48-Year-Old Vanished Individual Found Deceased in Basement at 23:16
As per Bayerischer Rundfunk's report, one more death has surfaced in South Germany due to the storm. A 43-year-old individual who had gone missing was discovered in a cellar.
At 17:10, a signal box in Radeberg, east of Dresden's capital, experienced a malfunction caused by a lightning strike, disrupting regional train traffic in the area for a while. A spokesman for the railway mentioned that the trains affected were mainly the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz. Since it took about two hours to repair the damage, the trains were able to resume their normal function in the evening.
An evacuation is underway for a nursing home situated close to the Danube in Swabian Lauingen. This step has been taken due to flooding to ensure that the residents receive continuous care. All the residents have been shifted and accommodated in an educational center.
The Donauwörth district office cited damage to a dam along the Upper Danube and the Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries as the reason for evacuating several settlements between the two rivers. Included in the evacuated areas are Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The authorities are urging the residents to remain calm, gather their essentials, and comply with the instructions issued by the emergency services. Emergency shelters are made available.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will assess the situation in the Bavarian flood region on Monday. They will also join Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann at a meeting in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria's district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, along with the President of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner.
Owing to the flooding, at least 40 schools in eight Bavarian districts will not have in-person teaching during the new week. This includes the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On Monday, there were no lessons at all Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools in Aichach-Friedberg, as well as at local grammar schools, vocational schools, and special schools. Wertingen in the Dillingen district experienced closure of all schools. Additionally, some kindergartens in the Pfaffenhofen district would be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
In Swabia, there are power outages in roughly 30 towns in areas where there is at most 30,000 inhabitants. The network operator LEW has confirmed this in its statement. Apart from this, residents have experienced local grid (low voltage) outages in individual streets and households. Although the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen are apparently experiencing the most outages, the precise locations remain unclear. According to the network operator, the emergency crews are attempting to restore power by switching to other lines, given the circumstances. The duration of each outage will vary depending on the specific situation.
For more updates, please stay tuned!
At 18:42, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues a warning for more heavy rainfall in the south of Germany. There's potential for extreme rainfall, particularly in the Stuttgart area, on Sunday evening. The Alps may also experience strong thunderstorms with heavy rain from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. Intense thunderstorms with up to 40 liters per square meter per hour are possible in the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and Alpine foothills to the Bavarian Forest at night. For Monday morning, meteorologists in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube predict showers, then stronger thunderstorms, and later even more rain, again potentially reaching 40 liters per square meter per hour.
At 18:07, the mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, declares a state of disaster due to the worsening situation along the Danube. This is due to the size and complexity of the needs and staff required. The Donau river level in Straubing has surpassed six meters, and there's a risk of exceeding a level 4 alert in the coming hours. There are four flood alert levels, with level 1 indicating small overflows and level 4 signifying large areas of potential flooding. Despite safety measures, streets have already been closed in some places.
Meckenbeuren, a partially flooded Bodenseekreis community in Friedrichshafen, has warned against "flood tourism." Interested onlookers would hinder rescue efforts and put themselves and others at risk. Although the rain might lessen or stop, people are being urged to avoid the flooded area, respect closure signs on bridges and roads, and steer clear of the Schussen river, which overflowed onto the banks on Saturday evening. This flooded streets and houses in the Kehlen and Brochenzell districts.
Severe thunderstorms are threatening the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district during the day on Sunday. Lightning strikes, uprooted trees, powerful winds, falling objects, and damage to houses are possible, as is landslides and hail.
Due to the flood in Dachau and Kelheim, both districts have also declared a state of disaster. Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer states, "The current situation, combined with the forecasts about water levels, remains tense." Dachau's district administrator Stefan Loewl notes that local forces can no longer handle the numerous emergency sites in the coming hours. The measure allows emergency services to be sent to these districts from other areas.
The Deutsche Bahn is extending its leniency policy to Monday for train travel in southern Germany. Passengers who purchased tickets for travel between Sunday and Monday can postpone their journey without incurring any additional fees. However, the extent of the traffic disruptions is still unknown. Main routes like Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich are affected. The train company advises against traveling in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg where flooding has occurred.
The spokesperson from the Bavarian Interior Ministry reveals that approximately 3,000 people have been affected by evacuations due to flooded areas in Bavaria. Around 20,000 forces are currently in action, with 40,000 supposedly involved since the start of the disaster.
At 15:51, meteorologist Bernd Fuchs suggests that while it's possible that the flood situation in the south might be easing, "every drop is too much." He points out that the current scenario is a clear indication of the road we're headed down regarding climate change.
3:22 PM - A man sustains serious electric injuries while working in the floods of Freising, Upper BavariaA 27-year-old male worker from an energy company got severely injured by an electric shock in the flooded region of Allershausen, situated in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising. A representative from the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters conveyed that the incident took place while the victim was handling flood-related tasks. He was immediately rescued from the flooded area near the town hall and transported to a hospital via a helicopter. The authorities believe that the incident was linked to the floods.
2:02 PM - Shipping disrupted on the Upper RhineOn account of the intense rainfall in southern Germany, the water levels on the Upper Rhine have significantly increased, resulting in a temporary stoppage of shipping. According to the Rhineland-Palatinate river forecast center, no further shipping is allowed in a designated section along the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The maximum water level measured in Maximiliansau reached 7.50 meters on Saturday evening, and it further escalated to 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon. However, a decrease in water levels was expected that night. However, considerably higher levels are anticipated downstream at Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, critical water levels may pose dangers for shipping. At the Koblenz gauge, a level of approximately 6.10 meters is predicted on Tuesday. Ships can't navigate under 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels will be spotted in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
1:38 PM - Over 50 kilometers of Autobahn A9 closed owing to dam-breaking incidentA 50-kilometer segment of the Autobahn A9, stretching between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, has been shut down due to a dam break in Pfaffenhofen district, affecting the Ilm. A spokesperson for the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters confirmed that the road is now submerged. It is a fresh development in this region. Aside from this, power outages also occurred. A substantial population has been affected. Attempts are being made to mitigate the situation. The district administration had urged residents in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to climb up to the upper floors in their homes and apartments.
Update 4:23 PM: The portion in question is between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck in both directions; meanwhile, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn intersection Neufahrn is substantially restricted. It is advised to bypass the entire region as extensively as possible.
12:59 PM: Federal Chancellor Habeck advocates for increased climate protection after the flood incidentEconomics Minister Robert Habeck underscored the significance of climate change protection when responding to the flood crisis in southern Germany. "It is imperative not to trivialise or brush aside the reduction of CO2 emissions to allow adequate time for adaptation," he said during a tour in the flood-hit community of Reichertshofen, Bavaria. Habeck stated that the frequency of natural disasters is now a clear sign that nature and climate are changing. Century-scale floods now take place "every few years," he added.
12:34 PM: Federal Chancellor Scholz scheduled to visit the afflicted region on MondayFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planned to personally visit the flood-affected areas on Monday, confirmed government sources.
12:21 PM - Missing firefighter from Offingen after flood relief operationSince overnight, a 22-year-old firefighter cannot be located after participating in an evacuation task in Offingen, Günzburg district. An officer from the Police Presidium Schwaben South-West verified that the youthful member of a voluntary fire department and two helpers from the DLRG were in a boat while en route for an evacuation. The boat capsized around 2:50 AM, and four of the crew members were saved. The other firefighter is still missing. Rescue efforts were deployed since the early hours of the day, involving two helicopters.
12:11 PM: Changing weather patterns cause excessive rainfallMore adverse weather conditions are forecasted in the southern German flood-affected areas, providing no respite. ntv weather analyst Björn Alexander noted that although the heavy rain has ceased, "a big and wide rainstorm is still present." He emphasised that new storm centers have surfaced.
11:52 AM: Titisee: Severe flooding impacts public transportationSevere flooding at Titisee severely impacted the transportation system. Bus lines in the region were suspended after the floodwaters also damaged several bridges.
11:09 AM: Fire station in Wiefelsdorf flooded with oilThe fire station in Wiefelsdorf was damaged when it was flooded with oil from leaking petroleum reserves.
10:53 AM - Highways intersection at Ingolstadt closed owing to floodingThe intersection of A9 and A92 highways in Ingolstadt is closed due to flooding.
10:21 AM: The Pfaffenhofen dam break continues to cause issuesAnother dam break in the Pfaffenhofen district has led to complications in this region. Residents of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf are advised to ascend to the upper floors of their homes and to avoid basements and cellars. In emergency scenarios, the fire department should be immediately alerted at 112.
12:39 Söder: 40,000 workers deployed for Bavarian flooding
Bavaria's leader, Markus Söder, states that almost 40,000 workers are on the go to handle the flooding across Bavaria. In a visit to Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, Söder remarked, "The most crucial task now is to arrange relief effectively in the following hours." Those who have been overworked for a while require some relief, Söder said. "The longer you serve without relief, the higher the danger of blunders and exhaustion. This increases the threat to life and limb."
12:29 Damm guards are set up in Straubing
The water level in Straubing's Donau is set to exceed the top alert level four, as announced by Bavaria's Flood Information Service Bayern. After 3 pm, dam guards will be posted. The fire brigade will check the dam's condition on-site and update the water level and damages continuously. They're also filling more sandbags.
12:03 Dam break in Baar-Ebenhausen's region
A dam has broken near Baar-Ebenhausen in Pfaffenhofen County. According to a warning, areas like Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are at risk. People are advised to leave the ground floor of their houses immediately.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz praises flood helpers
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz appreciates the rescue workers and volunteers in the flooded areas on X. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen upsets me," Scholz writes. "My thoughts are with his family and comrades. We all mourn this painful loss." In Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter died during a rescue operation last night.
11:25 Flooding is a concern at the Catholic Day in Erfurt
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, addresses those affected by the recent storms, especially those in the southern regions of the nation, who are still tackling the floods. "We hope that human lives will be preserved and protected," Bätzing states in front of Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Floods affect parts of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis
Meckenbeuren's districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the Bodenseekreis are submerged in water. The Schussen has breached its banks, flooding the streets, as per a spokeswoman for the community. Over 1,300 people voluntarily evacuated their homes on Saturday to stay safe in higher locations. Some residents remained in their houses and took shelter upstairs. The Schussen's water level hit 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, more than three times the usual depth of 45cm in that area.
10:34 Bavarian Minister President Söder mourns fallen firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder expresses his condolences to a firefighter who succumbed during a flood rescue operation in Bavaria on X. "His service and dedication to humanity will always be remembered," Söder writes. "Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and colleagues. We grieve together during this painful time." A 42-year-old volunteer firefighter drowned, according to police, when a rescue boat overturned close to Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
10:09 Ukrainian football team skips final training due to floods
The Ukrainian national football team is unable to have their last practice session on Sunday at 6 pm at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion, as planned before the European Championship (EM) match against Germany. Instead, they'll train in Erlangen. "We'll spare the field at the stadium," says a spokesperson for the team. Ukraine plays against Germany on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD).
09:52 Munich already has 290 firefighting tasks due to floods
The Munich area feels the rain's effects as well. Since 6 am on Saturday, the fire department has been dispatched for more than 290 tasks. They mainly have to remove water from flooded cellars and basements. Several trees were uprooted as the ground is extremely saturated, and some roads had to be closed. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was exceeded on Saturday evening.
09:24 Water rushes in after Anhausen dam breaks
The water level in Anhausen is slowly lowering as flooding recedes after a dam five kilometers away broke, inundating the city in a matter of minutes. "Residents who were evacuated are returning gradually," notes ntv-reporter Niklas Diemer. Nonetheless, other areas remain under critical water levels.
09:08 THW mobilizes extra personnel in flooded regions
The THW (Technical Relief Organization) is sending extra personnel to flood-stricken areas. The THW will help flush out cellars, pump out water, and provide relief to the residents. The organization mobilized over 1,000 personnel, 70 tractors, and 160 pumping systems.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is deploying more personnel to the flooded regions of southern Germany. Over 1,800 people are currently on duty, a spokesperson informs us. The workers are securing dams, stuffing sandbags, and aiding in the evacuations of locals in the heavily flooded areas. In addition to the THW, the fire department and other emergency services are pitching in as well.
08:47 Landslide Impacts Trains and Cars in Baden-Württemberg
The flood scenario in various areas of Germany is causing major concerns among citizens. The south of the country is experiencing the brunt of the water masses. In eastern Baden-Württemberg, there's even the threat of a one-hundred-year flood. Rescue crews are straining their resources.
08:30 ICE Train Due for Rescue after Schwaebisch Gmuend Landslide
The ICE train affected by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg's Schwaebisch Gmuend will likely be extracted in the morning, a spokesman confirms. It's hindering the regional transportation as it can't go through the area. A rescue locomotive on the second track of the railway track will aid in this operation. It's undetermined how long the closure will maintain. In the meantime, regional transport has managed to pass the ICE. On Saturday evening, two carriages of an ICE train with 185 passengers got derailed following a landslide.
08:16 Missing Person in Schrobenhausen
A person is unaccounted for in Schrobenhausen. It is believed that they were in the cellar of a house when the floodwater arrived. A spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office shares that rescue teams currently cannot access the house.
07:44 Firefighter Passes Away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
A firefighter has perished in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He and his three colleagues tipped over with the fireboat and was discovered deceased in the morn, indicates a district office spokesperson.
07:29 Floodwater Moving Downstream - Meldestufe 4 at Several Locations in Bavaria
In Bavaria, floodwater is being recorded at Meldestufe 4 in numerous places. The primary focus remains on the southern Donau tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Donau. The peak levels have been reached overnight. The focus of the floodwater is relocating downstream - from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Affected areas may include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The peak wave is anticipated to reach these spots early next week. In particular, rising water levels are expected in Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, as well as in Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria and Abensberg in the Kelheim district.
06:54 Weather Service Anticipates More Rain in the South
According to the weather prediction by the German Weather Service (DWD), there's a risk of further storms with heavy rain in many areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The forecast indicates rain from noon to Monday night. The possibility of flooded roads and cellars is high. Moreover, damage from lightning strikes is also a potential hazard, it was reported.
05:39 Augsburg District Increases Evacuation Notices
In the flooded zones of the Augsburg district, evacuation notices are being expanded. The authorities in Augsburg are urging residents of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen to leave immediately. Shuttle buses are being provided for those who cannot leave the areas. Other districts hit by floods were instructed to abandon their homes on Saturday evening and at night. The majority of the communities affected are along the Schmutter river, a tributary that flows into the Danube.
05:05 Wiesbaden Gearing up for Rising Water Levels
Authorities in Wiesbaden are taking action against the rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. A flood barrier has been set up in the Kostheim district, reports the fire department in the early morning. In the Rhine-side district of Schierstein, a pump has also been installed. People are advised to stay away from parking areas near the rivers in the days to come. No further steps are expected to be required at this point.
04:04 Train Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich Disrupted
Due to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend, there's currently no long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway spokesman can't estimate how long the line will remain shut. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as long-distance train transport was already stopped between Ulm and Augsburg due to the flood in southern Germany, and those trains had to be rerouted.
In the night, THW forces in Ulm worked diligently to fill thousands of sandbags for flooded and flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Overnight, 30,000 sandbags were due to be delivered, and their speedy production was buoyant; 400 per hour was the current accomplishment. Sandbags were sourced from various deployment areas across the south, as well as neighboring regions. The consistent rainfall had caused considerably elevated water levels in these areas, leading to this emergency.
23:55 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Gunzburg from Unterfranken
With a mission to aid in the stricken region of Swabia, the Bavarian Red Cross was dispatching water rescuers from Unterfranken. This elite group of four boat and diving teams was regarded as exceptionally skilled in flood rescue operations. In the flood-ravaged town of Gunzburg, numerous bodies of water had surpassed the levels of a typical one-hundred-year flood. This noteworthy level implies a flood of such magnitude that it only occurs once every century, historically.
23:28 ICE train encounters derailment in Schwaebisch Gmuend due to landslide
In the late evening hours, a landslide near Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, caused two wagons of an ICE train to derail, carrying approximately 185 passengers on board. Thankfully, these passengers remained unscathed and are at present being extracted from the train. The railway representative expressed that two wagons departed from the tracks around 11:20 p.m. Though they were not entirely capsized, the landslide's expanse was roughly 30 meters wide. The inhabitants of the train are expected to relocate to a nearby kindergarten before being conveyed to Plüderhausen by bus.
22:58 Bavaria: Shifted earth impedes car in Schwäbisch Gmünd
A car in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, met with a landslide, causing the vehicle to skid off the road. Initial reports indicate that the driver was fortunate to remain unharmed. The landslide, occurring where the affected county road intersected with the railway, occurred in a locale roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since last Friday, the region has endured an onslaught of relentless rainfall, much like many other regions in Baden-Württemberg.
22:33 Neu-Ulm's watermarks surpassed - damage unknown
The Danube and Iller rivers have peaked in Neu-Ulm, as suggested by the city administration. To the relief of many, the grim prediction of a one-hundred-year flood was averted. Nevertheless, Mayor Katrin Albsteiger stated, "We can only assess the extent of the damage once the situation has stabilized." Until then, two streets, the Donau embankments, and the bike paths along the Danube and Iller will remain shut off from the public.
22:00 Munich: Looming hazard at the banks of the Isar River
The Munich Fire Department is issuing a safety warning about the Isar Riverbank on account of treacherous water levels. Additionally, the city administration has shuttered two famous walking trails along the Isar River. The river has risen to flood level 2, a level signifying flooding in unbuilt areas or travel delays owing to road flooding.
21:37 Over 600 people to be evacuated in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria
In Upper Bavaria's Schrobenhausen, the fire department and rescue services are preparing for the evacuation of 670 citizens. In the district of Mühlried, as well as a road close to the Weilach River, large excavators and boats were employed. The town's district administration has established a rescue hotline for emergencies. The municipal body declared a state of emergency previously. The situation is of significant concern in the southern sector of the Upper Bavarian region, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
21:12 Widespread firefighting operations in eastern Thüringen
Torrential rain and thunderstorms have spawned numerous rescue operations in east-central Thüringen. The Gera control center provided this information. The Greiz district, particularly Ronneburg, was the most affected location. There were instances of impassable roads, flooded fields, and flooded basements. A stream in Gera's Liebschwitz district had river overflow.
The German meteorological service (DWD) reports a slight reduction in rainfall for areas in southern Germany that have been hit or are at risk. A DWD meteorologist comments, "Tonight won't have the massive rainfall amounts we experienced last night." Nevertheless, further showers and thunderstorms are on their way from the north. These storms could produce more localized flooding in the afternoon. "If these hit the already saturated ground, there will be more flooding there," the meteorologist added. At risk are the Swabian Alb region, as well as areas to the north of it and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Disaster declaration in Freising:The district of Freising has declared a disaster due to overflowing rivers and streams. The district office said that record-breaking water levels are expected on the Amper and Glonn, two rivers running through the region. The district fears major flooding in the town of Hohenkammer and other Amper-area towns. Residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures such as emptying their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster.
21:50 Dillingen district declares disaster:Dillingen in Bavaria has also declared a disaster as a result of uninterrupted rainfall. The district office states that the situation on the Zusam, a Danube tributary, has worsened. The regional crisis management team has appealed for federal troops' help. The authorities anticipate a 100-year flood on the Zusam, which could affect nearby towns like Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. The authorities are considering releasing water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district is asking farmers to keep their livestock in secure stables.
21:09 Eighth Bavarian commune declares disaster status:Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, another Bavarian district, has also declared a disaster due to the rising Danube and its tributaries. Officials anticipate level 4 at the Neuburg gauge tonight. Conditions are critical at the Paar and Weilach tributaries. In Mühldorf, part of the Schrobenhausen district, the Weilach has already flooded some homes. The district administration is preparing to evacuate residents and prioritizes ensuring road, bridge, and path protection "so the fire department can respond to emergencies."
20:34 Emergency rescue in Babenhausen:The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has used a helicopter to rescue two people from a Babenhausen home's roof, who were in life-threatening danger due to the water masses. Other people were rescued from homes using inflatable boats. BRK has saved over 100 people, including numerous children.
20:13 People in several Augsburg districts urged to leave their homes:Water rescuers freed people from their vehicles, who couldn't open car doors because of the water masses. The spokesperson warned this could quickly become life-threatening due to current and rising water in cars. In several municipalities, people are being urged to leave their homes and apartments due to the worsening flood situation, especially in the northern part of the district - including Babenhausen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and Nordendorf, where a temporary shelter has been set up at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr Sends Military Personnel to Flood Affected Areas in Bavaria:The Bundeswehr is helping with flood responses in Bavaria. A Bavarian Army Command spokesperson said, "The Bundeswehr is supporting the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both districts have issued a request." In Günzburg, aid is being handed out, while some 50 male and female Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive from Aichach-Friedberg in the following hours. Two Bundeswehr trucks are also in use.
19:08 Deutsche Bahn interrupts services:The Deutsche Bahn has partially suspended train services due to the flooding, with their press office stating, "In view of the weather conditions prevailing in Germany, we have had to interrupt the planned traffic. Numerous bottlenecks and closures of tracks on the rail network have been announced, and we are expecting further disruptions to the timetable." This affects arrivals and departures at the main stations in Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Ingolstadt.
Conclusively, Germany's southern region braces for heavy rainfall. Ten districts have declared disasters. The military is helping combat the floods. People are at risk of flooding in several areas, with some already experiencing this. Freising is at danger of record-breaking flooding. Neuburg-Schrobenhausen anticipates a major disaster. The winds of change bring constant tempests with them - but will we remember these facts when times are more serene? Hopefully we can prepare, and not face the aftermath with only memories.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has promised additional support for the regions in southern Germany that are facing flooding. She says the Technical Relief Organization (THW) will be deployed nationwide to help with the rescue efforts and will continue to support the affected states with all resources available. THW currently has 520 helpers working on the ground, assisting with rescue operations, reinforcing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser thanked all the volunteers working to save lives. She urged people in the affected areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the warnings and instructions from authorities, advising them to take the situation extremely seriously.
At the Zugspitze, 29 mountain climbers stranded in distress have now been rescued by the mountain rescue service. They were brought to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. The mountain rescue service and the Zugspitzbahn employees worked together to find and safe the climbers.
The German Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are affected with the second highest warning level in place until the evening. The potential dangers include lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding, landslides, or hail.
The A3 motorway in Bavaria near Regensburg is partially closed due to flooding for about ten kilometers between the junctions of Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The road surface is flooded, causing traffic diversions.
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the flood danger. The up to 150 inmates will temporarily be moved to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The flooding of the courtyard could result in a power outage, leading to the evacuation decision.
Heavy rain is causing water levels to rise to level 4 at several gauges in Swabia. Rivers are swelling in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate. Gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Schmutter) have already exceeded level 4, as reported by the flood warning service (HND). In Dasing (Paar), parts of the courtyard are already underwater and are expected to cause a power outage, necessitating evacuation. The police, with emergency vehicles, were on site to help with the evacuation, which required navigating flooded streets due to the blocked access road. The fire department was also present, using pumps to empty the prison.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach Meldestufe 3 on Saturday to Sunday. In the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauges have already exceeded level 1 and 2, with an expected increase. In the section between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, levely are anticipated to rise up to Meldestufe 3 several times during the day, such as in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. In the further Donau section to Passau, levely are expected to rise to Meldestufen 1 and 2.
The flight operations at Munich Airport are running normally.
Despite the downpour in Bavaria, normal flight operations are maintained at Munich Airport. All flights have stayed on schedule with no cancellations yet. There are a few causes for this. As airport representative Robert Wilhelm explained to BR, "We can see water standing in the fields near the runways." The airport location is slightly elevated. Additionally, the runways slope to the sides to allow water to drain. Another aspect is that the runways are "grooved," which enhances water runoff. Hence, there is currently no risk of aquaplaning, said Wilhelm to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates no serious issues for the forthcoming weekend.
17:07 Söder: "Now things are really getting started"
Minister President Markus Söder is surveying the conditions in the severely damaged Swabia. He expresses gratitude to the helpers and officials during his visit to Diedorf, Augsburg district. Bavaria is prepared for crises, asserts the minister president while meeting Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The predicament is a significant burden for citizens, he tells. And furthermore: "This is not over yet. Things are truly starting now." The focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, hence resources like sandbags are being gathered there. "Without the helpers and rescuers, we would have no chance," Söder declared to firefighters, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. He asked citizens: "Please adhere to the rules." Evacuation orders should be followed, not leaving cellars or attempting to drive autos out of garages.
16:35 No trains running anymore
The intense storms and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are affecting rail transit. German Rail (Deutsche Bahn) informs of disturbances and cancellations in southern Germany. Two ICE lines are notably affected, a spokesperson says. There are no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich throughout Saturday due to the flooding. Line between Ulm and Augsburg is also impacted. For more information on track closures, delays, and cancellations, please refer to the Bahn website.
16:12 Disaster situation applied in Unterallgäu - People requiring aid should wave a white cloth outside
The Bavarian district of Unterallgäu is now under disaster management. In Babenhausen, part of the mobile phone network has failed. Anyone in need of assistance who can't place a call should wave a white cloth out of their window, the district administration advises. In Babenhausen, residents are being retrieved from their homes with inflatable boats.
15:57 400 THW Units active in South Germany
As a result of the storms in South Germany, about 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) teams are presently in action. This is reported by the THW in Bonn. They are evacuating residents, providing water pumps, and securing dams. "Due to the consistent and occasionally heavy rain, the THW is ready to deploy more THW forces if necessary," stated the THW. In the affected areas, mobile flood sensors will be set up and monitored. "Due to the upcoming floods in the next few hours, the THW is prepared to deploy more THW teams." Teams are thus ready countrywide for deployment. Each rescue group consists of around 40 THW team members responsible for three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 Map displaying all current flood warnings
This map demonstrates all current flood alerts. The graphic is regularly updated.
15:15 Report: 26-person mountain climbing group stranded below Zugspitze
A 26-person mountaineering group is allegedly trapped several hundred meters below Zugspitze's peak. According to BR, 60 centimeters of fresh snow has covered the Zugspitze during the previous hours, while it's raining heavily in the valley. The temperature is below freezing, and visibility is approximately 100 meters. Several rescue teams are looking for the climbers in the blizzard, according to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group appears fatigued and possibly inadequately equipped. It's indecipherable why they decided to climb the Zugspitze despite inclement weather forecasts.
14:52 Disaster situation proclaimed in Donau-Ries District
The Donau-Ries District of Bavaria has declared a disaster situation. This decision aims to "assemble all resources and prepare ourselves more efficiently and promptly for the anticipated water levels," said District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a release. "It is crucial to maintain calm and avoid low-lying areas."
A break in a dike and a dam has occurred in the Augsburg region of Swabia, according to a report from the local administration. Residents residing in certain neighborhoods in the village of Diedorf are asked to evacuate their homes as the water levels continue to rise. A dam has failed in Burgwalden, and a dike near Anhauser Weiher has crumbled. Authorities urge individuals in these endangered zones to move out of their houses and head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle within the next hour. In addition, avoiding pedestrian underpasses near railway stations is advised due to the potential flow of floodwaters. This is a potentially dangerous situation.
Politicians Soeder and Herrmann Visit Flooded Region
On Saturday, Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are scheduled to visit the flooded area of Augsburg in Swabia. Their goal is to gain a firsthand understanding of the severity of the flood event in Diedorf. District Administrator Martin Sailer will be accompanying them on their trip. The scheduled visit site was changed at the last minute because of the ongoing situation. Earlier, the politicians had intended to see the flooding in Fischach. In Diedorf, preparations for evacuating residents are currently taking place. The flood conditions are particularly dire in Swabia, where water levels are escalating rapidly. The districts of Augsburg, Günzburg, and Aichach-Friedberg have all declared states of emergency.
In Meckenbeuren, the already hazardous flood situation takes a turn for the worse. The level of the Schussen river in the Bodenseekreis has reached 4.72 meters, a spokesperson for the municipality revealed. It's expected that the peak will be attained shortly. In the previous flood in 2021, the water elevation was only 4.50 meters. Regularly, it contains only 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, over 1300 people were advised by the municipality to leave their homes as a preventive measure. The majority of them opted to stay with friends or family, while a negligible number of people sought refuge in the emergency shelter. To prevent damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were previously emptied out. In this town of 14,000 residents, bridges have been temporarily closed.
