At 18:21 in Lower Austria, a woman succeeds in self-rescue, while a man falls short.
Critical Flooding Crisis in Multiple Nations - Death Toll Surges
The crisis in the flooding situation persists across various countries, leading to an increase in fatalities: At least 16 individuals have perished due to the torrential rains spanning from Poland to Austria. Disturbing incidents unfolded in Untergrafendorf, Lower Austria, as a creek transformed into a furious river. A woman successfully escaped the sudden rise in floodwaters by ascending to her home's first floor, but her husband did not. She pleaded for help for hours, but her calls were unheard, as reported by a police representative. Her 70-year-old husband's body was subsequently discovered, making him the third casualty in Austria.
18:02 Firefighters' Association: Germany Prepared for Flooding
The German Firefighters' Association (DFV) maintains that Germany is adequately equipped to handle the imminent flooding. "In essence, Germany is well-prepared for flooding incidents – mainly due to recent occurrences," DFV President Karl-Heinz Banse told the "Rheinische Post". "Not only have lessons been learned from the intense rain events in the Ahrtal and North Rhine-Westphalia, but also the flooding scenarios in various sections of Germany this year have contributed to this." Operations in the affected regions are proceeding at full pace – "teams are on high alert, sandbags are being prepared, weather data is being tracked". The public is also informed and can take appropriate measures.
17:30 "Disheartening": Scholz Offers Assistance
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has extended assistance to the stricken neighboring countries. "The flooding we're witnessing is disheartening," Scholz expressed during his visit to Kazakhstan. He has already pledged support to the inhabitants in the affected neighboring countries. "We will offer help in whatever capacity we can."
17:06 Lang: "It's Time to Take Action Now"
Green Party leader Ricarda Lang advocates for political repercussions in response to the critical flooding situation in Central and Eastern Europe. The climate crisis is causing floods and heavy rainfall to happen more frequently, more severely, and more likely, Lang stated after consultations with the party executive in Berlin. Politics must not merely react but also prepare. "Consequently, it's time to take action now." The topic of climate protection should be elevated on the political agenda. "If Merz said last year that the world wouldn't end, today it has for many people," Lang remarked, referring to the CDU leader. "This implies we must devote more attention to climate protection."
16:41 Austrian Chancellor Designates Millions for Flood Damage Restoration
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has earmarked 300 million euros for the restoration of flood damage in Austria, he announced. The funds from the disaster relief fund can be expanded if needed, and they can also be requested by private individuals who have lost property due to the natural disaster. The extent of the damage caused by the multiple-day record rainfall in eastern Austria is still unclear.
16:08 Dam rupture: Inhabitants Urged to Leave ImmediatelyIn the small town of Paczkow in southwestern Poland, the mayor instructs the immediate evacuation of lower-lying districts following a rupture in the dam of a reservoir. "No one can guarantee that the situation will not worsen," cautions Artur Rolka in a social media appeal. He encourages all individuals who need to be evacuated to make themselves known and advises those whose homes and apartments have yet to be reached by the water to leave and seek refuge in secure areas within the town. Upon ignoring a voluntary evacuation request, he has now opted for a compulsory evacuation, asserts the mayor on Polish television. The affected reservoir was constructed above Paczkow on the Glatzer Neiße, a tributary of the Oder.
15:54 Habeck Pleads for More Dedication in Climate ProtectionVice-Chancellor Robert Habeck calls for greater tenacity in climate protection in the aftermath of the flood disaster in several European countries. "Swifter expansion of renewables, the energy transition, climate-friendly industrial production" are urgently required, the Green politician tells the Funke media group newspapers. "More frequent flooding, catastrophes like in the Ahr Valley, this year in Bavaria – they are a consequence of the climate crisis," says Habeck. "Therefore, our efforts to mitigate the climate crisis are essential." However, more frequent extreme weather events cannot be prevented at this juncture. Thus, additional preventive measures are also significant. "Strong dikes, retention systems, more space for rivers" are essential to better protect people.
15:36 Additional Flooding FatalitiesThe death toll from flooding in several European countries has ascended to at least 15. Austria (three deaths), Czech Republic (one death), Poland (five deaths), and Romania (six deaths) are particularly affected.
15:21 Poland Declares Emergency State for Flood-Stricken AreasPoland declares an emergency state for flood-afflicted regions. The government in Warsaw passes an emergency ordinance in a meeting to address the crisis. The emergency status applies to parts of the Lower Silesia, Silesia, and Opole provinces for a period of 30 days. The emergency powers granted to authorities enable them to issue orders, as temporary restrictions on civil liberties and rights are implemented. Examples include ordering the evacuation of certain locations, areas, or facilities. They can also prohibit individuals from being present in specific locations.
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14:34 Austrian Federal Railways prolong travel advisory until September 19Due to the ongoing weather disruptions affecting large parts of Austria, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have prolonged the travel advisory issued on September 13, 2024, until September 19, 2024. ÖBB advises all passengers to postpone any non-essential travel during this period and reschedule it for a later date. Tickets already purchased remain valid until September 22.
14:19 Europe's flood death toll climbs to elevenThe death toll from the recent flooding in Austria, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic has ascended to at least eleven. Two additional fatalities were reported in Austria, according to the police. A person drowned in the Krasovka River in the eastern part of Moravia-Silesia in the Czech Republic, as announced by Police President Martin Vondrasek on public radio. At present, eight deaths have been reported across the four affected countries. Authorities in the Czech Republic also cite at least seven missing persons.
14:04 German government vows aid for flood-stricken EuropeansThe German government has pledged assistance to those affected by the flooding in various European countries. "Our neighbors, our European partners, and likewise the people here should understand: We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to lend a helping hand," said Deputy Government Spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin. The ongoing devastation in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania is often catastrophic. Hoffmann stated: "We are overcome with horror as we view the images and are appalled by the news of casualties and missing persons. In behalf of the German government, we extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who have been impacted."
13:43 Orbán cans international engagements due to floodingHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has canceled all scheduled international engagements due to the flooding in the country. "In light of the current extreme weather conditions and persistent flooding in Hungary, I have decided to cancel all my international commitments," Orbán wrote on the online platform X. Orbán did not provide further details. Initially, Orbán was scheduled to speak at a debate focusing on the six-month Hungarian EU Council presidency's program in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The controversial populist politician frequently faces harsh criticism from the European Parliament and the European Commission.
13:12 Ostrava submerged under water: Czech Republic's third-largest city hit by dike rupturesExpansions in evacuations are required in Ostrava, the Czech Republic's third-largest city, due to the flood danger. "It is clear that dike ruptures have occurred in several areas," said Environment Minister Petr Hladik following an emergency meeting. Residents have been evacuated using inflatable boats. An estimated 100 cubic meters of water per second is flowing through the breaches. Efforts are being made to fill the gaps with stones. With a population of around 285,000, Ostrava is located at the intersection of several rivers, including the Oder and the Opava. Situated around 280 kilometers east of Prague, the mining and industrial city has experienced complete interruptions in train traffic to Ostrava and further toward Poland. A power plant had to be shut down. In nearby Bohumin, both the power and mobile phone networks have collapsed due to flooding, and the drinking water supply has failed in numerous areas.
12:33 Rainfall Record: 450 Liters of Rain per Square Meter in Czech Town
Torrential rainfall caused by depression "Anett" is exceptional: Since Friday, Serec in the Czech Republic, near the Polish border, has received an unprecedented 450 liters of rain per square meter. This is the highest record in the recent days, according to ntv.de weather expert Oliver Scheel. Germany leads with 320 liters in four days in Ruhpolding/Berchtesgadener Land. In Austria, 364 liters fell in St. Pölten, and 369 liters in Lilienfeld. In Vienna, 279 liters of rain were recorded, although subsequent measurement failures hinder obtaining precise amounts. In Poland, the most rain (200 liters) fell in Katowice.
12:25 Romania: Flooding Kills Six in Carpathian Region
Six individuals have lost their lives due to heavy rains and flooding in the Carpathian region of Romania. The affected regions are primarily in the east of the country, including Galati, Vaslui, and Iasi. Approximately 300 individuals were evacuated, and approximately 6,000 farmhouses were flooded. The victims are mostly elderly individuals, including two women aged 96 and 86. The highest flood warning level remains in effect until noon. Isolated villages are mainly affected, with residents climbing onto rooftops to avoid being carried away by the floods. Over 600 firefighters were deployed.
11:59 Flooding in Saxony: Elbe Reaches Peak at Neiße
The water levels in the Elbe River continue to rise in Saxony. In Dresden, the level is at 5.62 meters as of Monday morning, according to the state flood control center. The second flood warning level was issued on Sunday evening. The alarm level three threshold, which is at six meters, is anticipated to be breached by Tuesday morning. By Wednesday evening, the Elbe's level in Dresden could continue to rise and reach its peak. In Schöna, located near the Czech border, the alarm level three is active with an Elbe water level of 6.13 meters. The flood control center expects water levels to recede in Görlitz, where the third-highest alarm level is also in effect. The highest flood's peak (Gipfel in German) is referred to as the scheitel.
11:01 Breslau Declares Flood Emergency
Following the heavy downpours and flooding in southwestern Poland, the city of Wrocław (Breslau) in Lower Silesia is bracing for an approaching flood surge. Mayor Jacek Sutryk has declared a flood emergency for the city on the Oder River, implementing measures such as continuous dike monitoring, canal maintenance, and dike crossing closures, as per Sutryk's statement on his Facebook video. The flood surge is anticipated to reach Wrocław on Wednesday, with previous predictions of minimal impact being revised by the mayor. While the flood isn't forecasted to reach the magnitude of the 1997 Oder flood, which submerged a third of the city, Mayor Sutryk highlights the current infrastructure's significant improvement, featuring new dikes, retention basins, and polders, hoping to prevent a breach in the city's defenses.
10:35 Austrian Governor on Flood Status: "Still Dangerous"
Despite a temporary reduction in precipitation, the flood situation in eastern Austria remains precarious. lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner cautions, "It's not over yet, it's still dangerous, it's still dramatic." The region anticipates up to 80 liters of rain per square meter on Monday. Authorities remain vigilant regarding dam integrity, issuing warnings of a high risk of failure. Public life is nearly stalled, with over 200 roads closed, 1,800 structures evacuated, and many pupils and kindergarten children staying home, Mikl-Leitner reveals. Approximately 3,500 homes are currently without power. Damage assessments are still pending, but the governor pledges aid to flood victims. In the past few days, some areas have witnessed up to 370 liters of rain per square meter - far exceeding the typical monthly average.
10:10 Elbe Levels Soaring; Alarm Level Two Approaching
Elbe River levels in Saxony continue to ascend. Based on data from the state's crisis management center, Dresden's level was 5.54 meters in the morning, with projections of surpassing the 6-meter threshold later in the day, thereby reaching the second-highest alarm level, two. At this point, inhabited zones might face flooding. The alarm has already been triggered at the Schöna gauge near the Czech border, where the level stood at 6.09 meters. The alarm level has also been reached at the Lusatian Neisse near Görlitz on the Polish border, with a level of 5.56 meters, just a few centimeters from reaching the top alarm level, four. A section of the B99 federal highway in Görlitz has been shut down for safety reasons, as per a police spokesperson. The warning level for stage two is 4.80 meters there.
09:49 Centennial Floods in the Czech Republic: Man Drowns in Floods
The first reported fatality from the Czech Republic's flooding has been confirmed. Authorities also report at least seven missing individuals. A man perished in the Krasovka river in the Bruntal district of Moravia-Silesia, as per Police President Martin Vondrasek on public radio. Three people were swept away in a vehicle near Jesenik in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains. The vehicle remains undiscovered. The other missing individuals were carried away in various waterways, including the Otava River. A man from a nursing home near the Polish border is also unaccounted for. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has deemed this a "centennial flood," which statistically occurs once every hundred years in the same location. In earlier reports, fatalities from the flooding had also been reported in other EU countries (see entry 06:40): A firefighter perished in Austria, a man in Poland, and six people in Romania.
09:17 Woman Slips into Neisse River in Görlitz
A woman lost her footing and fell into the Neisse river while checking water levels in Görlitz. According to preliminary reports from the police, the woman slipped at the river's edge near the Parkhotel Merkur and landed in the water. She was carried approximately 700 meters downstream before managing to extract herself near the Vierraden weir. She is now being treated for hypothermia at a health facility.
09:00 THW Prepares for Intensive Operations on Elbe and Oder
The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is preparing for potential flooding in eastern Germany. "We're readying larger teams for the Elbe and Oder rivers," says THW department head Fritz-Helge Voss on ZDF's "Morning Magazine." He advises individuals in affected areas to gather essentials for an emergency kit. Voss highlights that Germany is still comprising favorable weather conditions, but anticipates flooding in the Elbe, Neiße, and Oder rivers this week. Over the weekend, THW dispatched around 140 personnel to Bavaria and Saxony, including at the malfunctioning Carolabridge in Dresden. Voss acknowledges that this is the fourth significant flooding incident in Germany this year. He stresses the significance of preparation and financing infrastructure upgrades, referring to them as "climate change-related costs."
In response to severe flooding in southwestern Poland, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday morning. He has drafted a decree to declare a state of emergency, but the cabinet's approval is required. Incessant rain has resulted in flooding in southwestern Poland near the Czech border, causing significant damage to the town of Nysa in the Opole region. The local hospital's emergency room was infiltrated by water from the Glatzer Neiße, a tributary of the Oder, according to Polish Press Agency (PAP). A total of 33 patients, including minors and expectant mothers, were evacuated by boat.
08:15 Bavaria: More Rain and Rising Water Levels AnticipatedThe flooding situation in Bavaria remains concerning in certain areas, with additional rain expected. The local police headquarters reported no significant change in the situation overnight. There is still no all-clear: The Hochwassernews service (HND) predicts further water level increases with the rainy start of the week. Areas such as Passau on the Danube, Vilshofen on the Vils, and Munich on the Isar are predicted to see rising water levels again. The situation is expected to slowly improve from Wednesday. Until Tuesday, the German Weather Service (DWD) expects continuous rain from the Alps to the foreland, with potential rainfall volumes of 40 to 70 liters per square meter, and up to 90 liters in stagnant areas.
07:32 Czech Republic: No Relief – Water Levels Persistently RisingThere is no respite in the flood and inundation areas of the Czech Republic. The flood wave reached Litovel, approximately 200 kilometers east of Prague, where entire streets were submerged, as reported by CTK news agency. The Litovel authorities have appealed to the public not to hinder the emergency services. "The next few hours will see a further increase in the river's water level," the mayor warned on social media.
07:03 Dam Collapse: Catastrophic Floods in PolandFollowing a dam collapse in Poland, there is growing apprehension as the devastating floodwaters approach the Glatzer Neiße region. Eyewitness videos show the powerful force of the raging floodwaters.
06:40 Floods in Europe: Deaths in Poland and RomaniaPoland and the Czech Republic are grappling with the aftermath of a record-breaking flood, while conditions in Lower Austria are precarious following heavy rainfall. Several lives have been lost in various European countries due to flooding: A firefighter in Austria, a person in Poland, and six individuals in Romania.
06:12 Evacuations Due to Floods in the Czech RepublicDuring the worst storms in years, floodwaters submerged entire cities like Jesenik in the Altvatergebirge and Krnov at the Polish border. In Jesenik, emergency services rescued hundreds of people by boat and helicopter. Following the floodwaters' recession, there was a risk of landslides in numerous locations.
05:49 Passengers Trapped on Cruise Ship in ViennaAs a result of high water levels on the Danube due to heavy rain, several passengers on a Swiss river cruise ship are stranded in Vienna. Approximately 100 passengers and 40 crew members on the "Thurgau Prestige" are currently unable to disembark, as reported by Swiss broadcaster SRF, citing Thurgau Travel. The passengers cannot depart the ship as the gangway to the pier is flooded. Reports suggest that other cruise ships are also trapped in Vienna. The local authorities will make the decision about whether and when the passengers can disembark. The "Thurgau Prestige" had planned to travel from Linz to Budapest and back, but is currently stuck in Vienna.
Storm "Anett", internationally known as "Boris", has brought torrential rain and flooding to Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania. So far, at least eight people have perished.
In light of the flood crisis across multiple nations, another impacted country is Poland. The mayor of Paczkow in southwestern Poland has instructed the immediate evacuation of lower-lying districts due to a dam rupture in a reservoir constructed above the town.
