At 10:34, Prime Minister Söder honors a fallen firefighter.
Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder honored a firefighter who lost his life during a flood rescue operation, stating that his service and devotion for others would forever be remembered. The authorities expressed their sympathy and condolences to the fellow firefighters and relatives of the fallen comrade. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter met his demise after a rescue boat capsized near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen due to floodwater.
It's 10:09 AM, and Ukraine's football team must relocate their final training session just before their European Championship match against Germany. Due to intense rainfall, the original training location, Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, has become hazardous and impractical. The coaching staff chose to train in Erlangen out of concern for the stadium's pitch. The match is set for Monday night.
The Munich area is experiencing significant flooding due to the persistent rain. Since 6 AM on Saturday, the fire department had responded to over 290 emergency calls. Primarily, they were tasked with draining waterlogged basements and cellars. Additionally, several fallen trees caused road closures. The flood warning level 2 along the Isar was surpassed.
In Anhausen, floodwaters have started to recede following the collapse of a dam five kilometers away. Local residents who were evacuated are now returning home cautiously, while emergency services remain concerned about ongoing threats in other places.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has deployed over 1,800 workers to assist with flood relief efforts. The team is busy securing dams, filling sandbags, and supporting evacuations across southern Germany. These efforts supplement those of the fire department and other emergency services.
In Baden-Württemberg, a landslide affected both a train and cars, paralyzing the region's transportation options. Workers are trying to clear the track so normal train operations can resume.
An ICE train freshly impacted by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend is expected to be rescued in the morning, according to a transport official. The other railroad lines circumvent the area, allowing for regular operations.
A 7:44 AM report revealed a missing person in Schrobenhausen. Authorities suggest the person was in the basement of a home when the floodwaters entered the dwelling. Rescue teams have not yet gained access to the property for safety reasons.
A firefighter perished in a flood rescue operation at Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in Upper Bavaria. The incident occurred when the firefighter, along with three colleagues, capsized in a rescue boat in the early morning.
At 7:29 AM, a weather update stated that numerous regions in Bavaria are experiencing alert level 4 for river floods in tributaries including Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, and Ilm, as well as the upper Danube. The rising floodwaters are now streaming towards regions like Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The highest tide levels are anticipated near Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, as well as Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district throughout the upcoming week.
Residents of Munich were warned by the weather service to anticipate further heavy rains in southern Germany.
At 6:54 AM, authorities cautioned residents toward the continuing floodwaters in the south, which appear to be increasing in volume and intensity.
Across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as per the German Meteorological Service (DWD)'s prediction, the threat of thunderstorms with immense rainfall looms. As per the early Monday morning DWD forecast, expect thunderstorms and heavy rainfall from noon to late Monday night. Potential consequences include inundated streets and basements, along with local damage from lightning strikes.
05:39 Expanded Evacuations in the Augsburg District
Officials in the Augsburg district are broadening evacuation orders for flooded regions. Residents from Kühltal and Allmannshofen communities are instructed to leave promptly, cautions the Integrated Control Center in the early morning. Buses are being offered to individuals who cannot pocket their way out themselves. Additionally, residents in different areas of the district were instructed to evacuate over the weekend, including citizens from regions along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.
05:05 Preparations for Rising Water Levels in Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden's authorities are taking actions against increasing water levels from the Rhine and Main rivers. The local fire department states that a flood barrier has been constructed in the Kostheim district, while a pump has been positioned in the river-adjacent Schierstein region. People are advised to steer clear of parking spaces near the river in the upcoming days, the fire department notifies. No further actions are anticipated at the moment.
04:04 Suspension of Train Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich
Due to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is currently at a standstill. A railway representative could not determine the severity or duration of the disruption in the early morning. The landslide concerns the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, with train traffic between Ulm and Augsburg previously disrupted due to flooding in southern Germany, forcing long-distance trains to be detoured.
03:13 THW in Ulm Produces 30,000 Sandbags
In an overnight operation, forces from Ulm's Technical Relief Organization (THW) are generating 30,000 sandbags intended for regions confronting floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Bernd Urban, head of the THW logistics center, announced that 400 sandbags are produced every hour. Sandbag requests come from various southwestern locations and also bordering regions. The constant rain has brought about notably increased water levels at several sites in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross Sends Water Rescue Squad to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is enlisting water rescue squadrons hailed from Unterfranken to join the relief mission in Swabia. Günzburg, a Swabian district, is anticipated to see the deployment of these water rescue teams, as announced by the Red Cross at nightfall. Consisting of two boat and diving squadra, the Unterfranken water rescue teams are specifically trained for flood rescuing operations. In Günzburg, several water bodies have flooded to levels corresponding to a 100-year flood frequency.
01:27 ICE Wagons Derail in Schwäbisch Gmünd Due to Landslide
Two carriages of an ICE train with 185 passengers on board derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd in the late evening as a result of a landslide. None of the train passengers were injured, and now, they are being evacuated from the train. The railway representative stated that the train's first two wagons left the tracks around 11:20 p.m., but they did not tip over. The landslide had a width of about 30 meters. The train's passengers are expected to stay at a nearby kindergarten and then be shuttled to Plüderhausen by bus.
00:59 Landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd Struck a Car
A landslide in the Baden-Württemberg municipality of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, damaged a car. Per initial police records, the driver of the car was unscathed. The event occurred near a section where the impacted road and railroad run side by side. Schwäbisch Gmünd lies about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has diluted many parts of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm Surmounts High Water Level - Damage Unknown
Neu-Ulm reportedly surpassed the flood wave's zenith on the Danube and Iller rivers, as per the city administration's assessment. Regional flooding worries were averted, as no 100-year flood event has taken place. "Damage can only be determined once the situation returns to normal," comments Mayor Katrin Albsteiger. Two roads, the Donauufer pathways, and the cycling lanes along the Danube and Iller remain closed for the time being.
23:44 Munich: Potential Hazard at the Isar Riverbank
The Munich Fire Department warns about the potential danger at the Isar riverbank due to the rising water level. In addition, two well-known walking paths along the Isar River have been closed, reported the Fire Department's X platform. According to the Fire Department, the Isar River has reached flood level 2 in Munich, which means that there could be flooding on non-built areas or minor disruptions on roads.
23:23 Upper Bavaria: 670 Individuals to be Evacuated
In the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen, firefighters and rescue services are preparing to evacuate 670 people. This is due to the situation in the district of Mühlried and a street along the Weilach River. Excavators and boats are there to help. The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration has also set up a hotline for emergencies. The district had previously declared a state of emergency. The situation is highly concerning, especially in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, stated the District Administrator, Peter von der Grün.
23:03 Numerous Fire Brigade Operations in Eastern Thuringia
Excessive rain and thunderstorms have caused numerous fire brigade operations in Eastern Thüringen. The Gera control center reports that the area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is significantly affected. There are flooded roads, fields, and flooded cellars. In the Liebschwitz district of Gera, a small creek has surpassed its banks.
22:45 Subsiding Rainfall in the South - No Relief Yet
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has reported a slight reduction in rainfall in the areas that were in danger of floods. However, new showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north, which could lead to localized flooding once again, especially in the afternoon on Sunday. The storms could be quite powerful and float slowly. "If they hit the already saturated ground, there will be more flooding there," an expert from the DWD commented. The regions most in danger from storms and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, and the regions north of it and around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Disaster Situation in Freising
The district of Freising has declared a disaster situation due to the overflowing rivers and streams. The district administration disclosed that record-breaking water levels are anticipated on the Amper and the Glonn, two rivers in the region. The district administration apprehends a large-scale flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as all other communities along the Amper. Residents are urged to be ready for such an extreme scenario, including emptying their basements. At present, ten Bavarian districts have declared a disaster situation.
21:50 Disaster Situation in Dillingen
The district of Dillingen in southern Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation owing to non-stopping rainfall. In the evening, the situation on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, worsened, as the district administration informed. The local crisis management team has appealed to the Bundeswehr for assistance. The authority anticipates a 100-year flood on this small river, which could influence the next-door towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Whilst the authorities are preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river, the district administration is urging the farmers to secure their livestock.
21:09 Eighth Municipality in Bavaria Declares Disaster Status
After Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster in Bavaria, there are now eight communes in the state that have done the same. The reason for this is the rising Danube and its tributaries, as the upper Bavarian district office conveys. The Wasserwirtschaftsamt in Ingolstadt anticipates flood level 4 at the Neuburg gauge by the night. The situation is even worse on the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and the Weilach, which merges with the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen district of Muhlried, the Weilach has already overflowed and flooded a residential area. First responders are preparing to evacuate residents, according to the Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation seems critical, particularly in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün underscored that the safety of roads, bridges, and pathways is a primary concern. "Only then can the fire department attend to other emergency situations."
7:55 PM: Residents of multiple locations near Augsburg are urged to evacuate their homesRescue teams have also extracted people from their submerged vehicles who could no longer open the doors, the spokesperson added. The situation may become perilous due to the swift current and the increasing water levels within the vehicles.
MF12: In the vicinity of Augsburg, individuals are instructed to leave their homes and dwellings in multiple municipalities within the Landkreis Augsburg. This prompt action is necessary due to prevailing flood conditions. Affected areas include parts of Babenhausen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf. The Swabian government has organized a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds for those affected.
6:48 PM: Bundeswehr aids in flood-stricken areas of BavariaGerman soldiers are providing support to counter the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as they've submitted an official request," according to a spokesperson for the Bavarian Army Command. Soldiers are currently distributing blankets and beds in Gunzburg. In the Landkreis Aichach-Friedberg, approximately 50 male and female Bundeswehr soldiers are set to join the effort within the next few hours. In addition, two Bundeswehr trucks are currently in use.
6:20 PM: Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser guarantees additional reinforcement for the flood-hit regions of southern GermanyThe SPD politician in Berlin affirmed her commitment to supporting the affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg against the floods. "The THW (Technical Relief Organization) has been notified to deploy more staff nationwide," she stated. "We will continue to support the affected federal states with the comprehensive resources at our disposal," Faeser acknowledged. Presently, roughly 520 members of the THW are actively engaged in the relief effort. Their tasks include saving lives, as well as securing dikes and removing water. The Interior Minister also expressed her gratitude towards the volunteers working tirelessly against the water masses. Faeser advised individuals in the impacted regions to follow the instructions provided by local authorities. "Please take these warnings seriously!"
5:58 PM: Mountain climbers rescued at ZugspitzeThose in distress on the Zugspitze, as previously reported in our Live Ticker at 3:15 p.m., have been successfully rescued. 29 individuals were guided by the mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. Multiple groups required assistance as they could no longer continue their ascent due to inclement weather and new snow at an altitude of around 2500 meters, about 900 meters prior to the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service responded to the situation. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also dispatched with snow groomers to locate the trapped mountain climbers, as per a representative of the Zugspitzbahn.
5:42 PM: Road closure on A3 due to rising floodwater near RegensburgA section of the A3 motorway in Bavaria, between the exits of Parsberg and Beratzhausen, is now closed in both directions for approximately 10 kilometers due to water accumulating on the road surface. Police Presidium Upper Palatinate relayed the news, highlighting that the water is emerging from the fields and inundating the motorway. Authorities have diverted traffic to other routes, a spokesperson confirmed.
5:11 PM: Prison in Memmingen evacuated due to flood risksAs a result of the increasing water threat from the Memminger Ach, a small river that passes by the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, the correctional facility is being emptied. The prison population, totalling up to 150 inmates, is being relocated to facilities in Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Parts of the prison courtyard are submerged, which may lead to a power outage necessitating the planned evacuation, according to a report by Nonstopnews. Local authorities have dispatched emergency vehicles to help carry out the evacuation operation. The fire department is also on site with pumps to extract water from the prison.
5:05 PM: Storm alert issued for parts of BrandenburgThe German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a stern warning about the potential hazards of severe thunderstorms in specific parts of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are at the highest-risk level, and storms are expected to intensify until evening. The DWD fears lightning strikes, fallen trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, and hail.
Torrential rain is pushing water levels up to level 4 at multiple gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are expanding. The Flood Warning Service (HND) reports that the gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Cham (Regen) have already reached level 4. Dasing (Paar) is anticipated to reach level 4 as well. The same is true for the Regen in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Per HND, 100-year floods are predicted in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to peak at Meldestufe 3 on Saturday to Sunday. In the lower Iller, the water levels are already decreasing. In the Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are some gauges with level 1 and 2 overflows, with a rising propensity. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are expected to reach Meldestufe 3 during the day, such as in Gunzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is expected to follow at night. In the following Donau segment to Passau, Meldestufen 1 and 2 increases are expected.
17:23 Munich Airport's routine operations persist despite the heavy rain
In spite of the heavy rainfall in numerous regions of Bavaria, routine operations at Munich Airport remain normal. There have been no flight cancellations so far. There are several factors contributing to this. "We see water standing in the meadows beside the runways," noted airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also built slightly higher. Additionally, the runway is sloped towards the sides, allowing water to drain out. The runways are also "grooved," meaning they feature grooves that accelerate water drainage. Consequently, there is currently no threat of aquaplaning, Wilhelm told the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates encountering no significant complications throughout the weekend.
17:07 Soder: "Things are really ramping up now"
Markus Soder, the Minister President, is gathering insights of the precarious situation in the heavily affected Swabia region. As he tours Diedorf in the Augsburg district, he commends the assistance and authorities. Bavaria is well-versed in crises, and the scenario is an "immense strain" for the citizens, states Soder in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The situation is not over yet, he remarks. "Things are really ramping up now." Resources, like sandbags, are being amassed in Swabia. "Without the helpers and helpers, we would have no chance," Soder spoke to the rescue services such as fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. They have all shown remarkable dedication. He appealed to the populace: "Please adhere to the regulations." Evacuation orders should be adhered to, not trying to re-enter the cellar or exiting the garage to drive.
16:35 Massive disruptions to train operations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are impacting train traffic as well. Deutsche Bahn states there are disruptions and cancellations across South Germany. Two ICE routes are particularly affected, as a spokesperson disclosed. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flooding. Additionally, the line between Ulm and Augsburg is impacted. Additional information on track closures, cancellations, and delays can be found on the Bahn website.
16:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu - Residents in need should place a white cloth in their windows
The disaster situation now also encompasses the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, the mobile phone network has failed. Individuals in need of assistance who are unable to make an emergency call should hang a white sheet or cloth in their windows to signal their requirement for help, the district administration advises. In Babenhausen, people are being rescued from their homes with inflatable boats.
With the ongoing storms in Southern Germany, around 400 workers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently working. The THW based in Bonn have shared this information. These workers are busy with diverse tasks, such as pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating people but in a preventive manner. The THW further states that they are prepared to deploy more THW forces as needed with habitual rain and possible flooding. To assist in this, mobile flood measuring devices will be installed and monitored in affected areas. This measure will help them anticipate further flooding in the coming hours. Moreover, the THW relief teams are biding their time, ready to be mobilized when required. Each squad includes around 40 THW staff members that operate three sewage pumps, a power generator, a car for explorations, and a command post. These teams are capable of pumping up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 A comprehensive map displaying all present flood warnings.
This map features the location of all existing flood warnings. It is periodically updated.
15:15 Alert: A 26-member mountain climbing group is trapped beneath Zugspitze's summit.
A group comprising 26 climbers is reported to be stuck hundreds of meters below the peak of the Zugspitze. The Rheinische Post states that approximately 60 centimeters of snow has fallen on Zugspitze over the past few hours and it's raining increasingly in the neighboring valleys. Temperatures are sub-zero, and visibility extends to around 100 meters. 15 rescue teams are on their way to locate the stranded climbers in the snowstorm, as per the information shared by Rheinische Post, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is drained and probably not well-prepared. Their reasons for attempting the climb under such perilous conditions are currently unclear.
14:52 Disaster situation in the Donau-Ries District
The officials in the Bavarian region of Donau-Ries have declared a disaster situation. The goal is "to bring all our forces together and to act rapidly and efficiently in response to the expected water levels." stated District Administrator Stefan Rössle. "It's essential to maintain composure and, if possible, to avoid low-lying districts."
14:20 Dam failure near Augsburg - evacuation underway
A dike and a dam have succumbed in the district of Augsburg. The district administration has confirmed this fact. Residents from certain streets in Diedorf township are required to leave their homes. Preparations for evacuation are underway in the Anhausen neighborhood. "Moving to higher floors is no longer enough," they assert. A rupture has occurred at a dam in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher has given way. Residents in affected districts are urged to depart their accommodation independently within the next hour to Diedorf Schmuttenhalle. The officials are also advising people to stay away from railway underpasses. Flowing waters could collect there, creating a potential risk to life.
Söder and Herrmann to visit Augsburg flood region on Saturday
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, and Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, are planning to visit the Augsburg flood area on Saturday. The duo (both CSU party members) wish to inspect the flood situation in Diedorf. District Administrator Martin Sailer also plans to accompany them. The location of the visit was changed at the last moment due to the current crisis. Earlier, the politicians aimed to travel to the heavily affected Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuation measures for residents are underway. The flood situation in Bavaria is most critical in the Swabian region. Following Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts, the Augsburg district has also declared a disaster situation.
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren becomes more intense. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, within the Bodenseekreis, is rising at an alarming rate. The river in Meckenbeuren stands at 4.72 meters according to a statement by the municipality. It is contemplated that the crest will be reached soon. During the previous flood in 2021, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. Regularly, it bears 45 centimeters of water. Two days ago, around 1300 residents were cautioned to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Many decided to stay with friends or relatives. But a very few operated a shelter. In preparation for potential damage from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied in advance. The municipality with 14,000 inhabitants closed its bridges to impede the likelihood of flooding.
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing flooding in the Munich area, Prime Minister Söder continues to express his support for the fire service, commending their efforts during the crisis.
- The Live Ticker closely follows the flood situation in various regions of Germany, including those in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, where international assistance may be needed.
- In the tragic loss of the firefighter during the flood rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Prime Minister Söder, along with fellow Germans, extends their condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen hero, emphasizing the bravery of first responders in times of emergency.