At 14:52, THW (Technical Help Team) fills 2000 sandbags an hour.
The flood issue in Southern Germany keeps rescue groups working round the clock. The Donauwörth Technical Relief Organization fills 2000 sandbags every hour. Volunteers from the DLRG in Gunzburg save people trapped in waterlogged houses. Likewise, these lifesaving operations are ongoing in Bavaria. Sleep is not a priority in numerous locations.
At 14:29, floodwaters carried away cars in Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg. A range of vehicles ended up on railway tracks, one on a well. You can see household items scattered on muddy streets. Piles of debris are accumulating on a bridge. This town in the Rems-Murr district is especially impacted by the floods due to excessive rainfall.
At 14:06, eleven years after the flood tragedy, the Donau dam in Bavaria's Niederalteich is on the verge of collapsing. Residents here have previously endured a severe flood almost a decade ago. Although repairs were to be done to the dams, one section remains unfinished. Consequently, the dam is now endangered.
At 13:40, cars could once more drive on A9 between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck, heading towards Munich. However, a road block is in place. A police officer disclosed that just 300 vehicles can use the route currently. Shortly after entering this area, the highway will be closed for some time. The reason for this measure is yet unknown. Meanwhile, the A9 roadway connecting to Nuremberg has been accessible since late morning. "Bear in mind that this could change again!" cautioned the police.
At 13:17, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in the flood-affected Bavaria region. He urged solidarity, stating, "Nature's power is immense." The SPD leader visited Reichertshofen, south of Ingolstadt, and emphasized that assistance is necessary. Furthermore, he asserted that relief should continue with federal funding. Many groups, including the Bundeswehr, are currently present to assist. Scholz also recognized a fallen firefighter in his speech. Increasingly frequent flood events are occurring due to climate change, he revealed, proposing that he has experienced aid zones four times this year.
At 12:50, a tourist got trapped in the flood in Upper Palatinate. The fire department rescued the 81-year-old man from his flooded car in Hahnbach near Nuremberg. The man drove to the market town to observe the flood of the Vils, yet got stuck on the flooded street. Water levels kept rising, and he was forced to climb onto his car's roof through the sunroof to call for help. A passer-by contacted the police, and the fire department came with a special vehicle to save the man and his vehicle.
At 12:25, a Danube cruise ship was grounded due to the flood. Broadcaster BR reported that the evacuation of the vessel with 150 passengers from the USA and England was underway in Deggendorf. Thomas Kindel, leader of the district office's disaster response, said 25-30 people can be brought ashore at a time in a work boat.
As per information from the 12:00 press release, the Danube flood is comparable to that of 2002, with rising waters. The Bavarian Flood Information Service representative highlighted that the amount of water flowing downstream from Regensburg is comparable to that of the 2002 event. This becomes apparent, for instance, when the Isar converges with the Danube at Deggendorf. Weather expert Paul Heger provided insight into the tensed flood situation and its risks during the next few days. ntv offered a summary of the developing flood predicament.
At 11:27, rescue workers discovered the body of a 43-year-old female missing in a flooded cellar in the severely inundated Bavarian Schrobenhausen. This woman was last seen on Sunday. A police spokesperson confirmed the finding.
11:21: Water levels of the Rems and Murr keep rising in Ludwigsburg - nursing home evacuated
Despite the decreasing rainfall, authorities in Ludwigsburg district anticipate a critical situation and increasing water levels in the Rems and Murr. "While there is currently no heavy rainfall, we still expect a rise in the water levels of the Rems and Murr," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier. In Remseck, the highest point of the Rems hasn't been reached yet. The incident control center is monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency services. Nearly 250 firefighters are involved in the rescue operations. On Monday morning, a nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was evacuated. The residents were transferred to other facilities.
10:54: Shipping on Upper Rhine suspended due to floodwaters
Germany's major waterway, the Rhine, has been partially shut down for inland shipping due to heavy rainfall. "Inland shipping on the Upper Rhine has been halted," states a spokesman for the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA). "Critical watermarks have been exceeded at several points." The affected regions include Maxau near Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Worms. There's potential for closures on the Middle Rhine (between Mainz and Bonn). "The closures should not last long, given the current forecasts," adds the spokesman. These closures are intended to prevent damage to riverbanks caused by the waves generated by boats. The boats create waves that can overflow the riverbanks, possibly flooding basements.
10:27: North Rhine-Westphalia sends aid to flood-hit Bavaria
North Rhine-Westphalia is providing assistance to the flood-stricken area in Landau an der Isar, Bavaria, in the form of five water rescue teams with 48 assistance personnel, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats. The Interior Ministry of Düsseldorf revealed the aid offer was accepted by Bavaria on Sunday night. This aid was distributed accordingly.
10:04: Evacuations in Ebersbach an der Fils
In Ebersbach an der Fils, located south of Stuttgart, residents from several streets are being evacuated due to the heavy flooding. A city representative can't initially specify how many people are involved. The residents had initially been advised by the city to pack their important documents and essential items. Due to the ongoing flood situation, all schools and municipal kindergartens will be closed on Monday, as announced on the city's Facebook page.
09:41: Search for missing woman continues in Schrobenhausen
Police in Schrobenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district, continue to look for a missing woman. Using a helicopter and divers, they've been searching for the 43-year-old since she was last noticed in the basement of her house. Earlier, the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation incorrectly reported she had been found dead. However, the search is still on. The reason for that, a police spokesperson explained, is because divers couldn't enter the flooded cellar of the house the day before, and so pumps are currently being used inside the building to drain the water.
09:12: Söder predicts flood situation in Bavaria to last several more days
Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, anticipates that disaster control efforts in the state will continue for several more days. "It's getting better, but we can't give a definitive all-clear," Söder said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk on Monday. He emphasized that "even if it stops raining, the water levels of the larger rivers will still rise due to the inflows."
08:41: Third dam breached in the Pfaffenhofen district
The dam of the river Paar in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm has now broken at three points, according to a spokeswoman for the district. In the affected locations, specifically Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching, residents are advised to leave their ground floors and move to higher floors. Up to 800 individuals have been evacuated in Baar-Ebenhausen. A ground and middle school in Reichertshofen, with approximately 250 flooded residents, is being used as a shelter. The Paar is a tributary feeding into the Danube. Authorities in Vohburg are more attentive about Danube levels and are taking precautionary measures. Both directions of the A9 autobahn between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck remain closed.
08:21: Dam in Manching breaks
Another dam, located in Manching-Pichl in the Pfaffenhofen district, has also given way, multiple media outlets report, quoting the local administration. Authorities advise residents in the Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße areas to leave the ground floors of their homes and move to higher ones, paying attention to instructions from the fire department.
08:01: Firefighters stuck in water in Rudersberg
In Rudersberg, firefighters are trapped by rising water levels. ntv-reporter Niklas Diemer updates us on the scene:
In the town of Rudersberg, Rems-Murr-Kreis, Baden-Württemberg, even the firefighters were taken by surprise with the rapidly rising water, according to a reporter from ntv on the scene. Firefighters were unable to continue their rescue operations when they tried to save residents. Emergency crews could only save themselves by climbing onto the upper floors of houses, where they had to stay for hours. The fire station was also reported to be submerged in water. Vehicles were driven onto higher ground - which was later flooded by the water. Two cars couldn't be safely relocated.
07:39 Disaster declared in Regensburg
The water level in the Danube is rising - now Regensburg has also declared a state of emergency. The water level at the Eisernen Brücke gauge reached a height of 5.90 meters, as reported by the Bavarian flood warning service. A week prior, the average value was around 2.70 meters. The water level reached exactly 6.82 meters during the previous major flood on June 4, 2013.
07:20 Helicopter rescue in Günzburg
Water rescue professionals of the Wasserwacht had to use a police helicopter to rescue twelve people from balconies and roofs in Günzburg. One case reportedly involved a family with three children, including one who was only a week old. Rescue by boat was no longer possible due to the water masses.
06:50 Fears of a dam breaking in Manching
The Integrated Control Center in Ingolstadt has issued a warning for a potential dam break in Manching, a town in the Pfaffenhofen district of Bavaria. People were advised to remain on upper floors and avoid basements and underground garages. A dam broke on Sunday in nearby Baar-Ebenhausen.
06:16 Evacuations in Uhingen due to flooding
Due to the flooding in the Filstal, individuals had to be evacuated from some houses in Uhingen, a town south of Stuttgart. A police spokesman reported early Monday morning that evacuations were carried out in the affected town in the Göppingen district. No injuries were reported as of the latest update. The flooding impacts a residential area. An extraordinary emergency situation was declared.
05:33 Assistance from Baden-Württemberg to Bavaria
Due to the ongoing flood situation, Baden-Württemberg is sending emergency service personnel to the neighboring district of Günzburg in Bavaria. The Baden-Württemberg Interior Ministry reports that three "Sanitation and Care" units have been sent to the district at the request of the Free State of Bavaria. The emergency personnel will provide care and supplies for individuals who had to leave their homes and apartments due to the flooding. In addition, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will be sent to the Günzburg district to support the evacuation of people.
04:30 Esslingen builds temporary dam to prevent flooding
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is constructing a temporary dam to prevent flooding of parts of the inner city. The peak is expected in the early morning, and flooding of the canals in the inner city area could result from this. In the vicinity of the construction site near the Water House, about 1,500 tons of stone and sand will be piled up during the night and Monday morning. Traffic disruptions can be expected. The municipality had already warned against entering cellars and underground garages in the inner city and in Oberesslingen due to the tense flood situation.
03:26 Ebersbach an der Fils prepares some residents for possible evacuation
The heavily flooded municipality of Ebersbach an der Fils, south of Stuttgart, has prepared some residents for potential evacuations. Residents of specific streets were instructed to pack their documents and essentials in order to spend the night away from their homes, the city announced early Monday morning via Facebook. It is essential to wait in the upper floors of houses. "The fire department Ebersbach is coming to the residents."
03:11 Weather warnings lifted - additional rain possible
The German Weather Service (DWD) has lifted all severe weather warnings for heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain in Germany. However, area-specific rain showers with the potential for heavy rain will still occur in southern Germany, according to the DWD. From noon, areas south of the Danube and the Bavarian Forest will be affected. Small-scale thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.
Distress over flood tourists in Landkreis Augsburg:
Visitors to flood zones are causing trouble for emergency responders in the Landkreis Augsburg. Rescue teams have to deal with more and more incidents of people who—despite numerous warnings—made their way to dikes, underpasses, and into or near the water. The district office advises against visiting these areas. "Flood waves can catch you off guard, and the bank could collapse," the district office cautions. People should steer clear of flooded roads and underpasses. Manhole covers can be lifted by the water pressure and create a vacuum that could suck in passing pedestrians and drivers.
Tour of flooded areas by Winfried Kretschmann and Thomas Strobl:
Baden-Württemberg's Minister-President, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl, are set to visit two flooded localities in the state on Monday. They plan to begin their day in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis before traveling to Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. Citing a spokesperson from the state government, Kretschmann chose not to visit the impacted areas on Sunday to avoid adding unnecessary strain to crisis response teams. "I made a deliberate choice not to visit the affected areas during the acute situation when every hand is needed and every sandbag could make a difference. Instead, I opted to remain well-informed and vigilant," he noted on Sunday afternoon. The rescue services are stretched to their limits, he reiterated.
Ebersbach an der Fils under a state of alarm:
The city of Ebersbach an der Fils, close to Stuttgart, has declared a full emergency alert status due to the flood. This means that all firefighters are now on duty. Water has broken through a noise barrier on the B10 road and flooded the street, as seen in a video uploaded on the city's Facebook page. The city encourages residents to remain in their homes and refrain from visiting the disaster sites. "Please remain at home (sic!) and do not visit the emergency sites. There's a risk to one's life, as evidenced in the video. Please refrain from venturing into the water since hidden manhole covers pose a hazard," the authorities remind the public. They also urged people not to enter their basements and to remain on the upper levels of their homes.
One deceased in flooded cellar:
A 43-year-old missing individual was discovered in a cellar amid the storm in South Germany, as confirmed by Bayerischer Rundfunk. However, there has been a correction to the initial report stating that the woman was found dead; instead, the 43-year-old is still missing.
Metro disruption in Dresden:
Due to a signaling issue caused by a lightning strike, regional train traffic was disrupted in the Dresden area on Sunday evening. A representative for the railroad revealed that the problem primarily impacted the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz. The lightning struck a signal box near Radeberg east of the state capital at 17:10. The malfunction was addressed by the evening, and the trains resumed operation after approximately two hours.
Evacuation of a nursing home in Lauingen:
The city of Lauingen, situated by the Danube, is evacuating a nursing home to ensure the continued care of its residents. They plan to house and look after those affected in an educational center.
Evacuations due to a dam breach:
Several communities in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries must be evacuated do to a significant dam burst. The targeted settlements include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, portions of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The Donauwörth district administration asks for calm, advises people to gather their essentials, and follow emergency service instructions. Additionally, temporary shelters are being set up.
Visit to Bavarian flood-stricken region by Scholz and Faeser:
As more areas in southern Germany become inundated, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser plan to pay a visit to the Bavarian flood region on Monday. They are scheduled to coordinate with Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, a town in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is also expected at the meeting.
Approximately 40 schools in eight Bavarian districts won't be holding in-person classes next week due to the current flood conditions. These districts include: Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On many Mondays, schools such as Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschools in Aichach-Friedberg won't be functioning, along with grammar schools, vocational and professional high schools, and special schools. Wertingen in Dillingen has announced that all schools will be closed. Furthermore, various schools in Pfaffenhofen won't operate on Monday. As reported by Pfaffenhofen's district office, specific kindergartens will also be shut down on Monday and Tuesday.
19:49 Roughly 30 towns in Swabia are currently experiencing power outages. LEW, the power supplier, comments on this. In addition to these outages within the local grids (low voltage) in various streets and houses, the issue is most prominent in Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The power company notes that they are working to maintain power supply through the connection to other lines, as much as circumstances allow. The length of each outage will vary depending on the situation on the ground.
19:11 Nearly 1,000 people have been transferred to safety in Günzburg as informed by district administrator Günzburg Hans Reichart to Bayerischer Rundfunk. These individuals are being housed in sports halls and Legoland. This evacuation was deemed necessary as the Günz had significantly risen in the past few hours.
18:42 The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is warning of more heavy rain, especially in southern Germany. On Sunday evening, intense rainfall is possible in the Stuttgart area, indicate meteorologists in Offenbach. Moreover, heavy rain and potentially strong thunderstorms can be expected in the Alps, as well as from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and approaching Berlin. For Monday morning, meteorologists in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube are predicting showers, then stronger thunderstorms, and eventually rainfall in the Bavarian Forest. Rain totals of up to 40 liters per square foot per hour are possible.
18:07 In Straubing, a disaster situation has been declared due to the escalating state of the Danube. This decision was made by Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr. The reasoning behind this hefty measure is the pressing amount of work needed and the associated labor requirements. The Danube level in Straubing has surpassed more than six meters. The city prepares for the possibility of reaching level 4, a state when large areas may be flooded. The emergency notification service issues four emergency levels. Level 1 indicates slight overflows, while level 4 suggests large flooded areas. The ongoing safety measures are indeed successful and continuing. In some instances, roads have already been closed due to the flood.
17:34 The partly underwater municipality of Meckenbeuren in the Lake Constance district cautions against tourism featuring flooding. Intending spectators would hamper rescue services and compromise their own and others' safety. The municipality in Friedrichshafen emphasizes that walkers should avoid the flooded area throughout Sunday, respect any road closures, and follow restrictions at bridges. The Schussen has overflowed its banks, turning streets and properties in Kehlen and Brochenzell into a hazardous environment.
17:11 The Brandenburg Oder-Spree district has been placed under a severe thunderstorm warning by the German Meteorological Service (DWD). This alert extends until Sunday afternoon and applies at a second-highest danger level. Lightning, heavy rain, gusts of wind, or falling objects pose a potential threat, as well as damage to buildings and hail.
16:53 A multitude of districts across Bavaria are now declaring disaster status: Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. This declaration comes from the circumstances of significant demands coupled with substantial requisite manpower. Straubing's disaster status, the result of raising Danube levels to more than six meters, has been issued by Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr. At this moment in time, the town expects its level 4 emergency level to be surpassed in the following hours. The emergency notification service outlines four emergency levels. The first, level 1, anticipates small overflows, while level 4 features large areas under risk of intense flooding. Safety initiatives are encouraging as well as continuous. In certain spots, roads have already shut down due to the flooding.
There's been a disaster declaration in Dachau and Kelheim due to the ongoing flooding. These districts are on edge as the current situation combined with future water level predictions is nerve-wracking. District administrator of Kelheim, Martin Neumeyer, states, "We want to ensure that relief efforts can be organized and equipped efficiently." Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, echoes this sentiment: "We need extra help because our local forces cannot handle the numerous deployment sites." Now, aid can be sent to these districts.
In southern Germany, train traffic will face restrictions on Monday due to the bad weather. The German Railway is extending their leniency regulation to Monday. People who bought tickets between Sunday and this Monday can reschedule their trips. The extent of traffic disruptions is unknown. A few long-distance routes in the south are experiencing cancellations: Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. The railway urges travelers to avoid areas where flooding has occurred.
Over 3,000 people in Bavaria have been affected by evacuations due to the flooding. A spokeswoman for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich confirms this number. To manage the flood situation, around 20,000 forces are currently deployed, with 40,000 total.
Weather expert, Bernd Fuchs, believes the high water issue on the south won't fade away. He exclaims, "Every drop is still too much!" When asked about the connection with the climate crisis, he sees this event as a "clear sign of where things are headed."
A shocking incident occurred in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising. A 27-year-old man was seriously injured by an electric shock while working in the floods. He was rescued in Allershausen town hall vicinity and transported to a hospital by a helicopter. His involvement in the flooding is presumed.
River shipping on the Upper Rhine has been partially suspended due to heavy rainfall. No ships have been allowed to sail on a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe. At Maximiliansau, the water level peaked at 8.20 meters around Sunday afternoon, but it's expected to drop at night. However, rising water levels could threaten shipping on this vital waterway as it heads southward - Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz may also face this threat. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels might endanger shipping. At Koblenz gauge, 6.10 meters are anticipated on Tuesday, and ships can't sail if they reach 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Dusseldorf.
Around 50 kilometers of the Autobahn A9 is closed in the Pfaffenhofen district because of a dam break. Driving is prohibited between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. This is a new predicament for police in this area. There are also power outages. Many residents are affected, and authorities are working on resolving the situation. The district administration advises people residing in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to relocate from their ground floors to higher floors.
*Update 3:23 p.m.: The Autobahn GmbH states the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is blocked in both directions. Additionally, the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Neufahrn interchange is severely restricted. It is advised to avoid the entire area. Emphasis added.
5:59 PM: Economy Minister Habeck links heavy rain to climate change
Economy Minister Robert Habeck calls for enhanced climate protection measures after the recent flooding crisis in Southern Germany. He stresses the significance of reducing carbon emissions to give humanity enough time to adapt to the changing climate. Habeck, during a visit to the flood-stricken town of Reichertshofen in Bavaria, states that "the recurrence of natural disasters is undoubtedly a sign of nature and climate undergoing change". Deemed "centennial floods", these disasters are now occurring "every couple of years".
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz visits flood-hit area on Monday
Source: German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is slated to tour the flood-impacted areas on Monday to gain a firsthand understanding of the dire situation. Source: German
1:21 PM: Missing Firefighter in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter has gone missing after an evacuation operation in Offingen, Günzburg district. The fire department spokesperson confirms the incident, stating that the firefighter and a colleague, along with three DLRG helpers, were in a boat when it capsized around 2:50 am. Rescue operations were initiated at daybreak, with two helicopters joining the search effort. Tragically, a 42-year-old firefighter lost his life in a separate flood operation.
1:11 PM: Unceasing Rain Brings No Relief.
The torrential rains that have been plaguing the flood-stricken areas in Southern Germany show no sign of abating. According to ntv meteorologist Bjoern Alexander, the continuous heavy rains - occurring across an extensive area - are nonetheless drawing to a close. However, additional local thunderstorm cells have emerged.
12:52 PM: Threat of Dam Break at the Paar
The level of the Paar river spills over towards Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen. These communities face imminent danger of dam burst. Authorities exhort residents to promptly move to upper floors, while the basement should be shunned. Emergency contact can be established via 112 in case of emergencies.
12:39 PM: 40,000 Emergency Personnel Mobilized in Bavaria
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder reveals that some 40,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized to counter the floods in the entire state. Söder, during his visit to the flood-ravaged town of Reichertshofen, underlines that the priority now entails efficient deployment of relief teams. Fatigued personnel should be replaced, as their prolonged presence in the field can increase the risk of mistakes and accidents.
12:29 PM: Dike Set Up in Straubing
The Donaupegel in Straubing is predicted to reach the maximum emergency alert level four by the end of the day. In response, the city sets up a dam monitoring team to keep track of the dam's condition. Bavarian Fire Department firefighters will be present at the location, providing regular updates on water levels and any damage sustained by the dam. Further sandbagging initiatives are in progress.
12:03 PM: Dam Break in Baar-Ebenhausen
In Pfaffenhofen, a dam has breached in the area of Baar-Ebenhausen. Officials advise residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate their ground-floor dwellings.
11:37 PM: Chancellor Scholz Praise for Rescue Workers
Chancellor Olaf Scholz pays tribute to the efforts of the rescue teams in the flood-stricken regions, communicating his heartfelt appreciation and admiration for their commitment. The loss of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen has profoundly affected the chancellor, and his thoughts are with the deceased's colleagues. In a tragic turn of events, a 42-year-old firefighter from the same district of Pfaffenhofen died while intervening in a flood rescue operation.
11:25 PM: Catholics Marriage Day Addresses Flooding
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, conveys a special message to those suffering from the recent storms in southern Germany during the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We are listening to those affected by the storms of the last few days, most severely in the southeast of our country, as they battle against the floods," Bätzing says.
10:59 PM: Meckenbeuren's Bodenseekreis Under Water
Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis is currently being deluged with floodwaters.
Two districts in the municipality of Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are under water. The Schussen river has overflown and flooded the streets, according to a spokesperson from the local government. Over 1,300 residents voluntarily evacuated their homes on Saturday to seek shelter. Some residents remained in their homes, seeking refuge on the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen reached 4.86 meters on Saturday night, which is far above the usual depth of just 0.45 meters. Since then, it's been decreasing.
Minister President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, pays tribute to a firefighter who passed away during a rescue operation in the flood-stricken areas of Bavaria through a post on X. Söder writes, "His dedication and commitment to his fellow human beings will forever be remembered." He also expresses his deepest sympathy and thoughts towards the deceased firefighter's colleagues. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter died as a rescue boat overturned near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen according to police reports.
Due to intense rain showers, the Ukrainian national football team can't hold their scheduled 6 p.m. training session on Sunday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg before their UEFA European Championship (EURO 2020) clash against Germany. Instead, they will have their final warm-up in Erlangen to avoid damaging the stadium's lawn. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian team confirmed the change of venue. The match against Germany is set to take place on Monday at 8:45 p.m. on ARD.
Since Saturday 6 a.m., Munich has seen more than 290 interventions by the local fire department due to flooding. The most frequent task for the firefighters has been removing water from basements and cellars. Additionally, several trees have fallen over due to the wet soil, causing road closures. On Saturday evening, the Isar's flood warning level 2 was surpassed.
The situation in Anhausen is gradually improving as the town deals with the aftermath of a dam break that caused severe flooding. "Gradually, people who were evacuated are returning," reports a NTV's reporter Niklas Diemer. The water level remains critical in other locations.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is deploying more staff to the flooded regions in South Germany. By now, over 1,800 people are involved in various operations, including diking, sandbag filling, and helping residents escape from flood-affected areas. The fire department and other rescue services are also actively working.
Complications in Baden-Württemberg as a landslide disrupts train and car travel. The flood situation in several parts of Germany continues to present challenges while rescue workers are proving to be at their limits.
The recovery of an ICE train affected by a landslide is scheduled for early morning. The line is obstructed, and the second track has a rescue locomotive assigned to help with the recovery process. It is uncertain how long this section of the track will remain closed. Additionally, the regional train has managed to bypass the affected section.
A person is reported missing in Schrobenhausen as floodwaters covered the cellar and portions of the upper floor of their residence. A Schrobenhausen district administration spokesman mentions that rescuers haven't been able to reach the house yet.
A firefighter sadly passed away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, while on a rescue operation. He was with three colleagues in a firefighting boat when it capsized, relayed a district administration spokesman.
07:30 Flood Worsens in Southern Germany: High Alert Level for Multiple RiversIn different parts of Bavaria, numerous stations measure flood levels at the highest alert level of 4. The situation is most notable in southern Danube tributaries such as Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as upper Danube. These peaks were reached last night. As the water moves downstream, the focus shifts from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing are areas that might be affected. The peak wave is expected to hit these regions around the start of the next week. Notable areas to see rising water levels include Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
06:55 Weather Service Forecasts Severe Storms in Southern GermanyThe German Weather Service (DWD) predicts more severe thunderstorms with heavy rain for many areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. Between noon and Monday night, these storms may flood streets and cellars once more. Additionally, there's a likelihood of lightning damage.
05:40 Evacuation Calls Expanded in Augsburg DistrictIn light of the continuous flooding in Bavaria, authorities in the district of Augsburg are issuing further evacuation calls. Residents in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen should instantly leave their communities, warns the integrated control center early on Sunday. Buses are provided for people who need assistance in leaving the flooded regions. Elsewhere within the district, people were urged to evacuate their homes and apartments on Sunday evening and throughout the night. The communities along Schmutter river, a Danube tributary, are at the highest risk.
05:07 Wiesbaden Readies for Rising Water LevelsOfficials in Wiesbaden are preparing for potential water level increases along the Rhine and Main. In Kostheim, a flood protection barrier has been set up, reports the fire department in the early morning. A pump has also been installed in the river-facing neighborhood of Schierstein. The fire department urges avoiding parking lots near the rivers in the following days. While no extra measures are currently anticipated, plans are in place if needed.
03:56 Train Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich SuspendedDue to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is currently suspended. A railway spokesperson is unable to provide an estimate for how long the line will be closed in the early hours. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as the line between Ulm and Augsburg had been blocked due to the floods in southern Germany, and long-distance trains were re-routed.
03:16 THW in Ulm Fills 30,000 SandbagsIn an operation throughout the night, forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm filled 30,000 sandbags for the flooded or flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Around 400 sandbags per hour can be filled, said Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center. Requests are coming from numerous deployment areas, both in southwestern Germany and neighboring regions in the adjoining federal state. Constant rain has resulted in significantly elevated water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at various locations.
02:29 Bavarian Red Cross Sends Water Rescue Teams to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist with the relief efforts in Swabia. The water rescue teams will likely be deployed in the flood-affected district of Günzburg, as announced by the Red Cross in the evening. These units are specifically trained for flood rescue operations, including two boat and diving teams. In the Swabian district of Günzburg, multiple bodies of water have reached the level of a 100-year flood, which is exceptional in comparison to the average flood occurrence once every 100 years.
01:31 Two ICE Train Wagons Derail In Schwäbisch GmündOn Sunday night, two wagons of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide. The passengers weren't injured and are now being evacuated from the train. The landslide measured about 30 meters in width. The passengers will likely be moved to a nearby kindergarten before being transported to Plöderhausen on buses.
A car sustains damage in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, after being hit by a landslide. The driver remained unharmed, while the event transpired at the intersection of a country road and a railway line. The town lies about 50 km east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, extensive rainfall has been experienced in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
In Neu-Ulm, the city's administration estimates that the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller has been overcome. Although water levels were high, officials managed to prevent the 100-year flood which had been feared. Mayor Katrin Albsteiger shared that the extent of the damage was unknown till the area returns to normal. Two streets, the riverbanks, and cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will likely remain closed for some time.
The Munich fire department cautioned of danger at the Isar bank owing to flooding. Additionally, two popular walking paths alongside the Isar have been shut down by the city administration. The river reached level 2, indicating flooding on unbuilt areas or disruptions in traffic due to high water on the streets.
Over in Upper Bavaria, the fire department and rescue services prepared to evacuate around 670 people in Schrobenhausen. Excavators and boats were at work clearing roads near the Weilach River, as per the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. An emergency hotline number for citizens was also established by the administration. The district had declared a disaster earlier. District Administrator Peter von der Grün noted his concerns about the south-central part of Upper Bavaria.
In Eastern Thuringia, plenty of fire department interventions were taking place as a result of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The emergency command center in Gera provided this report, stating that the location around Ronneburg in the Greiz district was most affected. The area featured flooded roads, fields, and inundated basements. In the Gera district, a small stream had overflowed.
The DWD (German Weather Service) stated that the incessant rain would not be as severe as the previous night, though new showers and thunderstorms from the north are forecasted. These might bring about additional flooding during the afternoon of Sunday. The meteorologist mentioned that if these showers hit the already-saturated terrain, more floods would occur. This warning encompassed the Swabian Alb and regions close to Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
After daringly surmounting the flood wave in Southern Germany, Freising announced a disaster situation because of the strain on rivers and creeks. The authority identified the Amper and the Glonn as the most threatened water bodies, with the town of Hohenkammer and settlements along the Amper facing formidable flooding. Residents were advised to adequately prepare themselves. Additionally, the district of Dillingen in Bavaria declared a disaster situation due to intense and lasting precipitation. Owing to the Zusam river's flood threats, nearby towns like Buttenwiesen and Wertingen were under potential risk; the local crisis team sought assistance from the Bundeswehr. Authorities also planned to discharge water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a previous floodplain. The district requested that farmers maintain their livestock securely in stables.
5:29 p.m. Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares emergency status
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has announced an emergency situation as it becomes the eighth municipality in Bavaria to do so. The reason for this is the rising water levels in the Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the district administration in the Upper Bavarian municipality. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt is predicting a level 4 alert at the Neuburg gauge. The situation is critical on the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen district, the Weilach has already surpassed its banks and flooded a residential area. Emergency services are poised to conduct evacuations in this area, according to Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is particularly serious in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün made it clear that protecting roads, bridges, and pathways is a top priority. "That is key for the fire department to continue responding to emergencies."
7:08 p.m. Daring rescue mission in Bavaria
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) conducted an impressive operation, rescuing two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen with a helicopter. The individuals were in a life-threatening situation, according to a BRK spokesperson. The house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of collapsing due to the immense water. Other residents in the area were saved using inflatable boats. The rescue teams have helped over 100 people, which includes a large number of children.
7:45 p.m. People in multiple locations near Augsburg instructed to leave their homes
Water rescue teams were required to free individuals from their vehicles as well, as they could not open the doors themselves because of the rising water masses. The situation could have turned dire quickly due to the moving water and the water level increasing in the car, the spokesperson added.
In several municipalities of the Landkreis Augsburg, people are being asked to leave their homes due to the rapidly deteriorating flood situation. The situation in the northern part of the district is expected to worsen in the evening, reports a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Areas affected include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
8:24 p.m. Bundeswehr aids in flooded regions of Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers are assisting in dealing with the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both districts have submitted official requests," explains a spokesperson for the Bundeswehr in Bavaria to Antenne Bayern. "In Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, approximately 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive as auxiliary workers in the coming hours. In addition, two Bundeswehr trucks are in use there."
8:48 p.m. Faeser pledges more assistance
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser promises further support for the regions affected by the floods in southern Germany. "Due to the incessant heavy rain and the impending floods, the THW is prepared to deploy additional forces," says the SPD politician in Berlin, referencing the Technical Relief Organization (THW). "We will continue to support the affected federal states with all available resources." As of Saturday evening, 520 THW personnel and helpers have been deployed. They have saved people, secured dikes, and pumped water out. Faeser also thanked all those involved in fighting the water masses: "I would like to thank everyone who is currently working tirelessly to save lives." She urged residents in the flooded regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to pay heed to the warnings and instructions of the authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
7:00 p.m. Rescue of 29 climbers at Zugspitze completed
The distressed climbers at the Zugspitze (Liveticker entry at 3:15 p.m.) have been successfully rescued. The 29 climbers were brought to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue service. They had made emergency calls from various groups, unable to continue their climb due to adverse weather conditions and new snow at around 2,500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters from the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was on its way, and employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also en route with snow groomers to search for the climbers, says a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
The German Weather Service (DWD) is sounding the alarm for Brandenburg, warning residents about the dangers of fierce thunderstorms. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under the second-highest warning level until evening. These storms could bring lightning strikes, falling trees and power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of streets, landslides, or hail.
18:11 Floods close parts of the A3 motorway
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen, is partially closed due to flooding. The road surface is submerged, according to the police presidium Upper Palatinate. "The water is pushing from the fields onto the motorway," a spokesperson reveals. The Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are on site, and authorities are diverting traffic to prevent further issues.
17:51 Prison evacuation in Memmingen due to flooding
The prison in Memmingen is being evacuated due to the rising floodwaters. With approximately 150 inmates, the facility has become a potential hazard. The Memminger Ach, a small river that has become a torrent, runs directly in front of the prison. This could result in a power outage, prompting the administration to relocate the inmates temporarily to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles, and the fire department is using pumps to clear the water from the prison's grounds.
17:35 Heavy rain leads to water levels reaching level 4
The relentless rain is causing the water levels to rise to level 4 at various points in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers have swelled, with the gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and others already surpassing level 4. The same is expected for Dasing (Paar) and the Regen River in Cham. Swelling water levels resemble a hundred-year flood situation.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is forecasted to reach a peak of Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday. In the upper Iller, water levels are already decreasing. There are individual gauges in the northern Donauzuflusses Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab with level 1 and 2 exceedances, increasing those levels. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, the water levels are projected to reach Meldestufe 3 for the entirety of the day, and the Pegel Kelheim will follow at night. Further along the Danube, increasing levels to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are predicted.
17:23 Munich Airport's flight operations remain unaffected
Despite the heavy rain in much of Bavaria, Munich Airport's flight operations are proceeding as normal. No flights have been canceled yet. The airport's higher elevation, submerged runways with grooves for faster water drainage, and greater runway curvature contribute to its ability to manage flooding concerns. The airport has no imminent concerns, buts says they'll remain watchful over the weekend.
17:07 Soder: "The worst is yet to come"
Bavarian Minister-President, Markus Soder, is assessing the situation in areas experiencing the storm's brunt, specifically Diedorf in the Augsburg district. He lauds the helping hands and authorities but emphasizes that the burden on the citizens is immense. He highlights the storm's severity, remarking, "This is not over yet. The worst is yet to come." He announces that resources such as sandbags are being shifted towards Swabia. He thanks all the first responders, including the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and the Technical Relief Organization for their tireless work, and encourages citizens to follow instructions closely. "Please obey the rules," he reiterates.
16:35 Train operations suspended
With the severe storms taking its toll, no trains are running anymore in the affected areas. The situation is worsening, and authorities are urging people to stay cautious and heed their instructions.
Severe weather conditions, including storms and floods, are causing disruptions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, affecting railway services. As stated by Deutsche Bahn, there are train disruptions and cancellations in South Germany, primarily impacting two ICE lines. The Munich-Bregenz-Zurich line is completely closed, and the Ulm-Augsburg line is also affected. To find more details on train delays, cancellations, and track closures, visit the Bahn website.
In the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu, Babenhausen is currently facing a disaster scenario. The cellular network is down, so residents in need are advised to hang a white cloth out of their windows to signal for help. In this town, people have been rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.
Approximately 400 employees from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are deployed in South Germany to deal with the storm's aftermath. Their tasks include pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating residents. The THW in Bonn plans to send more personnel to the affected areas due to the current weather forecast predicting more flooding in the coming hours.
You can view all the current flood warnings on this updated map.
A 26-member mountain climbing group is reportedly stranded several hundred meters below the Zugspitze's summit. Some 60 cm of new snow has fallen on the Zugspitze, and heavy rain has fallen in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is poor at only 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been sent out to find the climbers, as reported by the BR, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group appears to be exhausted and potentially under-equipped. It remains unclear why they decided to climb the Zugspitze despite the adverse weather conditions.
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has declared a disaster to better coordinate their efforts against the flood. In a statement, District Administrator Stefan Roßle explained the decision, stating: "This measure aims to gather all forces and enable us to respond more quickly and efficiently to the expected water levels." He added, "it is important to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible."
A dam break and a dike collapse occurred near Augsburg. In response, some residents in Diedorf must evacuate. Residents from certain districts in Diedorf have been urged to leave their homes immediately and take shelter in the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also recommend avoiding railway underpasses, as floodwaters could flow through them, posing a potential threat to life.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are en route to the flood area in the Swabian District of Augsburg. Their goal is to assess the flood situation in Diedorf, accompanied by District Administrator Martin Sailer.
In Swabia, the flood situation is particularly critical, with the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg declaring a disaster.
There is a map displaying all current flood warnings that is updated regularly.
A 26-person mountain climbing team is said to be stuck in the vicinity of the Zugspitze, only a few hundred meters from the summit. Heavy rain and over 60 cm of new snow have made the climbing conditions treacherous, with visibility limited to about 100 meters. According to broadcaster BR, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service has dispatched several teams to locate the climbers. Temperatures have plummeted to below freezing levels, further complicating their situation. The reason for their attempt to climb despite the extreme weather conditions is currently unknown.
The Bavarian district of Unterallgäu's Babenhausen region has been declared a disaster area due to a damaged cellular network. People in need who cannot make an emergency call are urged to hang a white sheet or cloth out of their windows as a sign of distress. Local residents are already being rescued by inflatable boats.
In response to the ongoing storms in South Germany, more than 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) employees are currently in action, working tirelessly to address various issues such as pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating individuals in a preventative manner. The THW in Bonn has indicated that additional resources are available if required. Mobile water level gauges are being installed and monitored to provide accurate updates on the situation.
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren is still tense. The level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, located in the Bodenseekreis, is still rising. At one point in the afternoon, the level reached 4.72 meters, as reported by a representative from the town hall. They're hoping that the peak will come soon. Back in 2021, the river hit a level of 4.50 meters. Typically, it hold only 45 cm of water. On Friday evening, Meckenbeuren's officials urged approximately 1,300 residents to evacuate their homes out of caution. The majority of them opted to stay with family or friends. A minimal number of folks used the designated emergency shelter. To protect against potential damage from floodwaters, schools, kindergartens, and community centers in the town of roughly 14,000 people were cleared out prior. Bridges within the municipality were also closed as a preventative measure.
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