Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions - Administrator of the District: Lake Constance region remains in danger
The district administrator of Bodenseekreis, Luca Wilhelm Prayon (CDU), paid a visit to two flooded communities: Meckenbeuren and Salem, on Sunday. According to an evening update, Prayon expressed his concern after seeing the images, saying, "We're facing quite a dangerous situation here. Unfortunately, we can't issue a warning, as the forecasts suggest even more rain, storms, and heavy downpours ahead."
Prayon commended the efforts of the emergency services, as well as volunteers and helpers across the district. These involved individuals have been working round the clock to avert any casualties. The fire departments of the district have dealt with over 500 incidents since Friday. Most of these involved flooded basements or uprooted trees. Almost 900 emergency responders were involved.
The German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates further rain, storms, and heavy downpours in parts of the district until Monday evening. The potential impact on the Schussen and Seefelder Aach areas is quite significant, with the threat of increasing water levels and further flooding.
The Schussen river swelled into the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell, inundating streets in the process. More than 1300 people were forced to leave their homes on Saturday due to the rising water levels, which reached a staggering 4.86 meters. Under normal conditions, the Schussen is merely 45 centimeters deep in that area.
A wall of concrete blocks was erected on one street in Salem, in an effort to prevent additional flooding affecting the homes.
The town of Eriskirch has implored the citizens to conserve water and avoid showering, bathing, or washing clothes. This is due to the fact that the overflowing Schussen has filled the sewers, leaving no space for domestic wastewater. There's a possibility of sewage spilling into the homes if the system cannot contain the volume.
The town of Meckenbeuren is preparing for a second wave of flooding following the weekend's incidents. The rise in water levels is expected to hit the 4-meter mark starting Monday, according to a spokeswoman for the municipality. The cellars are not being emptied at the moment, as the water would just flood them again. The town spokeswoman criticized the behavior of onlookers in the flooded area who failed to act responsibly.
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The operational force in Baden-Württemberg is on high alert due to the consequence of severe weather, with Lake Constance district being particularly at risk. Prayon urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions and warnings, as the situation at Lake Constance could worsen. Despite the current danger, residents and tourists enjoyed the calm before the storm at Lake Constance on a sunny Sunday. However, this peace was short-lived as the storm made its way to Meckenbeuren and Salem, causing the water level to rise drastically. The floodwaters from Lake Constance reached Salem, further exacerbating the situation, with a significant impact on the nearby communities.
