Power outages affect nearly 30 villages in Swabia region.

Around thirty villages in Swabia are experiencing power cuts.

Around 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing power outages, as stated by network operator LEW. Additionally, there are local power outages occurring in certain streets and homes. The outages appear to be focused in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The emergency workers are working to maintain power supply by switching to other lines, according to LEW. The length of each outage is determined by the specific situation on site.

In Günzburg, Bavaria, more than 1,000 people have been relocated to safety, Bayerischer Rundfunk reports. The Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart has mentioned that these individuals will be housed in gymnasiums and partially in Legoland. The reason behind the evacuation measures is the significant increase in the Günz River's water levels over the past few hours.

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is warning of more heavy rain, especially in southern Germany. DWD meteorologists in Offenbach state that there could be intense rainfall in Stuttgart in the initial evening. Furthermore, there might be heavy rainfall at the Alps, from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. Throughout the night, the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foothills to the Bavarian Forest might be affected by severe thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall in some areas. On Monday morning, the meteorologists in the Alpine Foothills south of the Danube predict showers from the start of the day, with stronger thunderstorms from midday, and then also in the Bavarian Forest. The possibility of heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour in some places, remains.

Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr has declared a disaster alert due to the worsening flood situation along the Danube. The reason given is the extensive scope and complexity of the demands and the related manpower requirements, according to a spokesperson. The Danube level in Straubing has surpassed six meters. The city is expected to surpass level 4 alert in the next few hours. There are four alert levels issued by the flood warning service. At level 1, minor overflows are expected, while at level 4, large areas can be flooded. The safety measures are progressing well and will continue. In some instances, roads have already been closed due to flooding.

The partially flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren is warning against flood tourism. The community of Friedrichshafen cautions that onlookers would obstruct rescue efforts and jeopardize themselves and others. "Even if it's currently raining less or not at all, Sunday strollers are asked to avoid the flooded area, to respect closures on bridges and roads," a spokesperson adds. Police and firefighters have required individuals to be aware of the life-threatening current. The Schussen river overflowed its banks on Saturday evening and inundated streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.

The Brandenburg Oder-Spree district is at risk from severe thunderstorms, as per the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusty winds or falling objects. Damage to homes is also possible, along with landslides and hail.

Two more districts, Dachau and Kelheim, have declared a disaster situation due to the flooding. "The current situation, combined with the forecasts regarding water levels, remains tense," Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer says. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl echoes the sentiment. The step was necessary, says Löwl, because local forces could no longer manage the numerous emergency sites in the upcoming hours. Now, relief efforts can also be dispatched to the district from elsewhere.

4:45 PM: Passengers should anticipate limitations on Monday's train systemPassengers must also expect restrictions on Monday's train system due to poor weather in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn has extended its leniency policy to include Monday: Those who purchased tickets for the duration of Sunday to Monday and wish to postpone travel due to weather-related disruptions can travel at a later date. The train route is lifted for these tickets. The severity of the disruptions is still indeterminable, a spokesperson asserts. Multiple long-distance routes in the south have been impacted. Trains have been canceled, for instance, on the lines Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advises against traveling in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions affected by the flooding.

4:04 PM: Approximately 3000 people in Bavaria affected by evacuationsIn Bavaria, around 3000 individuals have been impacted by evacuations from flood-threatened spots. A representative of the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich announced this information. Currently, 20,000 forces are involved in the interventions, with 40,000 people having participated throughout the situation.

2:58 PM: "I can't even comprehend the damage" - MeteorologistWeather expert Bernd Fuchs doesn't anticipate the flood situation in the south to improve slowly. "Every drop is too much," he insists. He was questioned about a connection to the climate crisis and replied that the current scenario is "a clear indication of where this journey is taking us."

1:41 PM: Electric shock injures worker during flood repairsDuring operations on power lines in the Freising area of Upper Bavaria, an employee of an energy corporation endured a near-fatal electric shock. The Upper Bavaria North Police Department spokesman mentioned that the 27-year-old staff member sustained an electric shock. He was retrieved from a flooded location near the Allershausen town hall and transported to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It's suspected that the work was related to the flood.

1:10 PM: Upper Rhine shipping temporarily suspendedDue to heavy rainfall in Germany's south, the height of the Rhine River has risen, partially obstructing shipping. The Rhine High Water Forecast Center in Rhineland-Palatinate announced that from Saturday, there has been no commercial traffic on a section of the Upper Rhine between Karlsruhe. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday night. At 3:00 PM on Sunday, the level was at 8.20 meters, with a prediction of a decrease at night. However, considerably greater water levels are projected in the following days in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Potentially hazardous conditions also exist on the Middle and Lower Rhine, where shipping could be jeopardized on a crucial waterway. The Koblenz gauge predicts a level of around 6.10 meters for Tuesday, beyond the safe limit for ships. Elevated levels are also anticipated on Wednesday in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

12:35 PM: Autobahn A9 shut down for approximately 50 kilometersThe A9 motorway is closed for roughly 50 kilometers between Allershausen and Ingolstadt as a result of a dam break in the Pfaffenhofen district on the Ilm. A spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North Police Department reported that sections of the motorway are submerged, and this is a new experience for the police in this region. There are also power outages. Numerous people are affected. Efforts are being made to resolve the problem. The district administration asked residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate the ground floors of their homes and apartments and relocate to higher floors.

Update 3:23 PM: According to Autobahn GmbH, the restricted section is between Ingolstadt-Süd and Langenbruck, and traffic in both directions is affected. In addition, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahnkreuz Neufahrn is heavily impacted. Officials advise to avoid the entire region widely. There are also other limitations on the A8 Munich-bound at Sulzemoos due to flooding.

10:58 AM: German Economic Minister Habeck connects heavy rainfall to climate changeEconomic Minister Robert Habeck advocates for enhanced efforts in environmental protection following the flood disaster in the south of Germany. "The containment of CO2 emissions, in order to give us enough time to adapt, is of utmost importance," Habeck remarks during a visit to Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The recurrence of natural disasters hints that "nature and climate are changing." Century floods now occur "every few years," Highlights Habeck.

1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz to Tour Affected Areas on MondayChancellor Olaf Scholz intends to check out the situation firsthand in the flooded regions on Monday. Confirmation came from government circles.

1:21 PM: Missing 22-Year-Old Firefighter in OffingenA tragic incident took place during an evacuation operation in Offingen, District of Günzburg. The police spokesman announced that a 22-year-old firefighter is missing. The young man and a colleague from the local fire brigade, along with three DLRG helpers, were using a boat to evacuate people at around 2:50 AM on Sunday. The boat capsized, and although four workers were eventually rescued, the 22-year-old remains untraceable. Two helicopters have been deployed for the search. Tragically, a 42-year-old firefighter had already lost his life in the flood catastrophe.

This is what Meckenbeuren currently looks like from above.

1:11 PM: Unrelenting Rain and Storms in Flood-Affected Areas of Southern GermanyThe new week promises no reprieve for the flooded areas in Southern Germany. Meteorologist Björn Alexander from ntv confirms that "the same widespread, continuous, and intense rain continues, but there are also new and local thunderstorm centers developing."

12:52 PM: Another Dam Break Possibility at the Paar RiverThe Paar River is at risk of another dam collapse, which would endanger the communities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are urged to move to higher floors due to potential flood hazards. Those in immediate danger should call the emergency number 112.

12:39 PM: Söder: 40,000 Emergency Personnel Deployed in Bavaria for Flood ReliefBavarian State Minister President Markus Söder reveals that approximately 40,000 emergency personnel are now involved in managing the flood situation in the entire state. Söder commented during his visit to Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, "From now on, it will be crucial to organize reliefs efficiently." Long-term service periods should be avoided, Söder warns, as fatigue and exhaustion increase the likelihood of errors and potential dangers to life and limb.

12:29 PM: Dam Guards Implemented in StraubingThe water level in Straubing is still rising due to heavy rainfall, and the Bavarian Flood Information Service (HND) Bayern anticipates reaching warning level four sometime within the day. Dam guards will be dispatched at 3:00 PM, and they will monitor the dam's current state and report any damage along with water levels. Additional sandbags are being made to help with containment efforts.

12:03 PM: Dam Break in Pfaffenhofen District's Baar-EbenhausenA dam in Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen District, has reportedly broken. Residents from the affected communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching must proceed to higher floors of their homes immediately. Lower floors, including the ground floor and basement, should be avoided.

11:37 PM: Chancellor Scholz Praises Rescue Workers in Affected AreasFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz thanks the rescuers and helpers in the flood zones for their invaluable contribution. He expressed his condolences to the relatives and friends of the 40-year-old firefighter who perished during a rescue mission in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.

11:25 AM: Flood Discussion in the Context of Catholic Day in ErfurtThe chairman of the German Catholic Church, Georg Bätzing, acknowledges those affected by the torrential rainfall. "We are thinking of those whose lives have been affected by these storms, particularly in the southern part of this country, who are either tidying things up or still facing the floods," said Bätzing during the closing mass at the Catholic Day in Erfurt.

10:59 AM: Parts of Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis SubmergedThe districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are currently underwater. The spokesperson for the community said that the Schussen River has overflowed and caused significant flooding. Nearly 1,300 people had already voluntarily evacuated their homes on Saturday, seeking safety elsewhere. Some residents opted to remain in their homes, residing only in the upper floors. The water level in the Schussen River reached over 4.86 meters on Saturday night. Since then, the water level has decreased.

10:34 AM: Bavarian Minister President Söder Honors Lost FirefighterBavarian Minister President Markus Söder pays tribute to the fallen firefighter in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. A firefighter lost his life in Pfaffenhofen while performing a rescue operation.

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder honors a firefighter who passed away during a rescue mission in the flooded region by posting a heartfelt message on X. "This brave soul's service and devotion to humanity will forever be engraved in our hearts," Söder says. "We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his fellow first responders and family members. We all grieve together. This pain just won't let up." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter met his tragic end when a rescue boat overturned near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen after striking a submerged house, according to police reports.

At 10:09, the Ukrainian national soccer team alters their final training session prior to the European Championship (EM) game versus Germany, which is scheduled for Monday. Due to persistent rain, they have chosen to train in Erlangen, rather than the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg. "We decided to spare the turf at the stadium," a Ukrainian team spokesperson explains.

Since Saturday at 6:00 a.m., the Munich fire department has been called out to more than 290 interventions, according to reports. This is a direct result of the ongoing flooding in the Munich metropolitan area. The majority of these interventions include extracting water from flooded basements and cellars. Furthermore, several trees have succumbed to the saturated ground, and streets have been closed. Last night, the flood warning level 2 of the Isar was indeed surpassed.

At 9:24, the situation in Anhausen is gradually improving, but water levels in other regions remain precarious. "Individuals who were evacuated are returning gradually," says ntv correspondent Niklas Diemer.

As of 9:08, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is adding more reinforcements to the already overwhelmed team assisting in the flood-stricken regions of southern Germany. Around 1,800 individuals are currently on duty, according to a spokesperson. These auxiliary workers are carrying out tasks such as securing dams, loading sandbags, and helping residents in flooded areas evacuate.

In Baden-Württemberg, a landslide during the early morning hours has resulted in both a train and a car being damaged.

08:47 Central Germany is witnessing torrential rain that threatens to flood the region.

Habeck is traveling in the flood area together with Bavaria's Minister President Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann.

At 8:30 AM, it is expected that rescuers will successfully extract an ICE train that was derailed by a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg. The regional transport in the area is unable to pass through the scene.

In Schrobenhausen, 08:16, a person remains missing. It is believed that this person was in a cellar when the floodwaters arrived and drowned. The victim's body has not yet been recovered due to the dangerous conditions.

As of 7:44 AM, in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Bavaria, a firefighter has lost his life. While conducting a rescue mission, he capsized in a rescue boat with three other colleagues, and his body was recovered late last night.

At 7:29 AM, currently, floodwater has reached alert level 4 at numerous monitoring stations. This includes the Southern Danube tributaries like the Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the Upper Danube. The floodwater is steadily moving downstream, heading from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Places like Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing might be at risk this week. The peak wave is anticipated to reach these areas soon. High water levels are forecasted in Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district.

Earlier this morning, at 6:54, the weather service warns of even more heavy rain in the South.

Across vast regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, thunderstorms with extensive rainfall are predicted, according to the forecast of the German Meteorological Service (DWD) on Sunday. The risk of additional flooding exists from afternoon to Monday night. Streets and basements could see further inundation, while there's also the potential for lightning damage.

05:39 Augsburg district enlarges evacuations

In the flooded regions of Bavaria's Augsburg district, officials are escalating evacuation efforts. Residents of the towns of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave immediately, urges the Integrated Command Center early in the morning. Buses are being prepared for people unable to leave the areas independently. Previously, residents in other parts of the district were encouraged to leave their homes and apartments on Saturday evening and through the night. Principally, communities along the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube, are affected.

05:05 Wiesbaden readies against rising water levels

In Wiesbaden, measures are being employed to counteract increasing water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood barrier has been constructed in the Kostheim district, reported the fire department early in the morning. In the Schierstein Rhine-side district, a pump has also been installed. Car parks near the river should be avoided in the near future, the fire department cautioned further. Although it's not anticipated that additional actions will be necessary.

04:04 Commuter rail service between Stuttgart and Munich discontinued

Due to a landslide in Baden-Württemberg's Schwaebisch Gmuend, long-distance train service between Stuttgart and Munich has been canceled. The railway representative could not estimate when the line would be restored around dawn. The landslide has obstructed the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, since long-distance train service between Ulm and Augsburg was also halted due to the flood in southern Germany, and the long-distance trains have been diverted.

03:13 THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags

In a midnight operation, forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm are engrossed in making sandbags for flooded and flood-endangered areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. 30,000 sandbags are about to be delivered on Sunday night, said Bernd Urban, director of the THW logistics center. "We can currently fill 400 sandbags an hour." Sandbags are requested from several stations in southwestern Germany and bordering regions in the neighboring state. The ceaseless rain has spurred greatly elevated water levels at several locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

02:25 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Gunzburg

The Bavarian Red Cross is deploying water rescuers from Unterfranken to aid in the Swabian mission. The water rescue unit is anticipated to assist in the particularly impacted Gunzburg district. The water rescue teams from across Unterfranken comprise two boat and diving teams each. The district of Gunzburg has experienced flood levels that match a hundred-year flood. This designates a flood that manifests roughly once every 100 years.

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

01:27 Schwaebisch Gmuend: ICE wagons derail following landslide

Two wagons of an ICE with 185 travelers on board have derailed in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as a result of a landslide. The passengers endured no injuries and are currently being extracted from the train. As per a railway representative, the first two wagons came off the tracks around 23:20, but did not overturn. The landslide spanned about 30 meters. The ICE passengers are set to remain in a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Plüderhausen via bus.

00:59 Landslide causes damage to vehicle in Schwäbisch Gmünd

A car in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany, was struck by a landslide. As per initial police reports, the driver incurred no injuries. The landslide occurred where the impacted road and railway run parallel. Schwaebisch Gmuend is about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, gargantuan downpours have occurred in the area, like many parts of Baden-Württemberg.

00:14 Neu-Ulm passes apex of flood wave - damages yet to be ascertained

The town of Neu-Ulm in Bavaria has surpassed the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, according to an estimate by the city administration. Despite high water levels, the feared one-hundred-year flood did not materialize. "We will only recognize the degree of damage once the situation has calmed," says Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Danube embankment and the cycle path along the Danube and Iller, will temporarily remain closed.

23:44 - Munich: Acute Danger at the Isar's EdgeThe Munich Fire Department is sounding the alarm about potential hazards at the Isar's edge, as water levels are alarmingly high. Additionally, the city administration has blocked two frequently used hiking trails beside the Isar. Due to the high water levels threatening roads, the river has reached flood level 2 in Munich, according to the Fire Department through X. Flood level 2 is associated with flooding on undeveloped areas or disrupted traffic flow on roads.

23:23 - Upper Bavaria: 670 Residents on the Verge of EvacuationRescue services and firefighters are preparing to evacuate around 670 residents in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. Machinery like bulldozers and boats are being used in the Mühlried district and a Weilach-adjacent road, according to Neuburg-Schrobenhausen's district administration. A hotline for emergency situations has been set up by the administration. The area has already declared a state of emergency. Peter von der Grün, the District Administrator, is seriously concerned about the state of affairs in the southern part of Upper Bavaria.

23:03 - Intense Fire Department Interventions in Eastern ThüringenRainfall and thunderstorms have triggered a lot of interventions by the fire department in eastern Thüringen, clarifies the control center in Gera. This downpour has particularly bothered the areas around Ronneburg, part of the Greiz district, with flooded roads, fields, and basements. In Gera's residents' district of Liebschwitz, a tiny stream has overflowed.

22:45 - Decreased Downpour in the South - No AlertsThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) mentions a smaller amount of rainfall in the now-rain-affected or threatened areas in southern Germany, as per a DWD meteorologist. He adds, "We won't see the massive rainfall we had last night tonight." However, more showers and thunderstorms are marching in from the north, which could result in potential floods in the late afternoon. These showers could be intense and volatile, possibly flooding the already drenched grounds. The most vulnerable areas on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, regions surrounding it, and zones encircling Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.

22:25 - Disaster Situation in FreisingThe Freising district proclaims a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and streams, as the Freising district administration disclosed late in the evening. They're expecting record-breaking water levels on the Amper and Glonn rivers, sparking fears of expansive flooding in the Hohenkammer town and other settlements along the rivers. Residents are asked to be prepared for such predictably hazardous situations and clear out their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts now have openly declared a disaster situation.

21:50 - Dillingen District Follows Suit with a Disaster Situation DeclarationNow, the Dillingen district in southern Bavaria is adding its name to the list of districts that have to deal with non-stop rainfall, prompting a disaster situation announcement. The Zusam, a tributary connected to the Danube, has deteriorated further in the evening, bleats the district administration. The local crisis team is seeking support from the Bundeswehr. The expected flood at this minor river could affect the towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. The authorities are considering unleashing water from the overburdened Danube into the Riedstrom, previously known as a part of the Danube's bulge-out area. Farmers have been encouraged to keep their livestock in tight, stable quarters.

21:09 - Eighth District in Bavaria Interns a Disaster SituationThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen joins the other seven Bavarian communes, declaring a disaster situation amidst the inflated Danube and its tributaries, as the upper Bavarian commune's office states. According to the Ingolstadt Water Management Office, the rising water level might reach level 4 at the Neuburg gauge in the night. The circumstances look equally damaging at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and at the Weilach, which feeds into the Paar. Reports from the Schrobenhausen district office confirm the Weilach bullseye-diving Muhlried and flooding a settlement. The emergency forces are preparing to evacuate Hohenkammer, a town, and other Amper-based settlements. The situation is dire, particularly in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün, the district administrator, stresses the importance of damage prevention over roads, bridges, and the roads themselves, ensuring that the emergency response could remain active afterwards.

20:34 - Lifesaving Actions by the Red Cross with Helicopters in BabenhausenTwo people stranded on their home's roof in Babenhausen were plucked off by the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) with a helicopter. The BRK spokesperson notes that the individuals' lives were in jeopardy due to the immense water mass threatening the house in the Unterallgäu region. More than 100 individuals were assisted by the rescue teams, including numerous children.

20:13 Residents in specific locations near Augsburg are instructed to vacate their households

In the same vicinity, water rescuers had to rescue individuals trapped in their vehicles due to the presence of massive amounts of water. The spokesperson notes that such a situation can potentially endanger lives because of the current and the rising water in the automobile.

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

People in several communities under the jurisdiction of the Augsburg district are being commanded to leave their homes and dwellings due to the urgent flooding condition. According to the Augsburg district office's spokesperson, the situation will deteriorate in the northern portion of the district that evening. Municipalities affected include aspects of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian administration has established a temporary refuge at the Augsburg fairgrounds.

19:48 Bundeswehr assists in areas where there's flooding in Bavaria

The Bundeswehr soldiers are aiding in battling the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both districts submitted an official request," remarks a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Army Command to the radio station Antenne Bayern. "In the Gunzburg area, blankets and field beds are being distributed. Around Aichach-Friedberg, approximately 50 Bundeswehr troops are expected to show up in the following few hours. Additionally, two trucks from the Bundeswehr are being used," she says.

19:20 Faeser asserts supplementary support
The Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser guarantees the districts afflicted by flooding in southern Germany additional assistance. "Due to the continuous heavy rain and imminent flooding, the THW is ready to use more forces nationwide," Faeser declares in Berlin, referring to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). "We'll keep on supporting the affected federated entities with all accessible forces." According to Faeser, there are presently 520 THW helpers and colleagues working. They've rescued individuals, fortified dikes, and drained water. Faeser also expressed gratitude to all volunteers: "I'd like to express thanks to all volunteers very much who are presently combating the water masses and tirelessly acting to save lives." Residents in areas influenced by floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should pay attention to alerts and directives issued by authorities, Faeser urges. "Take these warnings seriously!"

18:58 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The climbers in peril at the Zugspitze (referred to in the Live Ticker entry at 15:15 p.m.) have been safeguarded. 29 climbers were transported safely to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue service, the mountain rescue service reports. Numerous groups sent distress signals, a spokesperson for the mountain rescue service states. They were stranded at around 2500 meters above sea level, about 900 meters before the Sonnalpin, owing to poor weather and fresh snow. The mountain rescue service responded. Zugspitzbahn crew members were also on their way with snow groomers to locate the climbers, a spokeswoman for Zugspitzbahn adds.

18:42 Severe storm warning for parts of Brandenburg

The German Weather Service (DWD) forewarns about the dangers of severe thunderstorms for regions in Brandenburg. A warnings-of-danger level is in force for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree until the evening, as the DWD reports. There may be lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling items, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail.

18:11 Overflow on the motorway - A3 partially closed
The A3 highway in Bavaria near Regensburg is shut down for around ten kilometers between the junctions of Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The route is inundated, according to a spokesperson for the Upper Palatinate police. "The water is being forced onto the highway." According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all present at the scene. The traffic will be redirected, a spokesperson explains.

17:51 Prison in Memmingen is being evacuated
Due to potential flooding risks, the Memmingen, Bavaria, prison is evacuated. This is reported by the news agency Nonstopnews. Up to 150 detainees will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Given that the Memminger Ach, a small river that flows directly in front of the prison, is now an uncontrollable stream threatening to flood the prison, the prison administration decided to evacuate. A contingency of police arrived with various emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. Finally, the evacuation had to be conducted through flooded streets, as the access path was already flooded. The fire department was also present, pumping water out from the prison.

Paraphrased by ChatGPT.

5:35 PM Rain leads to flooding in Swabia

Incessant rainfall has caused several gauges in Swabia to reach level 4, indicating a potential flood. Rivers are rapidly expanding in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate. Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as reported by the Flood Warning Service (HND), have already reached level 4. Similar levels are expected in Dasing (Paar). The Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is also anticipated to reach level 4. Hundred-year floods have been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).

The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to peak at Meldestufe 3 on Saturday into Sunday, whereas water levels in the upper Iller are already receding. In the northern Donauzuflüsse Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauges show level 1 and 2 exceedances with an increasing trend. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are predicted to rise to Meldestufe 3 during the day, particularly in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim should follow on Sunday night. In the further Donau course to Passau, increases to level 1 and 2 are expected.

5:23 PM Munich Airport remains operational despite heavy rain

Despite heavy rainfall across many parts of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport continue normally. Thus far, no flights have been canceled. Several factors contribute to the airport's ability to remain operational. "We see water standing in the meadows next to the runways," stated airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport is also designed somewhat higher. In addition, the runways are slanted toward the sides, facilitating water drainage. Furthermore, the runways feature "grooves", which enhance water runoff. No risk of aquaplaning exists, according to Wilhelm. The airport does not anticipate any serious complications for the remainder of the weekend.

5:07 PM Soder: "Things are just getting started"

Bavarian Minister President Markus Soder visits the impacted regions in Swabia. He expresses gratitude to the helpers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Bavaria is "crisis-tested", notes the Minister President. For citizens, the situation represents an "extreme burden," he states. And further: "This is not yet over. Things are just getting started." The focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, hence resources – like sandbags – are being gathered there. "Without the helpers and helpers, we would have no chance", appealed Soder to rescue services, such as fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. They have all shown exceptional dedication. To the citizens, he urged: "Please follow the rules." Obey potential evacuation orders, don't enter the basement or attempt to drive the car out of the garage.

4:35 PM No more trains operating

The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are disrupting rail traffic. According to Deutsche Bahn, there are train disruptions and cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE lines are notably impacted, a spokeswoman confirms. There are no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. More details on track closures, cancelations, and delays can be found on the Bahn website.

4:12 PM Disaster situation also in Unterallgäu - Residents seeking aid should display a white cloth

The disaster situation has reached the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu as well. The mobile network has failed in parts of Babenhausen. Individuals needing assistance who cannot make emergency calls should hang a white sheet or cloth at their window to signal their need for help, advises the district administration. In Babenhausen, people are being rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.

In light of the heavy storms in Southern Germany, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) has deployed almost 400 workers to respond. The THW in Bonn has confirmed this, stating that they are currently working to pump water, protect dams, and evacuate residents before it's too late. They're also ready to send additional THW forces if necessary. At the moment, mobile flood meters are being placed and monitored in affected regions. The THW also plans to deploy more relief teams if heavy rain continues to cause flooding in the coming hours. Each relief team totals around 40 members with three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command center. These teams can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.

15:37: All flood alerts displayed on one map

[Image: https://www.panorama9.de/de/flood-warnings-20230204-1239100.jpg]

This map showcases all active flood warnings. The information is consistently updated.

15:15: Report: 26-person mountain climbing group stranded below Zugspitze

Approximately 26 mountain climbers are allegedly trapped several hundred meters beneath the Zugspitze peak. According to BR Television, around 60 centimeters of new snow has fallen on the Zugspitze, while heavy rain is pouring in the valley, causing temperatures to drop below freezing. Currently, visibility is limited to around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the climbers in the blizzard. The group appears exhausted and possibly ill-equipped for such extreme weather. It's uncertain why they decided to climb the Zugspitze given the harsh weather forecast.

14:52: Disaster situation declared in the Donau-Ries district

The district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria has announced a disaster situation. This step intends to "assemble all forces and prepare ourselves more efficiently for the foreseen flood levels", explains District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It is important to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible."

14:20: Dam failure near Augsburg - Evacuation prepared

Increased rainfall in the Swabian district of Augsburg has caused a dike and a dam to rupture, according to local authorities. Residents in several Diedorf streets must leave their homes. Evacuation arrangements are being prepared in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Now it's no longer safe to stay on upper floors," they warn. The dam has broken in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher dam has given way. The district urges residents in the affected areas to abandon their homes immediately and independently within the next hour to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Additionally, they advise people to avoid railway underpasses as floodwaters may flow there, posing a threat to life.

Soeder and Hermann travel to the flood-affected area

Babenhausen residents are rescued with rubber dinghies.

Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are traveling to the flood-impacted zone in the Swabian district of Augsburg on Saturday. These CSU politicians hope to personally assess the flood situation in Diedorf. The visit was hastily modified from their previous plan to visit Fischach. In Diedorf, authorities have already begun evacuation preparations for residents. The flood risk is particularly high in the Swabian region. Apart from the district of Augsburg, the districts of Aichach-Friedberg and Günzburg have now also declared a disaster situation.

The flood situation in Meckenbeuren continues to intensify. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, a municipality within the Bodenseekreis, has risen further, reaching a height of 4.72 meters in the afternoon. We hope the peak will soon be reached. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached 4.50 meters. Normally, it carries just 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the community advised around 1300 people, in an anticipatory manner, to leave their homes. Most of them stayed with friends or family. Only a small number of people used temporary accommodation. In this municipality of 14,000 inhabitants, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared in advance to prevent potential damages from flooding. Bridge closures were initiated as well.