3:11 Storm alerts rescinded; heavy rainfall could still occur.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has withdrawn all severe thunderstorm alerts with torrential rain for Germany. However, some parts of southern Germany may still experience localized showers that could lead to heavy rain, particularly in areas south of the Danube and near the Bavarian Forest. These rain showers are predicted to start from noon onwards. There's also a possibility of thunderstorms in affected regions.
02:04 Problem of flood tourists in Augsburg district:Rescue workers in Augsburg are struggling to deal with flood tourists who have disregarded all warnings and flocked to dikes, underpasses, and water bodies. The district administration has asked people to stay away from these areas to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the rescue teams. Authorities warned of the potential for flood waves that could surprise and even cause the banks to collapse. People should avoid flooded roads and underpasses, as manhole covers may become loose due to sewer pressure and create a suction that could draw in passers-by.
01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl plan to visit Baden-Württemberg flood areas:The Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl are scheduled to visit two flood-affected areas in the state on Monday. Their planned destinations include Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis and Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. Kretschmann had previously decided against immediately visiting the disaster site due to the urgent need for hands-on help. He explained that he would rather stay informed through official avenues. A press release from the minister stated: "I weighed the options and decided not to visit the site during the acute situation, where every pair of hands and every sandbag can make a difference, but stay updated instead."
23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils under full alert:The town of Ebersbach an der Fils, located near Stuttgart, declared a full alarm on Sunday evening, as reported by the local authorities. This directive means that all firefighters are on duty. In a post shared on their Facebook page, the city administration revealed that flooding has damaged a section of road on federal highway 10 near a noise barrier. A warning was issued to the public, asking them not to visit the affected areas: "Please stay at home and do not go to the emergency sites. There is life-threatening danger, as seen in the video. Please do not enter the water, as manhole covers could be open and unseen." The statement urged people to avoid flooded streets, stay out of their cellars, and stay on the upper floors.
23:16 Tragic news: A missing person, aged 48, has been found dead:Bayerischer Rundfunk reports that a victim has been identified after Sunday's storm in southern Germany. A 48-year-old missing person was discovered deceased in a cellar.
22:16 Disruption of regional train traffic near Dresden:The Dresden regional train service has been disrupted due to a signal box malfunction resulting from a lightning strike. The railway spokesperson reported that the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz was significantly affected. The lightning strike occurred at approximately 17:10 in the Radeberg signal box, east of the state capital. The signal box was scheduled to be repaired in the evening. After two hours, normal operations were restored, as claimed by the spokesperson.
22:00 Lauingen nursing home evacuated:A nursing home in Lauingen, near the Danube, is being evacuated as a result of flooding. The city announced its plan on its website to ensure the safety and care of the residents, who would be relocated to an education center.
21:30 Evacuation of several villages near the Danube and Schmutter:The districts of Donau-Ries in southern Germany have declared the evacuation of several villages threatened by flooding near the Danube and the Schmutter. The reasons cited include the massive breach of a dam. The following communities are impacted: Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The authorities urged residents to remain calm, pack essentials, and follow instructions from the emergency services while taking advantage of the provided emergency shelters.
21:03 Scholz and Faeser to visit Bavarian flood area:Following the flood damage in southern Germany, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the Bavarian flood area on Monday. They are expected to meet with Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria. The president of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is also set to attend the meeting.
Because of the heavy floods, about 40 schools across eight districts in Bavaria won't be having in-person classes on Monday. The Bavarian Ministry of Education made this announcement, mentioning the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen and Augsburg. For instance, all schools in the district of Aichach-Friedberg, including primary, middle, secondary, high schools, vocational schools, special schools, and the special education center, won't be having any classes on Monday. In Wertingen, which is in the district of Dillingen, all schools will be closed down. Furthermore, some kindergartens in the district of Pfaffenhofen won't be opening their doors on Monday and Tuesday. As per the district administration in Pfaffenhofen, certain kindergartens might remain closed on Monday and Tuesday too.
19:49: A power outage has hit roughly 30 towns in the Swabia region. The power grid operator, LEW, gave out this information. Outages affecting the low-voltage network, affecting specific streets and households, have also been reported. The outages seem to mainly target the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. LEW's statement says that the emergency teams are working to restore power by switching to alternative lines, if feasible in the current scenario. The duration of each outage largely depends on the situation at the site.
19:11: Over 1,000 people have taken shelter in gyms and Legoland in the town of Günzburg after the Günz river's level went up significantly in the past few hours. This was shared by Günzburg District Administrator, Hans Reichart, with Bavarian Radio.
18:42: The meteorologists from DWD have issued a warning for more heavy rains, particularly in the southern regions of Germany. According to the Bavarian meteorologists, some extreme rainfall could hit the Stuttgart area in the early evening. Heavy rain is also possible in the Alps, from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. In the night, strong thunderstorms could affect the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, the Alpine Foreland, and the Bavarian Forest, with heavy rain up to 40 liters per square meter per hour. On Monday morning, showers are expected in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube with stronger thunderstorms from noon onwards. There's also the risk of heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour, on that day in the Bavarian Forest.
18:07: Mayer Markus Pannermayr, the mayor of Straubing, has declared a disaster alert due to the worsening conditions along the Danube. The reason behind this is the high demands and the required manpower to cope with them. The Danube level in Straubing has surpassed six meters. It's expected that the Meldestufe 4 (the fourth level of flood alerts), which signifies that large parts of the built-up areas could be flooded, will be exceeded in the following hours. Straubing currently is at level 3, which means there may be extensive overflows. Safety measures are being taken, and they will carry on. Some roads have already been shut down due to the floods.
17:34: The partially flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren has called for an end to flood tourism. Observing the flooded areas could interfere with rescue efforts, putting both the observers and others at risk. The Schussen river, which spilled over the bank, flooded streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell on Saturday evening. The community in Friedrichshafen politely asked people to avoid the flood-affected areas, to abide by road closures at bridges and streets, and to stay safe.
According to the district administration in Pfaffenhofen, some kindergartens will also remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
5:11 Severe thunderstorms lurk in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree region. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, and falling objects at the second-highest level of caution. There's also a chance of property damage and landslides, as well as hail.
15:53 More districts declare emergency states
Due to the rising floodwaters, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a state of emergency. District administrator Martin Neumeyer of Kelheim stated, "Given the current situation and the forecasts regarding the water levels, the situation remains tense. We're taking this measure to coordinate and supply relief efforts as efficiently as possible." Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, echoed a similar sentiment, saying the step was necessary because local emergency crews could no longer handle the situation themselves. This allows relief efforts to be sent from other areas.
15:25 Train disruptions expected on Monday
Passengers should also anticipate train disruptions on Monday due to the inclement weather in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn is extending its leniency policy to Monday, allowing those with tickets for Sunday and Monday to delay their journeys if weather-related disruptions prevent them from traveling. The train service has been suspended for these tickets, according to the company. As of now, it's not clear how significantly the traffic will be impacted. Several long-distance routes in the south are affected, with trains canceled on various routes, such as Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. Railways advise against traveling in areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg that are subject to flooding.
15:08 Approximately 3000 people in Bavaria affected by evacuations
In Bavaria, around 3000 people have been affected by evacuations due to flooding regions. A spokeswoman for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich confirmed this number. For the numerous operations in response to the floods, around 20,000 workers are currently on duty, while 40,000 workers have been involved since the beginning of the situation.
14:51 Weather expert: "I can't even fathom the destruction"
Metrologist Bernd Fuchs does not anticipate the flood situation in the south to subside anytime soon. "Each drop is too much," he emphasized. When asked about a connection to the climate crisis, he sees the current situation as a "clear sign of where things are headed."
14:22 Electrocution during flood recovery efforts - man seriously hurt
During efforts to work on the power lines in Upper Bavaria's Freising district, a 27-year-old employee of an energy company suffered a life-threatening electric shock. A spokesman for the Bavarian Police Headquarters North reported that the individual was rescued from a flooded area near the Allershausen town hall and transported to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It is believed that this incident occurred while the person was working on a flood-related operation.
14:02 Shipping on the Upper Rhine has been halted
Due to the heavy rainfall in parts of Germany, the water levels on the Rhine have risen, causing shipping to be partially suspended. The Rhine Flood Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate revealed this information, noting that shipping has been suspended on a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. At Maximiliansau, the water level reached the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. On Sunday afternoon, the level was 8.20 meters, but it was expected to drop again at night. However, rising water levels are anticipated in the coming days further downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels are expected, which could also endanger shipping on this vital waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, for instance, it is expected to reach roughly 6.10 meters on Tuesday. Below 6.50 meters, no ships can sail. On Wednesday, the most critical levels are predicted in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
13:38 Autobahn A9 closed for over 45 miles
The Autobahn A9 is closed for around 45 miles between Allershausen and Ingolstadt due to a dam breach in the Pfaffenhofen district on the Ilm. A Bavarian Police Headquarters North spokesperson shared this information, stating that the region is flooded and that this is a first for the police in this area. In addition, there are power outages, and many people are impacted. Efforts are being undertaken to address the situation. The district administration is urging residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to move to the upper floors of their homes and apartments.
Update 15:23 PM: The Autobahn GmbH informs that the stretch between Ingolstadt-Süd and Langenbruck is affected in both directions. Additionally, the segment between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahnkreuz Neufahrn is extensively constrained. It is suggested to bypass the entire area. There are also other limitations due to flooding on the A8 toward Munich in the Sulzemoos region.
13:59 PM: Minister of Economics, Habeck, connects heavy rainfall to climate changeEconomics Minister Robert Habeck urges escalated efforts toward climate protection once the flood calamity in southern Germany abates. "The restriction of CO2 emissions, in order to provide time for adaptation, should not be devalued or neglected, but must be the primary priority," he says during a visit to severely-affected Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The frequency of natural catastrophes serves as a "clear sign" that nature and climate are changing.
13:34 PM: Federal Chancellor Scholz plans Monday visit to disaster zonesFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz intends to inspect the flood-damaged areas on Monday to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation. This has been confirmed by government sources.
13:21 PM: 22-year-old firefighter missing following operation in OffingenFollowing an evacuation operation in Offingen, a 22-year-old firefighter is still missing. The police spokesman for Schwaben South-West has verified the information. The man was with a colleague from the volunteer fire department and three helpers from the German Sea Rescue Society (DLRG) on the way to an evacuation at around 2:50 a.m. when the boat capsized. Two of the assistants were rescued from the water, the 22-year-old was untraced. Search efforts were initiated early in the morning.
13:11 PM: Continued rainfall will persist in flood-affected regionsThe new week does not bring relief to the flooded regions of southern Germany. According to NTV meteorologist Björn Alexander, "the large and widespread heavy rain is still there, triggering new and local thunderstorm centers."
12:52 PM: Danger of another dam break at the PaarAnother dam break threatens at the Paar. This affects communities such as Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are urged to immediately move to higher floors. The ground floor and cellar are to be vacated, according to authorities. In the event of an emergency, the fire department should be contacted via the emergency number 112.
12:39 PM: Söder orders 40,000 emergency personnel to be deployed for flood relief in BavariaBavarian Minister President Markus Söder asserts that around 40,000 emergency responders are being mobilized to address the flooding across the whole state of Bavaria. When visiting the Upper Bavarian city of Reichertshofen, Söder advises, "The most important thing now will be to organize relief efforts efficiently in the coming hours." Relieving those who have been in service for a long time is crucial, Söder adds, "because the longer you work without relief, the higher the risk of errors and fatigue. And then the danger can quickly become life-threatening."
12:29 PM: Dam guards are being established in StraubingThe Donau water level in Straubing is increasing, according to the Bavarian Flood Information Service (HND); it will reach the highest alert level, four, later in the day. Authorities have announced that dam guards will be established from 3 p.m. Firefighters will then monitor the dam on-site and regularly report on the current water levels and any damage. Sandbag filling is also underway.
12:03 PM: Dam failure in Baar-EbenhausenIn Baar-Ebenhausen, a dam has burst. A warning has been issued for the affected communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. People are advised to vacate the ground floor of their houses forthwith.
11:37 PM: Scholz acknowledges the work of rescue teams in flood-prone regionsFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his gratitude to the rescue personnel and volunteers in the flooded areas for their efforts. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen saddens me," he states via Twitter. "My condolences go out to his family and colleagues." In the district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter perished during a rescue operation overnight.
11:25 PM: Flooding is a theme at the Catholic Day in Erfurt
The leader of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, extends a special greeting to those impacted by the recent storms, particularly individuals in the south of our nation who are currently clearing debris or still battling the floods. Bätzing concluded his remarks during the Catholic Day in Erfurt at the Erfurt Cathedral, saying, "We hope that people's lives will remain secure and protected."
At 10:59 a.m., portions of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis are submerged in water. The Schussen has overflowed, causing flooding in the streets, according to a community representative. Over 1,300 people had already voluntarily evacuated their homes before Saturday to seek refuge in safer locations. Some residents are said to have stayed behind and remained in their homes' upper levels. The Schussen's water level rose to more than 4.86 meters on Saturday night. Since then, it has gradually dropped. In comparison, the Schussen is only 45 centimeters deep under normal circumstances.
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder paid tribute to a firefighter who passed away during a rescue mission in the flooded Bavarian region. "His dedication and service to others will always be remembered," Söder wrote. "Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to his peers. We all mourn. This hurts." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter perished in a rescue boat capsize near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen while attempting a rescue mission due to a submerged house.
Ukraine will not hold its final training session at 6 p.m. at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg on Sunday since heavy rainfall. Instead, they will train in Erlangen. "We opted not to harm the stadium's grass," says a Ukrainian team spokesperson. Ukraine will face off against the German national football team on Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD) in Nuremberg for the EM match.
The Munich metropolitan area has already experienced almost 300 firefighting operations from Saturday at 6 a.m. due to flooding. The fire department is mainly pumping out water from flooded basements and garages. Furthermore, several trees have been uprooted due to the wet ground, and streets have had to be closed. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was surpassed on Saturday night.
In Anhausen, the high water situation is gradually improving, but it remains critical after a dam broke five kilometers away and flooded the town. "Residents who were evacuated are slowly returning," reports NTV correspondent Niklas Diemer. However, the water levels are still critical in other locations.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending additional staff members to assist in the southern German regions still affected by flooding. Over 1,800 individuals have already been commissioned, says a spokesperson. The helpers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding in the evacuation of residents from flooded areas. Simultaneously, other emergency services are also responding.
At 8:47 a.m., a landslide in Baden-Württemberg hit a train and a car. The high water situation in specific areas of Germany continues to worry people. In the east of Baden-Württemberg, a century-long high water level is threatened. The rescue services and helpers are also straining their resources.
At 8:30 a.m., the ICE train affected by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend's Baden-Württemberg is anticipated to be saved by morning. The regional train is unable to pass through the area, a spokesperson claims. A rescue locomotive is on the second track of the line to assist with rescue efforts. It is unclear how long this disruption will persist. Meanwhile, the regional train has been able to pass the ICE.
On Saturday evening, two ICE train carriages with 185 passengers became derailed in Baden-Württemberg's Schwaebisch Gmuend due to a landslide.
At 8:16 am, one person is reported missing in Schrobenhausen. The person is believed to have been in the cellar of a house when the flood hit. A spokesperson for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office states that rescue teams are unable to access the house at the present moment.
07:30 Floods in Bavaria shift toward Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate
In Bavaria, Meldestufe 4 flooding is being measured in multiple locations. The primary focus is still on the southern Donau tributaries such as Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The highest water levels have already been reached. Now, the focus of the flood is moving downstream - moving from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing are potentially in the path of the peak wave. Rising water levels are expected in these areas early in the week. Areas to watch include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, and Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen district.
06:54 DWD predicts more rain in the southern regions
In large parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, there's a chance of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, the German Weather Service (DWD) forecast predicts. According to the DWD forecast from Sunday morning, thunderstorms with heavy rain will occur from noon to late Monday night. The threat of street flooding and basement floods is high. Additionally, there's a risk of property damage from lightning strikes.
05:40 Augsburg district intensifies evacuation orders
In the flooded communities of the Bavarian Augsburg district, authorities are increasing evacuation calls. Residents of Kuhlenthal and Allmannshofen are instructed to leave their homes immediately, as announced in the early hours of the morning. There are buses available for those unable to leave the area on their own. Other regions in the district had already sent out evacuation notices on Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Many locations along the Schmutter, a Donau tributary, are affected.
05:05 Authorities in Wiesbaden prepare for rising water levels
Wiesbaden officials are taking steps to counter the effects of rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. A flood barrier has been constructed in the Kostheim district, the fire department reports. In the Schierstein district, a pump has been installed. It's advised to avoid parking near the rivers in the next few days, the fire department notes. At this time, there are no plans for additional measures.
04:05 Train traffic disrupted between Stuttgart and Munich
Due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is currently suspended. There's no estimate given as to when the line will reopen, according to a rail company spokesperson in the early morning. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart. The disruption also affects trains running between Ulm and Augsburg, which were rerouted due to the southern German floods.
03:15 THW fills 30,000 sandbags in Ulm
A THW team in Ulm filled thousands of sandbags overnight for flood-prone and flood-affected areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. THW leadership stated in the evening that they plan to deliver 30,000 sandbags today. "We're currently filling 400 sandbags per hour," Urban, head of THW logistics center, said. Sandbags are requested by multiple deployment areas in southwest Germany as well as neighboring regions. Significantly higher water levels are present at numerous southern German locations due to persistent rain.
02:27 Water rescuers from Unterfranken sent to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is deploying water rescue teams from Unterfranken to the flood mission in Swabia. The water rescue unit from the entire Unterfranken region is expected to be sent to Günzburg, the Red Cross declares in the evening. The rescuers consist of two boat and diving teams each. In the Günzburg region, various bodies of water have reached a hundred-year flood level. This means that this flood, or one surpassing the statistical average, occurs once every 100 years.
01:22 Landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd causes ICE train to derail
An ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, due to a landslide. Fortunately, no one was injured. The passengers will be evacuated from the train. The landslide spanned approximately 30 meters, according to a railway spokesperson. The train's first two wagons left the tracks around 23:20 pm. It's planned that the evacuees will be taken to Plüderhausen by bus.
A car was struck by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Based on police reports from last night, the driver sustained no injuries. The landslide occurred where a county road and railway intersect. Schwaebisch Gmuend is roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rainfall has been reported in various parts of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
The city of Neu-Ulm has successfully navigated the highest peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller rivers, as per a city administration estimate. Although the water levels were very high, the feared 100-year flood was avoided. "We'll only know the extent of the damage once the situation stabilizes," explains Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. For now, two streets, the Donau embankments, and cycle paths along the Danube and Iller are closed.
The Munich Fire Department has issued a warning about the peril at the Isar riverbank due to high water levels. In addition, two prominent hiking trails next to the Isar River have been shuttered. With flood level 2 reached in Munich, the city will experience flooding in non-built zones or traffic impediments caused by water-flooded roads.
The fire department and rescue teams are preparing to evacuate approximately 670 individuals in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. In the district of Muhlried and a street adjoining the Weilach River, excavators and boats are in operation, per the district administration Neuburg-Schrobenhausen. The authority has established a hotline for citizens in need of emergency assistance. The community had previously proclaimed a disaster. The southern part of the Upper Bavarian district is of particular concern, says District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
Severe rain and thunderstorms have catalyzed numerous fire department interventions in eastern Thuringia, according to the control center in Gera. The districts of Ronneburg in the Greiz region are the most affected. There are roads submerged, fields flooded, and basements overflowing with water. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a tiny stream has overflowed.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) observes a minor lessening of rainfall in the areas that have been struck by or vulnerable to torrential downpours in southern Germany. One DWD meteorologist explains, "We won't be experiencing the heavy rainfall we witnessed last night." However, new showers and thunderstorms are arriving from the north, which may lead to regional flooding once more on Sunday afternoon. Heavy showers are expected to be particularly intense and long-lasting. These showers could lead to more flooding if they fall on the already saturated ground. The areas most at risk from showers and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb and the regions surrounding Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
In addition to Freising, Freising District is now declaring a disaster due to overflowing rivers and streams. The district's administration notes that record-breaking water levels are anticipated in the Amper and Glonn rivers. They foresee catastrophic flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as all towns along the Amper. Residents are encouraged to be ready for such an extreme scenario and empty their basements as an example. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster situation.
The Dillingen district in southern Bavaria is also declaring a disaster situation due to perpetual rainfall. In the evening, the situation on the Zusam, a tributary joining the Danube, deteriorated, as reported by the administration. The local disaster management staff needs reinforcements from the Bundeswehr. They predict a 100-year flood on the small river, which may impact the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, the authorities are arranging to discharge water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district administration is imploring local farmers to keep their livestock in secure stables.
21:09: Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares emergency
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen announces an emergency due to the rising levels of the Danube and its tributaries. According to local authorities, the Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates a level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the evening. The situation is even more critical at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. Mühlried, a residential area in the Schrobenhausen district, has already experienced flooding as a result of the Weilach's overflow. Emergency workers are preparing to evacuate residents from the area, reports Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is particularly severe in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün stresses that protecting roads, bridges, and railways is a top priority to ensure first responders can continue their work.
20:34: Emergency rescue by helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has airlifted two individuals from their home in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The BRK representative explains that these people were in a life-threatening situation due to the rapidly rising water masses. Other residents were rescued using inflatable boats. Over a hundred people, including many children, have been safely evacuated.
20:13: Evacuation orders issued in several places near Augsburg
Water rescuers had to free people from their cars when they found themselves unable to open their doors due to the rising water levels. This dangerous situation can quickly become life-threatening due to both the current and the rising water inside the vehicle.
In several municipalities in the Augsburg district, officials have asked residents to leave their homes and apartments due to the imminent flooding. The situation will worsen in the northern part of the district tonight, warns a representative from the Augsburg district administration. Areas impacted include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian government has established an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48: Bundeswehr aids in flood response
The Bundeswehr is helping communities impacted by floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is assisting the Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts, both of which have submitted official requests," explains a spokesperson for the Bavarian Army Command to Antenne Bayern. "In Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are being distributed. In Aichach-Friedberg, around 50 men and women from the Bundeswehr are expected in the near future. In addition, two trucks from the Bundeswehr are currently being employed."
19:20: Faeser guarantees additional aid
Bavaria's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser commits to providing further assistance to regions impacted by flooding in southern Germany. Faeser mentions that the THW (Technical Relief Organization) is prepared to dispatch more resources across the country. "We will continue to support the affected federal states with all available personnel," says the SPD politician. There are currently 520 THW personnel and volunteers at work in the field, she adds. They are focused on rescuing people, reinforcing dikes, and pumping water away. Faeser also thanks all volunteers: "I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to all volunteers who are currently working tirelessly to save lives." She advises those in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to pay close attention to the warnings and directions provided by authorities. "Take these warnings and instructions very seriously!"
18:58: 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The stranded climbers on the Zugspitze (see Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been saved. A total of 29 individuals were escorted from their location to the Sonnalpin restaurant at Zugspitzplatt by mountain rescue services. Multiple groups had requested assistance after becoming trapped due to unfavorable weather conditions and deep snow at about 2,500 meters above sea level, roughly 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. A spokesperson for the mountain rescue service indicates that they are nearby, while employees of the Zugspitzbahn are on their way as well to search for the stranded climbers.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues warnings for intense thunderstorms in areas of Brandenburg. The areas of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree receive the highest alert level until nightfall, as reported by the DWD. These storms may pose risks like lightning strikes, uprooted trees and power lines, falling objects, sudden flooding of roads, landslides, and hail.
18:11 Road closure due to floods: The A3 motorway in Bavaria, near Regensburg, is partially shut down for around 10 kilometers between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The road's surface is flooded, a representative of the Upper Palatinate Police Department notes. Water from the fields is pushing onto the motorway, according to the Regensburg traffic police. The Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all present on the site. Traffic will be diverted, said a representative.
17:51 Prison evacuation: The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, has been evacuated due to the potential risk of flooding. Reports from the Nonstopnews news agency add that around 150 prisoners will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The prison is located next to the Memminger Ach river, which is rapidly turning into a raging stream. Parts of the prison's courtyard are already underwater, potentially leading to a power outage. In response, the prison management decided to evacuate. Police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to handle the evacuation, and the fire department participated with pumps, removing the accumulating water. Evacuation had to be completed over flooded streets, as the accessibility road was already flooded.
17:35 Water levels surpassing level 4: The heavy rainfall has resulted in water levels surpassing level 4 at several gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers continue to expand. According to the flood warning service (HND), the gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Cham on the Regen River have all exceeded level 4. Hundred-year floods have also been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar). The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to reach its peak in level 3 from Saturday to Sunday. The lower portions of the Iller are already experiencing declining water levels. In the northern Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, individual gauges show exceedances of level 1 and 2 with a trend of further rise. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the expected water levels are set to rise to level 3 during the day, e.g., in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim will also reach this level at night. The Donau section extending to Passau anticipates increases of level 1 and 2.
17:23 Munich Airport's flight operations remain functional: Despite heavy rainfall in Bavaria, Munich Airport's airplanes can continue to operate normally. No flights have been canceled. Robert Wilhelm, the airport's spokesperson, shares, "We can see water standing in the meadows next to the runways." The airport is slightly elevated, as well as the runway slopes towards the outer edges, to facilitate water draining. The runways are also "grooved," with grooves allowing for more efficient water drainage. A risk of aquaplaning (water on the surface of the runway) does not exist, adds Wilhelm. The airport does not foresee any significant complications for the rest of the weekend.
17:07 Söder: "Things are really kicking off now": Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder receives information about the situation in Swabia, one of the regions heavily affected by the storm. Söder expresses his gratitude to the helpers and relevant authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Söder describes Bavaria as crisis-prepared and mentions that the situation is an "extreme burden" for the citizens. And further: "This isn't over. Things are really picking up now." Resources, such as sandbags, are being channeled towards Swabia due to the storm's focal point there. "Without the helpers and helpers, we would be in trouble," Söder said to the rescue services like the Fire Department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. These units have demonstrated exceptional dedication. To the citizens, Söder called for compliance with the rules. Evacuation orders must be obeyed with no attempts to evacuate from the cellar or drive out of the garage.
16:35 Trains no longer functioning: The trains have ceased operations due to the torrential rains in Bavaria.
In Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the floods and storms disrupt rail traffic. As reported by Deutsche Bahn, there are disruptions and canceled trains in South Germany. Two ICE trains are particularly affected: there are no trains operating between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich the whole day on Saturday due to the floods. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. For more information on track closures, cancellations, and delays, visit the Bahn website.
16:12: Situation of emergency in Unterallgäu - Help sought by hoisting a white flag
The domain of Unterallgäu in Bavaria has now become an emergency situation. In Babenhausen, an area has lost its mobile network. People in need who can't make a call should hang a white sheet or cloth out of their home's window or make themselves visible at the window to ask for help. In Babenhausen, residents are being rescued by inflatable boats from their homes.
15:57: 400 THW forces in South Germany on duty
In the context of the storms in South Germany, around 400 forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently working. This is reported by the THW in Bonn. They're clearing water, securing dams, and evacuating people in preparation. "Within the framework of the persistent and sometimes heavy rain, the THW is prepared to engage more THW troops specifically," they said. In the affected areas, mobile flood gauges are being set up and monitored. "With the latest weather forecasts and the imminent flooding in the coming hours, the THW is preparing to deploy more THW troops." Teams across the country are on standby. Each rescue group comprises about 40 THW members who operate three sewage pumps, a diesel generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command post. Each group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37: All current flood warnings on one map
This map shows all current flood warnings. It is updated regularly.
15:15: Report: 26-member mountain climbing team stranded below Zugspitze
A 26-member mountain climbing group is reportedly stranded several hundred meters below the summit of the Zugspitze. According to BR, 60 centimeters of new snow has fallen on the Zugspitze in the last few hours. At the same time, it's continuously raining in the valley, with temperatures below freezing and visibility only about 100 meters. Several rescue teams have been sent to find the climbers in the blizzard, as reported by BR, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group appears to be exhausted and may not be appropriately equipped. It's still unclear why they attempted to climb the Zugspitze despite the extreme weather forecast.
14:52: Disaster situation declared in Donau-Ries District
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation. Within this measure, the goal is to "bring all available powers together and efficiently prepare for the expected water levels," explains District Governor Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It's crucial to remain calm and, if possible, steer clear of low-lying regions."
14:20: Dike and dam break near Augsburg - Evacuation preparation underway
In the Swabian district of Augsburg, a dike and a dam have collapsed. The district administration has reported it. Residents in certain streets of Diedorf must leave their homes. Plans are being made to evacuate residents living in Anhausen in Diedorf. "It is no longer safe to remain on the ground floors." A dam has broken in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher has collapsed. All residents in the affected areas are urged to leave independently within the next hour and seek shelter at the Diedorf SchmutterHALLE. Authorities also advise staying away from railway underpasses, as the floodwaters could flow towards them. There is a significant risk to life.
Söder and Herrmann travel to the flood area
The Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder and the Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are heading to the flooded region of Augsburg. The two CSU politicians are aiming to personally assess the flooding situation in Diedorf. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also participate. Their scheduled visit location was changed due to the ongoing situation. In Diedorf, residents are currently preparing for evacuation. The flood situation is especially critical in Swabia. In addition to the district of Augsburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have also declared disaster situations.
The water level in Meckenbeuren's Schussen river is escalating, creating a more critical situation. According to a spokesperson from the local government, the river currently stands at a height of 4.72 meters. They hope to hit peak levels soon. Comparatively, during the previous flooding in 2021, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. This is significantly higher than the usual 45-centimeter depth. On Friday, the municipality urged around 1300 residents to evacuate their homes as a safety measure. The majority opted to stay with loved ones, while a select few sought refuge at a shelter. To minimize potential damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied ahead of time. The city houses approximately 14,000 inhabitants. As an additional precaution, bridges were closed.
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The International Metrological Organization (IMO) has issued severe weather warnings for several countries, including Germany, due to the continuing heavy rainfall and potential flooding. This follows the German Meteorological Service (DWD) withdrawing some but not all severe thunderstorm alerts, with some southern German areas still at risk of localized showers leading to heavy rain. In a live ticker update, it's reported that some key regions, such as Augsburg and Ebersbach an der Fils, are already under flood warnings and evacuations are taking place. Rescuers urge the public to stay away from affected areas and to follow the live ticker for updates on the developing situation.
