to life, the spokesperson notes, "Residents in various locations within the Augsburg District are being asked to evacuate their homes as the flood condition worsens in the northern part of the district." The Augsburg district administration predicts this crisis to escalate in the evening. The communities of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf face this imminent peril. A temporary shelter has been established at the Augsburg fairgrounds by the Swabian state government.
19:48 Deployment of Bundeswehr in flood-stricken regions in Bavaria: Aiding the affected districts.
Bundeswehr soldiers are being sent in to help address the flooding in Bavaria. "We're supporting the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg following their official request," the Bavarian Bundeswehr spokesperson reveals. Soldiers are deploying in Gunzburg to distribute blankets and field beds. In Aichach-Friedberg, roughly 50 Bundeswehr personnel are to arrive soon. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are in operation at this location.
19:20 Outgoing Bundeswehr minister expresses commitment to continued support in flood-hit Bavaria.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser promises further assistance in the aid of flood-hit Bavaria.
Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser vows to provide additional assistance to regions hit by the continuous heavy rain and impending flooding in southern Germany. She refers to the Technical Relief Organization (THW) being on standby with additional staff. Faeser reaffirms that they will support the affected states in a full-fledged capacity. 520 THW members are already actively involved in rescuing people, securing dikes, and pumping water. The minister additionally expresses gratitude to all those who are putting in tremendous efforts to save lives. Faeser advises residents in flood-impacted regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed warnings and directives released by authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
18:58 29 climbers saved at Zugspitze
Climbers in distress at the Zugspitze (refer to 15:15's Live Ticker entry) have been successfully rescued. A total of 29 individuals were accompanied to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue. Multiple reportedly called for help since they could not continue due to harsh weather and fresh snowfall, about 900 meters short of the Sonnalpin at 2500 meters above sea level. The rescue team was already deployed, with mountain rescue team members and Zugspitzbahn employees also making way to locate the climbers with snow groomers.
18:42 Severe storm warning for Brandenburg regions
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues a serious warning against potential hazards of violent thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the DWD has the second-highest warning level in effect until the evening. The alert pertains to lightning strikes, falling trees or high-tension cables, disappointed objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, and hail.
18:11 Flooding on A3 Autobahn in Bavaria near Regensburg, temporarily closed
The A3 Autobahn in Bavaria near Regensburg, a stretch roughly ten kilometers between Parsberg and Beratzhausen, is shut down in both directions due to extensive flooding, cautions Police Presidium Upper Palatinate. "The water is relentlessly pushing from the fields onto the Autobahn," explains an official. Several independent agencies and the police are onsite. The police are diverting traffic, while Autobahnmeisterei, firefighters, and police cooperate to manage the situation.
17:51 Prison in Memmingen evacuated
The justice detention center in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being emptied due to looming flooding risk. This news piece by Nonstopnews indicates that around 150 prisoners will initially be moved to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ache, passing right in front of the prison, has transformed into a fierce stream, threatening to flood the JVA. Portions of the courtyard are already underwater, which may result in an outage of power. The prison staff, considering this scenario, has opted for an evacuation. Emergency vehicles transporting the inmates arrived. The fire department also mobilized with pumps to eradicate water from the institution.
17:35 Merging rain increases water levels to level 4 in Swabia
Persistent rainfall is resulting in water levels rising to level 4 in several regions of Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are surging. Given by the Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND), Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Nattenhausen (Günz) have reached level 4. Additionally, Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is reported to have hundred-year flood conditions in Dasing (Paar). The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach a peak in Meldestufe 3 between Saturday and Sunday. While the upper Iller's water levels are decreasing, Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab show signs of escalating Meldestufe 1 and 2 overflows.
In Neu-Ulm to Kelheim between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are anticipated to reach Meldestufe 3 multiple times daily, such as in Gunzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is expected to follow at night. Lastly, in the Donau section spanning Passau, Meldestufe 1 and 2 increases are foreseen.
In the midst of heavy rainfall across Bavaria, operations at Munich Airport remain unhindered. Thus far, no flights have been canceled. There are several factors contributing to the airport's ability to withstand the weather conditions. As stated by airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm to BR, "We see water standing in the meadows next to the runways." The airport sits slightly higher, and its runways are slanted inward, allowing for efficient water drainage. Additionally, the runways are "grooved," accommodating swift water runoff. Therefore, the risk of aquaplaning is nonexistent, says Wilhelm to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates minimal complications during the weekend.
17:07: "We're really starting to get busy now"
Minister President Markus Söder is surveying the situation in the particularly affected Swabia region. During his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district, he acknowledges the assistance provided by the rescue services, including the fire department, the Bavarian Red Cross, the police, and the Technical Relief Organization in the Augsburg district. Bavaria has experienced significant strain, according to Söder as he was accompanied by Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. "This isn't over yet. We're really starting to get busy now," the minister president commented on the worsening situation to the Bavarian broadcaster. The main focus of the storm is in Swabia, prompting the allocation of resources, such as sandbags, in the area. "We're in no position to handle this situation without the helpers," Söder acknowledged. "Thank you all for your efforts," he expressed to the emergency responders.
16:35: Rail services severely impacted
The storms and subsequent flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have left a mark on rail transportation. Deutsche Bahn shares the news of disruptions and train cancellations in southern Germany. Two ICE lines are significantly affected, a spokeswoman confirms. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich for the entirety of Saturday due to the flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also experiencing delays. Further details on service cancellations, track closures, and delays may be found on the Bahn website.
16:12: Unterallgäu district declares disaster status - Residents in distress should display a white flag
The district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria has enacted a disaster situation. This measure is necessary to "coordinate efforts to prepare for the expected water levels more rapidly and effectively," explains District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It's essential to maintain calm and avoid low-lying regions for the time being." In Babyhausen, portions of the cellular network have failed, leaving residents unable to make an emergency call. The district administration advises affected individuals to hang a white cloth or flag at their windows to draw attention to their plight.
15:57: THW deploys 400 personnel in South Germany
In the wake of the ongoing storms in South Germany, approximately 400 personnel from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently active. The THW in Bonn states this. They are working to pump water out, secure dams, and evacuate individuals in advance. "We're anticipating more rain, so we're preparing to deploy additional THW forces," the THW explains. Mobile water level sensors will be set up and monitored; the organization is tracking any further potential flooding.
15:37: Map displaying all current flood warnings
This map furnishes a comprehensive display of all current flood warnings. The design is updated regularly.
15:15: Mountain climbing group of 26 individuals trapped below Zugspitze peak
A group of 26 mountain climbers is said to be stranded several hundred meters below the peak of Zugspitze. Broadcaster BR reports that over 60 centimeters of snow have accumulated on Zugspitze due to the recent downpour, while heavy rainfall persists in the valley. Temperatures are near freezing and visibility remains limited to about 100 meters. Multiple rescue squads have been deployed to locate the climbers in the ensuing blizzard, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is fatigued and potentially ill-equipped, and it is unclear why they commenced their ascent despite the impending weather conditions.
14:52: Donau-Ries district enacts disaster situation
The district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria has implemented a disaster situation. This action serves to bring together resources promptly and efficiently to manage the expected water levels. "It's crucial to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas at this time," advises District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement.
A dam ruptured and a levee collapsed in Augsburg's Swabian region. The local government warned residents in some streets of Diedorf to leave their homes. Preparations for evacuation are underway in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. The district administration in Augsburg stated, "Leaving one's home for higher floors is no longer sufficient." A dam was breached in Burgwalden, and a dike surrounding the Anhauser Weiher caved in. Residents of the impacted regions are instructed to evacuate voluntarily within the next hour. Authorities also advised against approaching railway underpasses as flooding could occur there, posing a threat to life.
Söder and Herrmann head to affected region
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are making their way to the flooded area in Augsburg's Swabian district on Saturday. The two CSU politicians aim to observe the flood scenario in Diedorf personally. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also be part of the visit. The destination was switched at the last minute due to the current circumstances. Originally, the politicians intended to survey the flooding in Fischach. Currently, evacuating residents is being organized in Diedorf. The flood crisis is particularly severe in Swabia. After Günzburg, Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now both declared disaster emergencies.
Meckenbeuren's flood circumstances worsen
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren, located in the Bodenseekreis, is becoming more dangerous. The municipal spokesperson announced that the water level of the Schussen river had reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon. It is estimated that the crest will be reached soon. During the previous flood in 2021, the river peaked at 4.50 meters. Normally, it only carries 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the municipality advised approximately 1300 people to leave their homes as a precaution. Most of them stayed with friends or family. Fewer than a handful utilized the emergency shelter. To prevent possible damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared out ahead of time. In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also shut down preemptively.
