A lightning strike at a signal box near Dresden causes disruptions in the local traffic.
In Dresden, a signaling issue prompted by a lightning strike resulted in the disruption of regional train services at around 17:10. The problem predominantly affected the regional train route between Dresden, Bautzen, and Görlitz, as per a statement from a spokesperson for the railway. The signaling station in Radeberg, situated east of the state capital, was hit by the lightning. The affected station was expected to be restored later that evening, and regular operations were reportedly resumed two hours later.
In Lauingen, a nursing home near the Danube had to be evacuated due to flooding. The city's website announced that their objective was to ensure the long-term care of the residents. They were all accommodated and provided with care at an educational center.
The areas between the Danube and Schmutter witnessed multiple evacuations in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries. These areas were impacted due to a dam breach, among other reasons. Affected communities included Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The authorities urged people to stay calm and follow the instructions of the emergency services while also arranging emergency shelters.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser would be visiting the flooded region in Bavaria on Monday, accompanied by Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann at Punkisried in the Pfaffenhofen district. The head of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner, was also expected to attend the meeting.
At least 40 schools in Bavaria's eight districts would remain closed due to the flood crisis. These include the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. The schools closed included primary, middle, and high schools, grammar schools, vocational schools, and special schools. In Wertingen, all schools were closed for Monday. Some kindergartens in Pfaffenhofen would be closed on Monday and Tuesday, as per the district office.
At present, about 30 towns in Swabia are affected by power outages, as confirmed by the power grid operator LEW. There are also outages within local grids (low voltage) in individual streets and homes. The outages seem to be prevalent in the Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen districts. "The emergency crews are working to ensure the power supply by switching to other lines, depending on the current situation," read the statement by LEW. The duration of each outage varies based on the situation on-site.
Over 1,000 residents in Günzburg had to seek refuge due to increased water levels in the Günz River. Günzburg's district administrator, Hans Reichart, informed Bavarian Radio of this development. These people were housed in gyms and partially at Legoland.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issued a warning of more heavy rain in the southern regions. Thunderstorms and extensive rainfall were expected in the early hours of Sunday evening, particularly in Stuttgart. The Alps, extending from Saxony to southern Brandenburg, as well as the areas surrounding Berlin, would also experience heavy rain. Monday morning was predicted to observe showers, with a heavier rainfall in some areas. Heavy thunderstorms were forecast for the Alpine foothills situated south of the Danube starting Monday noon, and even more so in the Bavarian Forest. There remains a possibility of heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour in certain regions.
Due to the deteriorating situation by the Danube, Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr issued a disaster alert. The reason, according to a spokesperson, is the magnitude and intricacy of the demands and the related labor resources required. The water level in Straubing has risen to over six meters. The city anticipates that the level 4 warning will be surpassed in the following hours. There are four degrees of warning for floods. At level 1, there are small overflows to anticipate, whilst at level 4, significant areas may be inundated. The safety efforts are progressing smoothly and will continue, it was mentioned. Some roads have already been blocked due to the flood.
In Meckenbeuren, a partially flooded municipality of Bodenseekreis, they warn against flood tourism. The municipality in Friedrichshafen asserts that onlookers would hinder emergency services and put themselves and others in peril. "Even if it's not raining much or not at all, pedestrians are asked to avoid the flood area, to respect road closures and bridges," a spokeswoman adds. Repeatedly, police and firefighters must remind adults and children of the risky current. The Schussen river overflowed its banks on Saturday night and inundated roads and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issued an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree area. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, or falling objects at the second-highest warning level. Damage to buildings is also possible, as well as landslides and hail.
The districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a state of emergency. Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer, states that given the current situation and forecasts regarding water levels, they want to ensure that relief efforts can be coordinated and adequately staffed. Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, echoes this sentiment. The step was necessary, Löwl adds, because local forces could no longer manage the numerous emergency sites in the coming hours. Now, relief efforts can also be sent to the district from elsewhere.
Monday will witness train restrictions due to the inclement weather in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn is extending its leniency regulation to Monday: Anyone who purchased a ticket for travel Sunday to Monday and wants to postpone their trip due to flood-related disruptions can travel later. The validity of the ticket is lifted for these tickets, the firm says. It remains unknown to what extent the transportation will be affected. Several long-distance routes in the south have been disrupted. Trains have been canceled, for instance, on the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. The railway advises against traveling in areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg affected by flooding.
In Bavaria, approximately 3000 people have been impacted by evacuations due to flooding. This was explained by a spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. For the numerous operations due to the floods, about 20,000 forces are currently active, and since the situation began, there have been 40,000 forces involved.
Weather expert Bernd Fuchs emphasizes that it is not likely that the flooding situation in the south will ease soon. "Every drop is too much," he stresses. Asked for a connection with the climate crisis, he views the current situation as "a clear indication of where we're heading."
A man sustained serious injuries during electrical work in the flooded area of the Upper Bavarian district of Freising. A spokesperson for the Upper Bavaria North Police Department reports that the 27-year-old employee of an energy company received an electric shock. He was rescued from an inundated area close to the town hall in Allershausen and flown to the hospital by rescue helicopter. It is believed that the work was in relation to the flood.
14:59 Suspension of Shipping on the Upper Rhine
Due to heavy downpours in Southern Germany, waters along the Rhine have increased, resulting in a partial halt of shipping. The Rhine High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate reveals that ships can't sail in a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. At Maximiliansau on Saturday evening, a critical shipping water level II of 7.50 meters was surpassed. On Sunday, the level hit 8.20 meters, but it was predicted to recede at night. However, significantly higher water levels are anticipated downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, extremely high water levels are forthcoming as well, which may further peril shipping on the vital waterway. The Koblenz gauge anticipates a level of about 6.10 meters on Tuesday, with no ships being able to sail when the level exceeds 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Dusseldorf.
14:05 Shutdown of a 50-kilometer stretch of the Autobahn A9
The Autobahn A9 is shutdown for approximately 50 kilometers between Allershausen and Ingolstadt due to a dam burst in the Pfaffenhofen area on the Ilm. A representative of the Upper Bavaria North Police Department conveys that the road is flooded in parts, marking an unconventional predicament for the police in this region. Adequate power is among the issues contributing to the issue. The district administration has requested that residents evacuate the ground floor of residences and flats in the towns of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to higher floors.
Update 3:13 PM: The Autobahn GmbH states that both directions of the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck are impacted. In addition, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn intersection Neufahrn is markedly limited. Drivers are advised to circumnavigate the whole region.
1:09 PM: Economic Minister Habeck deems heavy rains as an outcome of climate change
Economic Minister Robert Habeck advocates for increased endeavors in climate protection while reflecting on the deluge disaster in southern Germany. Habeck, during a visit to the severely flooded Reichertshofen in Bavaria, remarks, "The containment of CO2 emissions, thus, allowing us time to adapt, must not be belittled or silenced, but is of top importance." He cites the rising frequency of natural disasters as "a clear sign that nature and climate are changing." Century floods now occur "every few years," Habeck adds.
12:17 PM: Chancellor Scholz intends to visit the flood area on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz intends to pay a visit to the flood-stricken locale on Monday to perceive the situation at first-hand. This piece of information originated from government sources.
12:04 PM: Missing firefighter in Offingen after an evacuation operation
A 22-year-old firefighter is missing after an evacuation operation in Offingen in the district of Günzburg. A spokesman for the Police Presidium Schwaben South-West confirmed this. The firefighter was accompanying a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three helpers from the DLRG when their boat capsized, en route to an evacuation around 2:50 a.m. Four rescuers from the boat were saved from the water; the 22-year-old remained unaccounted for. Since early morning hours, two helicopters have been in operation for the search. Tragically, a 42-year-old firefighter has already perished in the flood disaster.
11:53 AM: No let-up: Storms cause more heavy rain
There's no reprieve in the southern German flooding areas this week. Björn Alexander, ntv meteorologist, said, "The significant and sprawling rain has indeed ceased," but recent thunderstorm pockets have been formed.
11:30 AM: Another dam collapse looms at the Paar
One more probable dam burst threatens the Paar. At risk are the municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen department. Officials implore residents to vacate their ground floor and basement rooms immediately. The ground floor and basement should be shunned, they warn. In the event of emergencies, the fire department ought to be contacted through the emergency number 112.
As stated by Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, about 40,000 emergency workers are heading to handle the flooding across the entire region of Bavaria. Söder made the comment while visiting Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, expressing the necessity of coordinating relief efforts efficiently in the coming hours. He emphasized the importance of providing relief to those serving for extended periods as prolonged effort without relief increases the likelihood of mistakes and fatigue, thus heightening the danger to life and safety.
12:29 Barricades set up in Straubing
The Donau river level continues to rise in Straubing, with the Bavarian Flood Information Service (HND) Bayern forecasting a move to the highest alert level four later in the day. The city will have dam guards in place from 3 PM. Fire brigade teams will monitor the dam closely and report on both the water level and damage suffered. Additionally, more sandbags are being prepared.
12:03 Dam burst in Baar-Ebenhausen
A dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen, in Pfaffenhofen's district. This notification quotes affected municipalities including Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents of ground-floor apartments are asked to leave immediately.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz praises rescue personnel in flood-stricken regions
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz appreciates the efforts of rescuers and helpers in flooded regions. Sharing his sentiments through Twitter, Scholz expresses his sadness over the loss of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen during a rescue operation. "My thoughts are with his colleagues and those close to him," he wrote.
11:25 Catholic Day in Erfurt includes prayer for flood victims
Georg Bätzing, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, addresses the plight of those impacted by recent storms, particularly in the country's southern regions. He expressed his hopes for the protection of human lives while speaking at the culmination of the Catholic Day in Erfurt near the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Parts of Meckenbeuren inundated in the Bodenseekreis
The districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the community of Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, have been submerged. A spokesperson for the community said the overflowing Schussen River is the cause. Around 1,300 individuals had pre-emptively evacuated their homes on Saturday to seek higher ground. Some residents remained in their properties and retreated to upper floors.
10:34 Bavarian Premier Söder honors deceased firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, acknowledges the fallen firefighter who perished during a flood-related rescue operation in a message on social media. In his tribute, Söder commemorated the firefighter's dedication and commitment to others, emphasizing that their legacy will live on while sending condolences to his firefighter colleagues and relatives.
10:09 Ukraine postpones final training of the day due to rainfall prior to Germany match
Ukraine's national football team had planned to hold their final training session before their EM test match against Germany at 6:00 PM on Sunday in Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion, but heavy rain has led to the relocation of their practice. The Ukrainian team will train in Erlangen instead, with the decision made to safeguard the stadium pitch.
09:52 Munich already has 290 firefighter interventions due to floods
Munich has also been affected by the incessant rain. Since Saturday morning, the fire department has been called to over 290 interventions, mostly for pumping out flooded basements and cellars. Many trees have been uprooted due to the excessively wet ground, necessitating road closures. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was surpassed on Saturday evening.
09:24 Torrential waters flow through Anhausen following dam failure
Anhausen's flood conditions are slightly abating; however, a dam burst just five kilometers away hastened the town's inundation. Niklas Diemer, an ntv-reporter, fields updates from the scene, noting that evacuated residents are gradually returning home even though water levels remain critical in other areas.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more aid workers to the flooded areas in southern Germany. Over 1,800 people have been deployed so far, a spokesperson says. These workers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding with evacuations in flooded areas. In addition to the THW, firefighters and other emergency services are also on the scene.
08:43: Landslide in Baden-Württemberg disrupts train and car
The flooding situation in parts of Germany has people concerned, especially in the south of the country. Water masses are causing issues in the east of Baden-Württemberg, where a century-old high water level is at risk. Rescue crews and helpers are reaching their limits.
08:24: ICEtrain Rescue in progress after morning landslide
A landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, has disrupted an ICEtrain. The ICEtrain affected by the landslide is being rescued during the morning, a spokesperson says. However, the regional train service cannot pass through the area, and a rescue locomotive is being used on the second track of the line to assist in the rescue effort. It is unclear how long the disruption will last. The regional train service managed to bypass the ICEtrain earlier. On Saturday evening, two ICEtrain carriages with 185 passengers derailed after a landslide.
08:06: Person missing in Schrobenhausen
A person is missing in Schrobenhausen. The person is believed to have been in the basement of a house when floodwaters arrived. The basement and parts of the upper floor are now underwater, says a spokesperson for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. Firefighters and other rescuers cannot currently access the house.
07:45: Firefighter dies in floodwaters in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
A firefighter has died in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He and three colleagues capsized in a rescue boat while on duty, and was found dead in the early morning, says a spokesperson for the district office.
07:24: Widespread alert level 4 flooding in Bavaria
In Bavaria, flooding of alert level 4 is being detected at several gauges. The focus is still on the southern Donau tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Donau. The peak levels were reached overnight. The flooding is shifting downstream - from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potentially affected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing. The peak wave is expected to reach these areas early in the 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.
06:48: Weather service predicts more heavy rain in the south
Heavy thunderstorms with rain are predicted in many regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by the German Weather Service (DWD) on Sunday. Thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected from noon to late Monday night. There is a risk of flooding and cellars being flooded again. Lightning strikes are also possible.
05:42: Augsburg expands evacuations in flooded areas
In Augsburg, authorities are expanding evacuation calls for the flooded areas of the district. Residents of the towns of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are being urged to leave immediately, warns the Integrated Control Center in the early morning. Buses are being provided for people who cannot leave their homes. Other areas in the district were called upon to evacuate on Saturday night and overnight. Flooding affected mostly communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.
05:06: Wiesbaden prepares for rising water levels
Authorities in Wiesbaden are taking action against rising water levels from the Rhine and Main rivers. The fire department reports that a flood protection wall has been built in the district of Kostheim, and a pump has been installed in the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein. Parking spaces near the river should be avoided in the coming days, warns the fire department further. It is currently not expected that further measures will be necessary.
03:58: Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich suspended
There is no long-distance train traffic currently possible between Stuttgart and Munich due to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend. A railway spokesman cannot estimate how long the line will be interrupted in the early morning. The landslide blocks the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as there has been no long-distance traffic between Ulm and Augsburg due to the flooding in southern Germany and long-distance trains have been rerouted.
In the night, teams from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm packaged thousands of sandbags for flooded and potentially flooded areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Approximately 30,000 sandbags were scheduled to be delivered on Sunday evening, stated Bernd Urban, the head of the THW logistics center. Presently, they can fill 400 sandbags per hour. Sandbags are being requested from various locations in southwestern Germany and bordering territories in the neighboring federal state. The continuous rain has led to significantly increased water levels at various points in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross Deploys Water Rescuers to Gunzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescuers from Unterfranken to aiding the mission in Swabia. The rescued teams are anticipated to be deployed in Gunzburg's severely affected district, as declared by the Red Cross in the evening. The water rescue squads from Unterfranken's complete region consist of two boat and diving teams each, highly trained for flood relief operations. The watercourses in Swabia's Gunzburg district have reached the levels of a one-hundred-year flood, resulting from persistent rain. This corresponds to a flood that occurs on average only once a century.
01:27 Schwaebisch Gmuend: ICE Wagons Derail After Landslide
Two ICE train wagons with 185 passengers on board derailed in the Baden-Württemberg region of Schwaebisch Gmuend in the late evening due to a landslide. The passengers remain unharmed and are currently being removed from the train, according to a railroad spokesman. The first two wagons detached from the tracks around 11:20 p.m., but they did not tip over. The landslide spanned approximately 30 meters. The train passengers are expected to be sheltered in a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Plüderhausen by bus.
00:59: Landslide Hits Vehicle in Schwaebisch Gmuend
A landslide hits a vehicle in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, leaving the driver unharmed, initial police reports indicate. The landslide takes place parallel to the impacted county road and the railway track. Schwaebisch Gmuend is near Stuttgart, approximately 50 kilometers to the east. The region has experienced heavy rainfall since Friday.
22:45: Landslide Occurs in Neu-Ulm, Damage Unknown
Once Neu-Ulm in Baden-Württemberg passed the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, the city administration estimates. Staving off the predicted 100-year flood, much to the relief of locals. How much damage this could result is something that will become clear when the circumstances normalize again, says Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in an evening statement. Two streets, the Danube promenades, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller are anticipated to remain closed.
23:44 Munich: Danger at Isar Riverbank
The Munich fire department provides a warning at the Isar riverbank due to flooding, further closing two popular footpaths along the river. The river has reached level 2 in Munich, indicating flooding of non-constructed areas or traffic disruptions resulting from high water levels on the roads, according to the fire department on the X platform.
23:23: Upper Bavaria: Evacuation of 670 People Planned
The Schrobenhausen fire department and rescue services are readying to evacuate about 670 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. In the district of Muhlried and a street near the Weilach river, bulldozers and boats are currently in operation, as the district administration of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen states. The authority has also established a citizen emergency hotline. The municipality had declared a state of emergency. The situation is particularly worrisome in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian region, as per District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
22:45: Decreased Rainfall in the South - Yet No Relief
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) reports a slight reduction in the amount of rainfall in the areas plagued by flooding or at risk of flooding in southern Germany. A DWD meteorologist notes, "Tonight we won't have the really large rainfall we had last night." The meteorologist further cautions that new showers and thunderstorms are headed from the north, potentially causing more flooding, especially on Sunday afternoon. These storms could be potent and move slowly. "If they impact the already waterlogged ground, there will be more flooding there," warns the meteorologist. Areas such as the Swabian Alb and regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are especially endangered by the storms and thunderstorms on Sunday.
22:25: Emergency Situation in Freising
Apart from these issues, a disaster situation is also acknowledged in Freising.
The Freising district has proclaimed a disaster state due to flooding rivers and creeks overflowing. The district council announced in the evening that astonishing water levels are heading our way in the Amper and Glonn rivers. They are concerned about a huge flooding in Hohenkammer, and likewise in every location along the Amper. Residents should get ready well in advance for such an intensely tricky situation, including emptying their cellars. Presently, a sum of ten Bavarian districts have chosen to declare a disaster situation.
21:50 A catastrophe scenario in Dillingen additionally
Currently, the administration in Dillingen, which is in the Bavarian piece of Swabia, has proclaimed a disaster situation because of continuous rain. In the evening, the circumstance along the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, intensified, as the authority reported. The neighborhood crisis group is requesting help from the Bundeswehr. The specialists expect a 100-year flood on the little river, which could influence the close-by towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Presently, the specialists are arranging to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a previous regular floodplain of the waterway. The district organization is imploring local ranchers to keep their livestock in safe stables.
21:09 Eight borough in Bavaria declares disaster statusThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen declares a disaster in Bavaria as the Danube and its tributaries keep on ascending, as indicated by the upper Bavarian commune's representative office. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates level 4 at the Neuburg setup for the night. The circumstance is much more genuine at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which streams into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen locale of Mühldorf, the Weilach has as of now overflowed and deluged a living space, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün. Exodus plans are in progress for inhabitants there. "The circumstance is concerning, particularly in the southern piece of the district," von der Grün expressed. "The protection of streets, overpasses, and ways is a most extreme need. Just then can the fire division proceed with crisis reactions."
20:34 Dire situation: Red Cross saves individuals from the rooftop with a helicopterThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has saved two individuals from the rooftop of their home in Babenhausen with a helicopter. The two were in a terrible situation, according to a BRK representative. The house in the region of Unterallgäu was at risk of collapsing because of the overwhelming water masses. Different individuals were likewise saved from their homes utilizing paddling pontoons. The rescue groups protected more than 100 individuals - including many youngsters.
20:13 People in numerous areas close to Augsburg are advised to leave their homesWater salvage groups likewise needed to free individuals from their vehicles who couldn't open the entryways without anyone else due to the water masses. The circumstance could before long develop into a perilous one because of the current and the developing water in the vehicles, the representative proceeded.
In different municipalities in the Augsburg locale, individuals have been advised to leave their homes and apartments in light of the quickly coming flood. The circumstance is normal to deteriorate in the night in the northern piece of the locale, according to a speaker for the Augsburg locale organization. Locales influenced remember pieces of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the whole area of Nordendorf. The organization of Swabia has set up an crisis haven at the Augsburg reasonable grounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr prompts help in flooded districts in BavariaBundeswehr troops are helping in flooded regions in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is upholding the two locale of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, after both locale sent an official solicitation," said an authority for the Bavarian Military Command to the radio station Antenne Bayern. "In the Günzburg region, blankets and beds are being disseminated. In the Aichach-Friedberg locale, in any event 50 female and male Bundeswehr troops are anticipated to show up in the following couple of hours. Two vans from the Bundeswehr are additionally being utilized."
19:20 Faeser guarantees further helpFederal Inside Serene Minister Nancy Faeser guarantees the areas in southern Germany influenced by flooding of additional uphold. "Due to the hefty, consistent downpour and approaching floods, the THW is prepared publically to ship extra forces," the SPD legislator says in Berlin, alluding to the Technical Help Organization (THW). "We will keep on supporting the influenced federal states with all available forces." As indicated by Faeser, as of Saturday night time, 520 female and male THW helpers are in activity. They are saving individuals, securing dikes, and getting water away. Faeser additionally applauded the endeavors of all volunteer and honorary laborers: "I might want to thank all the rescuers exceptionally much who are right now battling against the water masses and are persistently in activity to spare lives." The individuals in the territories influenced by flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg ought to take note and obey the admonitions and orders of the specialists, Faeser said. "Take these admonitions really!"
6:58 pm - 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The climbers in trouble atop Zugspitze, mentioned earlier at 3:15 pm, have been successfully rescued. 29 people were aided by the mountain rescue team and transported to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. Multiple parties had reached out for help, expressing their inability to continue due to hazardous weather conditions and new snowfall approximately 2500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters before reaching the Sonnalpin. The rescue unit had promptly deployed and were accompanied by the Zugspitzbahn employees who arrived on snow groomers to look for the stranded climbers.
6:42 pm - Storm warning for Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has reiterated the need for caution against severe thunderstorms in certain regions of Brandenburg. The most stringent storm warning, the second-highest level, is currently in effect for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree. These areas may experience perilous lightning strikes, falling trees or powerlines, tumbling objects, sudden flooding of roads, landslides, or hail showers.
6:11 pm - Autobahn A3 partially closed
On the A3 motorway in Bavaria near Regensburg, approximately 10 km stretch between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen has been closed in both directions. This area of the motorway has been submerged due to the influx of water from the surrounding fields. Spokespersons from the Upper Palatinate police and the traffic police in Regensburg offered their insights, stating that "the water is pressing onto the motorway from the fields." The traffic will be diverted to bypass the flooded section, as notified by a spokesperson.
5:51 pm - Prison in Memmingen evacuated
Amidst the persistent flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. According to the news agency Nonstopnews, around 150 inmates will be transferred to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg as a temporary solution. The Menninger Ach, which runs past the prison, has breached its banks and now resembles a raging stream, imperiling the facility. Portions of the prison's courtyard are already submerged, potentially causing a power cut, spurring the prison management to initiate the evacuation. Various emergency vehicles, including the fire department, have been despatched to carry out the evacuation while using pumps to drain water from the prison.
5:35 pm - Rain causes water levels to elevate to Level 4
The unceasing rain is resulting in escalated water levels at several gauges spanning Swabia. Rivers in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate are bloating. Notably, the gauges at Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as shared by the flood warning service (HND), have surpassed Level 4. Also anticipated to hit Level 4 is Dasing (Paar), with the Regen in Cham (Upper Palatinate) expected to follow suit. Centuries-old floods were reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
5:11 pm - Stromberg: "Things are getting much more intense"
The rain has steadily spurned water levels to their peak at various gauges throughout Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are rapidly expanding. The gauges at Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as mentioned by the flood warning service, have already surpassed Level 4. The same is forecasted for Dasing (Paar). The Regen in Cham, located in the Upper Palatinate, is also predicted to reach Level 4. Centennial floods are reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
5:00 pm - Iller at Wiblingen
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach its zenith at Meldestufe 3 on Saturday-Sunday, with water levels currently receding in the lower Iller. In the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are some gauges registering Level 1 and 2 exceedances that are progressing. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, water levels are likely to transit to Meldestufe 3 at some point today, and Pegel Kelheim may join it later. The downstream section of the Donau, from Passau onwards, is anticipated to have increments to Meldestufen 1 and 2.
4:43 pm - Flights at Munich Airport continue unhindered
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In spite of extensive rain in scores of Bavarian locations, Munich Airport can uphold regular operations. As of yet, no flights have experienced cancellation. Robert Wilhelm, spokesman for the airport, explained to Bayerischer Rundfunk his reasoning: "We observe water covering the meadows adjacent to the runways." The airport's elevated position and the sunken sides of the runways facilitate water drainage. Moreover, the runways are "grooved," abbreviating water accumulation. Thus, there is no vested risk of aquaplaning, explained Wilhelm to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport speculates no significant complications for the rest of the weekend.
4:27 pm - Soder comments, "Things are really taking off now"
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder is examining first-hand the regions struck hardest by the storm. He gives thanks to assistants and officials in Diedorf, Augsburg district. He proclaims that Bavaria is tested in a crisis, claims Soder in front of Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann. Soder refers to the circumstance as "an intense load" for the public. In addition, he exclaims, "This is not yet over. Now things are starting." The main focus of the storm lies in Swabia, hence resources like sandbags are focused there. "Without the aid workers, we'd have no chance," Soder asks for the cooperation of rescue rects like firefighters, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. All of whom have demonstrated exceptional dedication. "Citizens," he appealed, "please adhere to guidelines." Residents must comply with evacuation orders, instead of entering basements or attempting to transport vehicles out of carports.
3:35 p.m.: No more trains due to storms and floods
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are disrupting rail service. As reported by Deutsche Bahn, there are delays, cancellations, and damaged tracks in southern Germany. Two long-distance routes are severely impacted, notes a spokesperson. No trains will be operating between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The line between Ulm and Augsburg also faces issues. For additional information on schedule adjustments, delays, and cancellations, visit the Bahn website.
3:12 p.m.: Disaster also in Unterallgäu - Residents who need help should hang a white cloth
A disaster situation has been declared in the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In the town of Babenhausen, parts of the mobile phone network have stopped functioning. Anyone in need of aid who can't call should wave a white sheet or cloth outside their window, says the district administration. People are being evacuated from their homes in Babenhausen using inflated boats.
3:07 p.m.: 400 THW forces in action in South Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has dispatched about 400 personnel to assist with storms in South Germany. This is reported by the THW in Bonn. They're working to remove water, secure dams, and evacuate individuals. "Due to the consistent rain and at times heavy rainfall," THW states, "the THW is ready to call in additional THW forces." In the affected regions, mobile flood measurement tools will be set up and checked regularly. "With ongoing weather forecasts and potential flooding in the next few hours," THW says, "the THW is prepared to dispatch more THW teams." Consequently, teams are on standby nationwide. Each team consists of roughly 40 THW forces equipped with three sewage pumps, a mobile power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each team can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
2:57 p.m.: All current flood warnings on one map
This map illustrates all current flood warnings. The map is continually being updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1lY1w8hQ4sKo245D4e5eY6qe5zjt9-245jCvUvQqV4KnwG2s
2:40 p.m.: Report: 26-person mountain climbing team stuck below Zugspitze
A report states that a 26-member mountain climbing group is trapped several hundred meters beneath the summit of the Zugspitze. As stated by BR, 60 centimeters of fresh snow fell on the Zugspitze over the last few hours. It's presently raining heavily in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is approximately 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been deployed to find the climbing party. The climbers are exhausted and might not be fully equipped. It's unclear why they planned to climb the Zugspitze in spite of the expected severe weather.
2:20 Dam Rupture in Augsburg's Swabian Region - Evacuation Planned
In the Swabian area of Augsburg, a dam and a weir have ruptured. The local government announced this. Residents on certain streets in Diedorf's village must relocate. The authorities in Augsburg clarified, "The situation is no longer manageable by moving to upper floors." An additional weir has cracked in Burgwalden, and an embankment at the Anhauser Weiher has also failed. All residents of the affected regions are requested to evacuate their homes immediately and independently within the upcoming hour to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also appealed to abstain from approaching railway embankments. Possible deluges can wash through them, potentially risking lives.
Söder and Herrmann Head to the Flood Zone
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann are traveling to the flooded region of Augsburg in the Swabian district on Saturday. The two CSU members intend to inspect the flood situation firsthand in Diedorf. This clarified the Bavarian Interior Ministry. Administrative District Board Member Martin Sailer is also joining. The precise location for their visit had to change due to the circumstances. They initially intended to assess the flood conditions in Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuations are presently underway. The flood conditions in Bavaria, particularly Swabia, are rapidly escalating from the excessive precipitation. The districts of Augsburg, Günzburg, and Aichach-Friedberg have announced disasters.
Floods Persist in Meckenbeuren
The floods in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis have been steadily mounting. The river level reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon, a municipal spokesperson revealed. It is anticipated that the flood peak will occur shortly. Previously, the river reached a level of 4.50 meters in the 2021 flood. Normally, it retains only 45 centimeters. On Friday night, over 1300 individuals were recommended to vacate their residences out of precaution. Most people relocated with friends or relatives. A very minimal number of people utilized a temporary shelter. To mitigate potential harm from floodwater, schools, kindergartens, and facilities were vacated prior. In the 14,000-resident community, bridges were also shut temporarily.
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Amid the heavy rain in southern Germany, the International Meteorological Organization reported a potential for lightning in Dresden. This sparked concern among residents, especially as recent flash floods have already resulted in significant damage to some areas.
Despite the flooding, the annual "Lightning Night" event was still set to take place in Dresden. Organizers worked diligently to ensure the event could proceed safely, with instructions for attendees to seek shelter during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms.
