A9 Autobahn closure: 50-kilometer stretch affected
The A9 motorway is shut for around 50 kilometers in the Pfaffenhofen region as a result of a dam burst. The problem area lies between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where parts of the road are submerged, says a spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North police. This is an unprecedented occurrence for the police in this region. There are also power outages. A large number of individuals are affected by this situation. Measures are being taken to remedy the issue. The district government of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching has instructed residents to move to higher floors in their properties to avoid ground floor dwellings.
13:59: Economic Minister Habeck highlights the need for climate change measures during the flood disaster in southern GermanyEconomic Minister Robert Habeck urges increased efforts for climate protection once the current flooding crisis is over. "Reducing carbon emissions, ensuring there is time for adaptation, should not be laughed at or disregarded, but holds the highest priority," he states while visiting the heavily affected area of Reichertshofen, Bavaria. The frequency of natural disasters serves as "an unmistakable indicator that nature and the climate are changing." Centuries-old floods now occur "every few years," says Habeck.
13:34: Chancellor Scholz to assess the flood situation in person on MondayChancellor Olaf Scholz plans a visit to the flood-impacted regions on Monday to gain a first-hand understanding of the situation. This information has emerged from government sources.
13:21: Missing firefighter after operation in OffingenAfter a nighttime evacuation procedure in Offingen, Günzburg district, a 22-year-old firefighter is unaccounted for. This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Swabia South-West police department. The man served alongside a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three assistance members from the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) in a boat for a rescue operation around 2:50 a.m., when the vessel capsized. Four of the helpers were rescued from the water, while the 22-year-old remains missing. Helicopters have been deployed for the search since early morning. A 42-year-old firefighter has already lost his life due to the floods.
13:11: Persistent rain replaced by thunderstorms in affected regions, displacement continuesThe fresh week doesn't provide relief to flood-stricken southern German regions. As ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander explains, "the broad and long-lasting persistent heavy rain has thankfully passed." However, new local thunderstorm areas have developed. Search and rescue operations continue in these regions.
12:52: More communities at risk: Dam break endangers Paar river areaRising water levels put communities at further risk in the Pfaffenhofen district, with another dam at risk of bursting in the area of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf. Authorities urge residents to exit the ground floor of their homes and move to higher floors. Officials ask residents to avoid their basements and cellars, while anyone facing urgent emergencies should contact the fire department through 112.
12:39: 40,000 emergency personnel deployed to manage flooding in BavariaAccording to Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder, around 40,000 emergency personnel are working to tackle the flooding across the entire state. Soeder visited the Upper Bavarian district of Reichertshofen, stating, "The most pressing priority is to expediently organize relief efforts." To address fatigue among long-term volunteers, he adds, "The longer you're in service without relief, the higher the risk of an error, exhaustion, and greater potential for danger to life and limb."
12:29: Straubing maintains a watch for rising water levelsDue to the increasing water levels in Straubing's Donau, the HND Bavaria forecasts reaching the highest alert level four by day's end. Following a city statement, dam guards have been dispatched from 3 pm onwards. Firefighters will observe the dam and report water levels and any damage to it. Additionally, more sandbags are being prepared.
12:03: Another dam burst in Baar-Ebenhausen areaA dam has burst in the Pfaffenhofen district, impacting the communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are instructed to immediately vacate the ground floor of their homes.
11:37: Chancellor Scholz praises efforts of rescue teams in flood-hit areasGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz commends the rescue teams and volunteers in the flood-affected regions for their work. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with his fellow responders and family," he expresses through social media. In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm's Upper Bavaria district, a firefighter passed away while on duty during a rescue operation.
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, extends wishes of support to those affected by the recent storms, particularly in the southern regions of our country, where individuals are still struggling with flood damage. At the conclusion of the Catholic Day in Erfurt beside the Erfurt Cathedral, he said, "We pray that human lives will be safeguarded and protected."
10:59 Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis sees parts under water
In Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, the communities Kehlen and Brochenzell are currently under water. The Schussen has overflowed, causing streets to flood. A spokeswoman from the town informs us that around 1,300 people voluntarily evacuated their homes on Saturday to ensure their safety. Some residents still stay in their homes and seek refuge in the upper floors. On Saturday night, the water level of the Schussen peaked at more than 4.86 meters. It has since been steadily falling, while typical water levels are only 45 centimeters deep.
10:34 The passing of a firefighter in Bavaria is commemorated by the state's president
Bavarian President Markus Söder expresses his condolences for a firefighter who passed away during a rescue mission in flood-stricken Bavaria in a social media message. "His devotion and commitment to his fellow humans will never be forgotten," Söder writes. "Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with his colleagues and friends. We are all mourning. This is so painful." According to police reports, the 42-year-old volunteer firefighter lost his life when a rescue boat capsized near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen after colliding with a submerged house.
10:09 Ukrainian football team switches training venue due to excessive rainfall prior to match against the German team
Due to the heavy rain, the Ukraine national football team will no longer conduct their final training session as planned on Sunday at 6:00 pm at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg before facing Germany in the European Championship warm-up game. Instead, they will train in Erlangen. "It was decided to protect the stadium's field," an official representative of the Ukrainian team stated. The Ukraine will play against Germany on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD).
09:52 Munich experiences over 290 firefighter interventions due to flooding
Munich and its surrounding areas are also affected by the persistent downpour. Since Saturday at 6:00 am, the Munich Fire Department has been dispatched to more than 290 interventions. Mostly, they needed to drain flooded basements and garages. Additionally, several trees were uprooted, and roads had to be shut off. Later that evening, the flood warning level 2 of the Isar was surpassed.
09:24 Floodwaters recede in Anhausen, but water levels remain critical in other areas
The situation in Anhausen is slowly improving as floodwaters subside, but another neighborhood was flooded after a dam broke nearby after reaching a critical point. "Those who were evacuated are returning gradually," confirms ntv-reporter Niklas Diemer. However, the water levels are still high in certain places.
09:08 The German THW sends additional helpers to flood-stricken regions in southern Germany
The German Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more personnel to the flood-affected areas in southern Germany. Over 1,800 people have already been deployed, reports a spokeswoman. The helpers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting with evacuations. Moreover, firefighters and other emergency teams are actively engaged.
08:30 An ICE train is being rescued following a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmünd, Baden-WUErttemberg
The ICE train affected by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg is expected to be extracted in the morning. The regional traffic cannot proceed through this area, mentions a spokesperson. A rescue locomotive is present on the second track of the rail line to assist in the rescue operation. However, it is uncertain how long this disruption will last. Meanwhile, the regional traffic has passed by the ICE.
08:16 A person goes missing in Schrobenhausen
A person is reported missing in Schrobenhausen. They were suspected to have been in the cellar of a house during the floods. A representative from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office informs us that rescue teams cannot currently access the house.
07:44 A firefighter perishes in the floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
A firefighter perished in the floods near Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He capsized with three others in a rescue boat and later passed away, as a spokesperson announced.
07:29 Floodwaters continue to recede downstream, prompting new Level 4 warnings in numerous areas
As floodwaters continue downstream, Level 4 warnings are issued in various areas. Residents are urged to exercise caution and take the necessary measures for their safety.
In Bavaria, the water level has been reported as alarmingly high at various gauges. Specifically, the southern Donau tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube are under close watch. Peaks in water levels were reached overnight. The focus of the flooding has shifted downstream, moving from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Places that could potentially be affected include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The expected peak wave is set to arrive in these regions at the beginning of the week. Noteworthy areas with expected rising water levels include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, Manching, Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district.
06:54: The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts more heavy rain in the south
In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the DWD forecast suggests a likelihood of thunderstorms with excessive rainfall on Sunday. Based on the forecast from early morning, thunderstorms with heavy rain are anticipated from midday until late Monday night. There could be a risk of road and cellar flooding. Additionally, lightning strikes might cause damage.
05:39: Evacuation orders are issued for some communities in the Augsburg district
In the flooded areas of the Augsburg district of Bavaria, local authorities have issued new evacuation notices. They are urging residents of communities like Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen to evacuate their homes immediately. Buses will be available for transporting those who can't evacuate by themselves. Earlier on Saturday evening, other areas in the district were similarly urged to leave their homes. The primary concern is for the communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary that flows into the Danube.
05:05: Measures are taken in Wiesbaden to prevent further water level rises
In Wiesbaden, authorities have taken action to combat rising water levels from the Rhine and Main rivers. A flood barrier has been constructed in the district of Kostheim, the fire department reported in the morning. In the Schierstein district adjacent to the Rhine, a pump has also been installed. The fire department also advised people to avoid parking near the river for the coming days. There is currently no indication that more extensive measures will be needed.
04:04: Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is suspended due to landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Heavy rain in Baden-Württemberg has caused a landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, resulting in the suspension of long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. It's unclear how long the line will remain closed. Trains are being redirected via Aalen and Stuttgart due to the flooding in southern Germany.
03:13: Over 30,000 sandbags are filled by the THW in Ulm
A nighttime operation by the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm has resulted in 30,000 sandbags being filled for flooded and flood-prone areas across Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. More sandbags are being requested from various deployment areas and neighboring states. The enhanced rainfall has led to increased water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at multiple sites.
02:25: The Red Cross sends water rescue teams to Gunzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is mobilizing water rescue units from Unterfranken for their flood relief mission in Swabia. The water rescue teams, consisting of two boat and diving squads each, are anticipated to be dispatched to the heavily affected Gunzburg district. Several bodies of water in Swabia have reached the levels of a hundred-year flood.
00:59: A landslide collides with a car
In Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, a landslide has crash into a vehicle. The authorities mentioned that the driver didn't sustain any injuries. The accident took place where the affected road and a railway line are next to each other. Schwäbisch Gmünd is approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart.
Since Friday, there have been heavy rainfall in multiple parts of Baden-Württemberg.
00:14: Neu-Ulm tackles high water peak - damage assessment pending
The city officials of Neu-Ulm claim that the town has overcome the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller rivers. What's more, there was no occurrence of a 100-year flood, as reported by Mayor Katrin Albsteiger. However, two paths beside the Donauufer and cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will remain closed.
23:44: Munich: Shifted focus due to rising water levels
The Munich fire department has warned about the dangers of the Isar riverbank due to the increased water levels. Besides, the city authorities have closed two famous walking paths alongside the Isar river. The flood level has reached two in Munich, which indicates flooding of non-built areas or disruptions in traffic because of the high water levels.
23:23: Upper Bavaria: 670 people set to be evacuated
Rescue teams and firefighters are all set to relocate 670 people from the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. Heavy machinery like excavators and boats are in operation at the Mühlried district and a route near the Weilach river as per the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. An emergency helpline has been established by the authority. The municipality had already declared a state of emergency. District Administrator Peter von der Grün mentions that the situation is alarming in the southern portion of the Upper Bavarian district.
23:03: Scores of firefighter interventions in eastern Thüringen due to unstoppable downpour
The control center in Gera, Germany, has reported that torrential rains and thunderstorms have prompted a series of emergency responses in eastern Thüringen. Ronneburg, an area in the Greiz district, has been hit the hardest by floods and burst roads, as well as inundated cellars. Along with this, a watercourse in Liebschwitz district's Gera has overflowed.
22:45: Weakening rainfall in the southern regions but no respite
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) says that the areas widely affected or threatened by heavy rains in the south of Germany are experiencing a slight decrease in rainfall. A DWD meteorologist claimed, "We won't witness the intense downpours experienced last night anymore." However, new showers and thunderstorms from the north could still lead to local flooding, particularly around afternoon on Sunday. These downpours could be violent and long-lasting. "Such an event, if it hits the already saturated ground, will cause additional flooding," said the meteorologist. The regions most vulnerable to these impending showers and thunderstorms are the Swabian Alb, regions to the north, and areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25: Disaster situation in Freising
The Freising area has also announced a disaster situation due to the water surge in rivers and creeks. After midnight, the local government issued an advisory, predicting that the record-breaking water levels in the Amper and Glonn rivers may occur. The Freising district office warns inhabitants of extensive flooding in Hohenkammer and all the towns along the Amper. Residents are advised to prepare themselves for an extensive water surplus and, for example, to keep their basements free of clutter. Ten Bavarian districts have declared a disaster situation.
21:50: Dillingen district follows suit with a disaster situation declaration
The Dillingen district in southern Bavaria has now also made a disaster declaration due to constant rainfall. The district office announced that the circumstances at the Zusam, a Danube tributary, have worsened in the evening. The local crisis committee has asked for assistance from the Bundeswehr. A potential flood of a century could affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen, and the authorities will release water from the overflowing Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district office asks farmers to ensure their livestock's safety by keeping them in a secure place.
Eighth town in Bavaria proclaims disasterThe district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen in Bavaria announces a disaster due to the rising levels of the Danube and its tributaries. The upper Bavarian town's district office shares the news. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation worsens along the Paar, another Danube tributary, and at the Weilach, which empties into the Paar. There, the Weilach has already flooded a residential area in Schrobenhausen's district of Mühldorf as per the district office. Emergency authorities are readying to relocate residents in the affected area, according to district administrator Peter von der Grün. The most alarming conditions are present in the southern part of the district, and von der Grün emphasizes that safeguarding roads, bridges, and paths is crucial. "Only then can fire departments manage to attend to emergencies."
Rescue teams from Red Cross facilitate helicopter evacuationThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) rescued two individuals from the rooftop of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. According to a BRK spokesman, the pair faced life-threatening conditions, as their home was at risk of collapsing owing to vast water pools. Likewise, other residents were appropriately evacuated using inflatable boats. The rescue teams successfully transported more than a hundred people to safety, including children.
Individuals are advised to evacuate homes near AugsburgWater rescue teams had to release people from their vehicles in certain areas near Augsburg as water levels rapidly increased. These individuals couldn't unlock their car doors owing to the rising water masses, endangering their lives. The spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration cautions that in multiple municipalities of Augsburg, inhabitants are requested to vacate their homes and apartments due to the current flooding. Conditions will likely worsen in the northern part of the district during the night. Dwellings affected include regions within Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian government is arranging an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
Bundeswehr aid in Bavarian flood-stricken areasBundeswehr soldiers are working to contain the floods in Bavaria. A spokeswoman from the Bavarian Army Command informs that the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have submitted requests for assistance, and reinforcements are consequently arriving. The military is distributing blankets and mattresses in the vicinity of Günzburg while about 50 soldiers from Aichach-Friedberg district are expected in the coming hours. Two military vehicles have joined the relief efforts.
Faeser demands additional support for affected regionsGerman Interior Minister Nancy Faeser works to enlist further aid for the areas in southern Germany overrun by floods. Faeser, a member of the Social Democratic Party, says that the disaster relief services (THW) are mobilizing more forces. "The THW is prepared to deploy additional troops throughout the country," she shares. "We will continue to provide aid to the affected federal authorities." Currently, there are approximately 520 THW personnel involved. They have accomplished numerous rescue operations, reinforced dikes, and dumped excess water. Faeser radiates her admiration for the volunteers and reiterates the need for residents of the areas affected in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed all safety alerts and instructions from the authorities. "Please heed these warnings!"
29 climbers rescued at ZugspitzeClimbers trapped at Zugspitze (read Live Ticker 15:15 pm) were safely extracted by the mountain rescue services. A total of 29 climbers were ushered to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt, reports the mountain rescue service. Numerous groups had activated the emergency alarm, as they were hindered by inclement weather conditions and fresh snowfall, around 2500 meters altitude. On their way to the rescue were the mountain rescue service and Zugspitzbahn employees, who planned to search for climbers on snowmobiles.
Storm alert for parts of BrandenburgThe German Weather Service (DWD) entertains concerns surrounding dangerous thunderstorms in some parts of Brandenburg. For the territories of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second highest warning level applies up until the evening. These unfavorable conditions could result in injuries caused by lightning strikes, dizziness from falling trees or cables, falling objects, swift flooding across pathways, landslides, or hail.
A3 Motorway Closure in Bavaria Due to Flooding
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, near Regensburg, has been partially closed due to flooding. The closure affects both sides of the road and extends for approximately ten kilometers between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen. Police in Upper Palatinate report that fields are pushing water onto the motorway. Emergency services, including traffic police, fire department, and police, are on the scene to manage the flood situation and redirect traffic.
Memmingen Prison Evacuation
Due to the risk of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. The prison houses up to 150 inmates, who will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The nearby Memminger Ach, a small river, has turned into a raging stream and poses a threat of flooding the prison. Some areas of the prison yard are already submerged in water, which could lead to a power outage. The prison administration has decided to evacuate the facility due to these circumstances. Emergency vehicles from the police department have arrived to assist with the evacuation, which had to be carried out over flooded streets since the access road was already inundated. The fire department was on site with pumps to drain water from the prison.
Rising Water Levels in Swabia
Flooding and rising water levels are being reported across Swabia as a result of heavy rainfall. Several gauges in the region, including Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Dasing (Paar), have exceeded level 4. The flood warning service (HND) predicts that the gauges in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) could reach levels indicating a one-hundred-year flood. The Pegel Wblingen (Iller) is projected to reach Meldestufe 3 between Saturday and Sunday, but water levels have already started to fall below Meldestufe 3 in the lower Iller. Meanwhile, various Northern Donau tributaries, including the Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, exhibit individual gauge exceedances with an increasing trend.
Operating Flights Normally at Munich Airport
Munich Airport continues to operate its flights without any major disturbances despite the heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of Bavaria. So far, no flights have had to be canceled. Robert Wilhelm, a spokesman for the airport, explained that the runways are sunken towards the sides, allowing water to drain off easily. The runways are also grooved, aiding in water drainage. Aquaplaning is not a concern due to this design. The airport is not anticipating any significant issues for the remainder of the weekend.
Markus Söder Assesses Situation in Most Affected Areas
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder visited the areas experiencing the worst effects of the storm in Augsburg. He praised the efforts of helpers and officials during his tour of Diedorf and thanked them for their dedication. He emphasized that Bavaria has been well-prepared for crises. However, Söder also acknowledged that the situation is extremely challenging for the citizens affected. "This is not over yet, it's really getting started," he said. The Minister President's Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, accompanied him. Resources like sandbags are being gathered in the region where the storm's focus is currently. Söder emphasized the importance of following instructions and heeded the advice of emergency services, such as the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization, for evacuations and other safety measures.
Train Services Affected by Storms and Floods
Rail traffic in South Germany has been disrupted due to the storms and floods. Deutsche Bahn announced that there are cancellations and delays affecting two ICE lines running between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich and the line connecting Ulm and Augsburg. More information about track cancellations, delays, and any further disruptions is available on the Bahn website.
5:12 PM: Calamity in Unterallgäu -stranded residents should wave a white cloth
In addition to the disaster situation in Unterallgäu, the mobile network in the town of Babenhausen has failed. People in need who cannot call for help should hang a white sheet or cloth out of their windows, or even make themselves visible at the window to attract attention to their situation, says the local administration. In Babenhausen, individuals have already been extricated from their homes using inflatable boats.
3:57 PM: The THW deploys 400 volunteers to southern Germany
Following the storms in southern Germany, around 400 rescuers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently working. The THW headquarters in Bonn confirms this. They are removing water, securing dams, and evacuating individuals in anticipation of potential flooding. According to THW, they are prepared to send more THW volunteers specifically. Mobile water gauges will also be installed and monitored in the affected regions. "Given the ongoing, sometimes heavy rainfall, the THW is ready to deploy additional THW volunteers," they say. Each group of 40 THW personnel operates three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Every group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
3:37 PM: An interactive map shows all current flood warnings
This map shows all the up-to-date flood warnings. The graphic is frequently updated.
3:15 PM: Report: A 26-member mountain climbing group is stuck on the Zugspitze
A 26-member mountain climbing group is reportedly trapped several hundred meters below the Zugspitze summit. According to BR, 60 centimeters of new snow have fallen on the Zugspitze in the last few hours. It's raining heavily in the valley, and temperatures are below freezing, with visibility of only about 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been sent to look for the climbers in the blizzard, as BR reports, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is exhausted and probably not adequately equipped. The reason for their attempt to ascend the Zugspitze in the face of hazardous weather conditions remains unclear.
2:52 PM: Disaster situation declared in Donau-Ries district
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has now also declared a disaster situation. This measure is intended to "bring together all forces to be able to prepare for the expected water levels more quickly and efficiently," explains District Administrator Stefan Rößle in a statement. "It's crucial to maintain calm and, if possible, avoid low-lying areas."
2:20 PM: Dam breaches near Augsburg - evacuation preparations in progress
A dike and a dam have both collapsed in Augsburg's Swabian district. The district authority of Augsburg reports this. Residents in specific streets in the town of Diedorf must evacuate their homes. Preparations are underway for an evacuation in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Leaving the house by going to higher floors is no longer safe," says the district administration. A dam has crumbled in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher lake has collapsed. All people living in the affected districts are urged to leave their homes within the next hour and go to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities also caution against approaching railway underpasses, as floodwaters might flow there. There is a danger to life.
Soeder and Herrmann head to the flooded region
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are traveling to the flood region in Augsburg's Swabian district on Saturday. The CSU politicians seek to gain firsthand knowledge of the flooding situation in Diedorf, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. In addition, District Administrator Martin Sailer is part of the visit. The location of the visit was changed at the last minute due to the circumstances. In Diedorf, preparations for evacuating residents are now underway. The flood situation is particularly alarming in the Swabian region. After Günzburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now also declared a disaster situation.
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren continues to worsen. The level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis is increasing. A spokesperson for the municipality reported in the afternoon that the river was 4.72 meters high. It is hoped that the highest point will be reached soon. During the last flood in 2021, the river only reached a height of 4.50 meters. On a typical day, it carries 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the municipality advised approximately 1,300 people to leave their homes as a precaution. Most of them went to stay with friends or relatives. A small number of people sought refuge in a shelter. To avoid potential damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared out ahead of time. In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed as a safety measure.
Read also:
- The 50-kilometer long section of the A9 freeway in Pfaffenhofen, Germany, is currently closed due to floodwaters, with some parts of the road submerged.
- The large-scale flooding in southern Germany has resulted in various international organizations and individuals expressing concern and offering support, including economic minister Robert Habeck urging increased climate protection efforts after the crisis.
- As part of the international response to the flooding, rescue teams from neighboring countries have been sent to assist with the relief efforts in Germany, lending their expertise and resources to aid those affected by the disaster.
