At 19:20, Faeser vows additional assistance.
The German Federal Minister for the Interior, Nancy Faeser, guarantees assistance to areas impacted by flooding in southern Germany. Faeser stated that the Technical Relief Agency (THW) is prepared to deploy extra forces nationwide due to the continuous heavy rain and approaching floods. Faeser added that the government would provide any necessary aid to affected states. Currently, approximately 520 THW personnel are on duty, rescuing individuals, securing barriers, and pumping water. Faeser also commended emergency responders for their tireless efforts in combating the water masses. She advised individuals living in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the warnings and instructions provided by authorities. "Take these warnings seriously!"
18:58: Mountain climbers rescued at Zugspitze
At the Zugspitze (refer to the Live Ticker entry at 15:15 p.m.), those in need were rescued by the mountain rescue service. A total of 29 individuals were led to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the rescue team. Varying groups issued distress calls; they were compelled to cease further movement due to poor weather and newly formed snow at around 2500 meters, around 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. Mountain rescue personnel returned, and Zugspitzbahn employees were dispatched with snow groomers to locate the mountain climbers.
18:42: Severe weather warning for some parts of Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) also issued an alarm for the potential perils of severe thunderstorms across parts of Brandenburg. The regions listed as Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are at risk with the second highest warning level in effect until the evening. Dangers include lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling debris, sudden flooding of roads, landslides, and hail.
18:11: A3 motorway partially closed due to flooding in Bavaria
The A3 motorway near Regensburg, Bavaria is shut down for 10 kilometers between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The highway's surface is inundated, reports the police service Upper Palatinate. "The water is surging from the fields onto the highway," said a representative. The traffic police station Regensburg, fire department, and police are onsite. Plans for redirecting traffic are in progress.
17:51: Memmingen prison evacuated
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to imminent flooding danger. Up to 150 inmates will be temporarily moved to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. With the Zugspitze river nearby, threatening to inundate the JVA, parts of the courtyard are already underwater, which could result in a power outage. The prison leaders made this decision. Police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. The evacuation had to be completed over flooded streets, as the approach road was already swamped. The fire department was on hand with pumps to clear water from the institution.
17:35: Rain causes Swabia gauges to rise
Persistent rain has led to several Swabian gauges reaching level 4, which is a flood alert. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are expanding rapidly. Gauges such as Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as noted by the flood warning service (HND), have reached level 4. In Dasing (Paar), a similar situation is estimated; it is also anticipated that the Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, will reach that level. Centuries-old floods have been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach its maximum in stage 3 on Saturday-Sunday, while the water levels in lower Iller are already decreasing. In the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauges have level 1 or 2 overruns with increasing trends in the upper areas. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, water levels are projected to rise to stage 3 during the day, with Pegel Kelheim's peak occurring at night. In the subsequent Donau section to Passau, increases to levels 1 and 2 are anticipated.
17:22 Regular operations at Munich Airport
In spite of heavy downpours in various areas of Bavaria, Munich Airport's operations remain unaffected. No flights have been grounded due to the rain. The airport's representative, Robert Wilhelm, explained to BR that pools of water are visible near the runways. Furthermore, the airport is built on a slightly elevated ground, its runways are slanted towards the sides, and they feature channels that encourage water to flow away, which averts any risk of aquaplaning. Wilhelm shared with the Bavarian broadcaster that the rest of the weekend should witness minimal complications at the airport.
17:07 Söder: "We're just getting started"
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder has been observing the conditions in the heavily impacted Diedorf area in the Augsburg district. He praised the assistance and efforts of emergency personnel and authorities. Söder emphasized that the current circumstance presents a significant challenge for the people. "This is not over," he told BR while standing with Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. He also pointed out the concentration of resources, such as sandbags, in the Swabia region, where the storm is prevailing at the moment. Söder commended the rescue services - including the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization - for their commendable service. To the public, he urged compliance with rules and regulations, like adhering to evacuation orders and not attempting to leave basements or garages.
16:35 No trains running due to flooding
The torrential rain in southern Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria is disrupting train services. Deutsche Bahn stated that the flooding has led to various delays and alterations in train schedules. Two ICE lines, in particular, are affected. There will be no trains taking passengers from Munich to Zurich and Bregenz for the entire Saturday. The Augsburg-Ulm line is also experiencing delays. More information on the disruptions, cancellations, and delays can be found on the DB website.
16:12 Desperate situation in Babenhausen - Anyone in need should display a white flag
The flood situation in the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu now includes the town of Babenhausen. Some parts of the communication network are out of service. Those who cannot make calls for help should hang a white sheet or cloth in their windows, requested the district administration. Rescue teams have already commenced operations to save stranded residents from their homes, employing inflatable boats.
15:57 400 THW units in action in South Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) noted that approximately 400 members are currently assisting with the aftermath of the storm in southern Germany. They're working on removing water, securing dams, and carrying out evacuations if necessary. The THW is prepared to deploy more personnel as the situation requires. "In view of the persistent rainfall in the coming hours, the THW is set to deploy even more THW forces," stated the Bonn-based THW. Mobile gauges to measure flood levels will be placed and monitored in the impacted areas. "Given the recent weather forecast and potential flooding, the THW is positioning more THW forces," THW continued. Teams from across the country are on standby. Each unit consists of approximately 40 THW members, who command three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command center. Each unit can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 Map: All current flood alerts
This map exhibits all existing flood alerts. It is regularly updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=170L-K7o6V828K6ZyjyVHg3z-6F3Hm0tK4o1v-M0s
15:15 Officials: Mountain climbing group of 26 individuals stranded near Zugspitze
A group of climbers composed of 26 individuals is reportedly stuck not far from the peak of the Zugspitze. According to BR, an additional 60 cm of snow has accumulated in the region in recent hours, accompanied by continuous rain in the valley. The temperature is below freezing, and visibility is restricted to around 100 meters. Rescue teams from Garmisch-Partenkirchen have been deployed to locate the group amidst the blizzard, as per BR's report. The climbers, in their exhausted state and underprepared for the severe conditions, are stuck but it's unclear why they chose to climb during the harsh weather.
2:20PM - Dam Break in Augsburg: Evacuation Planned
A levee and a dam have collapsed in the Swabian region of Augsburg, according to the local administration. Residents in certain areas of Diedorf must evacuate their homes. An evacuation is being organized in the Anhausen region of Diedorf. "It's no longer safe to just move to higher floors," the Augsburg district officials said. A dam burst in Burgwalden, and a dam at the Anhauser Weiher reservoir collapsed. The residents of the affected regions are urged to leave their homes immediately within the next hour and seek refuge at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Officials also warn against approaching railway underpasses, as floodwaters could flow there. There is a potential danger to life.
Söder and Herrmann on their way to the flood-hit region
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are headed to the flood-stricken region of Augsburg on Saturday. The two CSU politicians are keen to gain a better understanding of the situation in Diedorf. This was announced by the Interior Ministry. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also be present. The location of the visit was last-minute altered due to the shifting situation. Initially, the politicians planned to visit the inundated Fischach area. In Diedorf, evacuation preparations are ongoing. The flood crisis is most critical in the Swabian region. Following Günzburg, Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg are now the next regions to declare a disaster.
Flooding in Meckenbeuren remains serious: Schussen river level climbing.
The level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren (Bodenseekreis) is increasing once more. The river level, as per the town's official announcement, reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon. It's believed that the height will reach its peak shortly. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. Typically, the river carries just 45cm of water. On Friday evening, the government advised around 1300 people to leave their homes as a precaution. The majority of them stayed with friends or family. Only a handful of people made use of the emergency accommodation. Schools, kindergartens and halls were cleared out in advance to avoid any potential damage from flooding. In this town of 14,000 inhabitants, bridges were also closed out of caution.
