Augsburg district voices discontent over people gathering to view flood situation
Tourists posing as flood victims create trouble for rescuers in Augsburg region. Emergency services had to rescue more people who flocked to dikes, underpasses, and bodies of water disregarding warnings, according to the district administration. To alleviate stress on rescue crews, authorities advise people to stay away from these areas. "Flood waves can be unpredictable and banks could collapse," the authority cautions. Car and foot traffic should avoid flooded roads as well as submerged underpasses, it is advised. Manhole covers could pop up due to pressure in the sewer and create a suction strong enough to pull in people.
1:14 Kretschmann and Strobl survey flood-hit locations in Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg's Governor Winfried Kretschmann and Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl will inspect two flood-affected areas in the state on Monday. They are scheduled to visit Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis in the morning and later head to Erbach in Alb-Donau-Kreis, a government spokesperson reveals. Kretschmann had decided against seeing the situation personally on Sunday. "In such a dire situation, where every hand and sandbag matter, I will not go there first, but will continue to be informed," he stated. The emergency services are stretched thin, he added on Sunday afternoon.
11:50 Ebersbach an der Fils in full alert due to flooding
In Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, officials declared full alert as heavy rain led to flooding. This means all firefighters are on duty. The B10 highway is submerged by water that broke through a noise barrier, a video on the city's Facebook page shows. The residents were told to stay home and avoid emergency areas. "There is a life-threatening situation, as seen on the video. Please do not enter the water, as manhole covers might be open you can't see," authorities asked. People were also told not to go down into their cellars and to stay on the upper levels.
11:15 Flooding claims another life, body found in a cellar
According to Bayerischer Rundfunk, a 48-year-old missing person was found dead in a cellar as a result of storms in South Germany.
22:15 Lightning seriously damages signal box, disrupts rail traffic near Dresden
A lightning strike damaged a signal box, leading to disruption in rail traffic in the Dresden area. Mainly, regional trains from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz were impacted, as a spokesperson for the railway informs. Around 17:10 p.m., lightning struck a signal box in Radeberg, east of the state capital. The damage could be repaired in the evening, and trains returned to normal service after about two hours, the spokesperson affirms.
22:00 Nursing home in Lauingen evacuated due to flooding
A nursing home in Lauingen, Swabia, by the Danube, is being evacuated because of the flood. The city says residents will be transferred to a educational center to ensure their long-term care.
21:30 Dam gives way, areas by Danube and Schmutter forced to evacuate
Several communities along the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries need to be vacated. The Donauwörth district office cites the massive breach of a dam among the reasons. At risk are neighborhoods like Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. Authorities recommend maintaining calm, packing essentials, and following instructions from rescue teams. Emergency shelters have been set up.
21:03 Faeser heads to Bavarian flood area along with Scholz and Söder
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser will inspect the Bavarian flood area on Monday. They plan to join Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen in Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm with the President of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner.
20:30 Multiple schools remain closed on Monday
The escalating floods in Bavaria have forced at least 40 schools in eight districts to cancel in-person classes next week. Affected districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In Aichach-Friedberg, all elementary, middle, and high schools will be closed on Monday, including local grammar schools, vocational and secondary schools, and special education centers. Wertingen in Dillingen will also have all schools closed, while some kindergartens in Pfaffenhofen will remain shuttered on Monday. Schrobenhausen will see classes canceled in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as a vocational school, special education center, and grammar school on Monday and Tuesday.
19:49 Approximately 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing power outages. Power supplier LEW has reported these outages, which also include local grids in individual streets and homes. The outages mainly occur in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "Emergency teams are making efforts to restore power by switching to alternative lines, depending on the current situation," LEW states. The duration of each outage varies depending on the specific circumstances.
19:11 There are more than 1,000 residents in Günzburg who have been safely accommodated. The Günzburg district administrator, Hans Reichart, spoke to Bavarian Radio and mentioned that people are being housed in gymnasiums and partially in Legoland. Günzburg residents were evacuated as the water level of the Günz river had significantly risen in the last few hours.
18:42 The German Meteorological Service (DWD) warns of heavy rain in the south of Germany, with the potential for extreme rainfall in the Stuttgart area and strong thunderstorms in the Alps. Additionally, there could be heavy rainfall in the regions from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. On Sunday night, there's a possibility of strong thunderstorms and heavy rain in the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foothills to the Bavarian Forest. For Monday morning, the DWD anticipates showers in the morning before stronger thunderstorms and greater rain in the Bavarian Forest. There's a risk of heavy rain, potentially reaching 40 liters per square meter per hour in some areas.
18:07 Mayor Markus Pannermayr of Straubing has declared a disaster alert due to the deteriorating situation along the Danube. He cited the extensive demands and the associated labor force needs as reasons. The Danube's river level in Straubing is now over six meters. A level 4 alert is expected to be surpassed in the next few hours, as there are four alert levels for floods, ranging from small overflows at level 1 to significant flooding at level 4. Safety measures are in progress and will continue, with some bridges and roads already closed due to the flood.
17:34 The partially flooded Bodenseekreis municipality of Meckenbeuren is asking the public to avoid the flood area. Gawking tourists would impede rescue forces and endanger themselves and others. Additionally, they urge caution concerning closures on bridges and roads. The Schussen river overflowed onto its banks and flooded areas in Kehlen and Brochenzell on Saturday evening.
17:11 The Brandenburg Oder-Spree district has a severe weather warning in effect until Sunday afternoon. At the second highest alert level, there's a danger of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, power outages, falling objects, and damage to houses. Landslides and hail are also potential risks.
Because of the flood, the areas of Dachau and Kelheim have also announced a state of emergency. "The current situation along with the predictions about water levels remain critical," explains Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl echoes this sentiment. This decision was required because the local authorities couldn't handle the multiple locations that needed assistance in the upcoming hours, says Löwl. Now, aid can be sent to the area from elsewhere.
4:25 Train travel could face limitations on Monday
Passengers may also see limitations in rail travel on Monday as a result of the storms in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn is expanding its leniency regulation to Monday: Individuals who have purchased tickets for the period spanning Sunday to Monday and wish to postpone their journey due to weather damage can travel at a later time. The ticket restrictions have been removed for these tickets, the company states. It is still unclear how greatly traffic will be impacted, according to a spokesperson. Numerous long-distance routes in the south are affected. Trains are being canceled, for instance on the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich paths. The railway advises against traveling in any impacted regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
4:08 Approximately 3,000 residents in Bavaria affected by evacuations
Thus far, roughly 3,000 individuals in Bavaria have been affected by evacuations as a consequence of the floods. This is reported by a spokesperson from the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. For the myriad locations necessitating assistance due to the flood, there are presently roughly 20,000 personnel involved, as the circumstances have unfolded since the beginning of the situation there have been 40,000 deployment personnel.
3:51 Weather specialist: "I can't even comprehend the damage"
The flood situation in the south is unlikely to ease, according to Bernd Fuchs, a ntv weather expert. "Every drop is excessive," he emphasizes. In connection with the climate crisis, he views the present scenario as a "clear indication of where we're headed."
3:22 Electrical shock during work in the floods - man seriously injured
During electrical maintenance in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising, a male worker was seriously injured. The 27-year-old staff member of an energy company was struck by a power surge, according to a spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North Police Department. He was rescued from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen and airlifted to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It is presumed that the work was linked to the flooding.
3:02 River shipping on the Upper Rhine halted
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Due to heavy rainfall in southern Germany, river levels along the Rhine have risen, resulting in partially suspended river shipping. On a portion of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, no ships have been allowed to sail since Saturday, according to the Rhineland-Palatinate High Water Forecasting Center. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping watermark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. On Sunday afternoon, the level was 8.20 meters, but it was expected to decrease at night. However, significantly higher water levels are anticipated in the coming days further downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, extremely high water levels may also jeopardize shipping on the important waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, for example, a level of about 6.10 meters is forecasted for Tuesday, and no ships can sail below 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels are anticipated in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
2:38 Autobahn A9 closed over a stretch of around 50 kilometers
The Autobahn A9 is closed for about 50 kilometers in the Lower Bavaria district of Pfaffenhofen due to a dam breaking. A spokesperson for the Upper Bavaria North Police Department confirms that the affected section is between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. The road surface is partially flooded, and this is a novel scenario for the police in this region. There are also power outages. Many people are impacted. Efforts are being made to rectify the problem. The district administration has requested that residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching vacate the ground floor of their homes and apartments and relocate to higher floors.
3:23 p.m. Update: The Autobahn GmbH States road closure between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck in both directions. Additionally, the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn is severely affected. Authorities recommend bypassing the entire region.
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Great news from Economic Minister Habeck! He believes the massive rainfall to be a result of climate change and urges greater efforts in climate protection following the recent floods in southern Germany. "We must reduce CO2 emissions to allow a grace period for adaptation. Nature and climate are clearly changing as evidence by much more frequent century floods," Habeck emphasized during his visit to Bavaria's Reichertshofen.
Informative update, Chancellor Scholz will be venturing to the flood affected areas on Monday to experience first-hand the situation there personally. In the meanwhile, a firefighter, aged 22, has gone missing. This was confirmed by the Swabian Police headquarters spokesperson. The young hero was aided by a fellow firefighter and three other DLRG team members, they prowled the waters in their boat for an evacuation, when their boat capsized. Two helpers got rescued, the gone firefighter remains missing. An extensive search went on since early morning and included two helicopters. The young firefighter is joining 42-year-old fireman already lost in the flood disaster.
Weather update from ntv's meteorologist Björn Alexander: "The monstrous, widespread, and persistent heavy rain, complete with thunderstorms, is still going strong. In the coming hours, newly developing local thunderstorms pose a threat."
Locations-wise, the communities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf are facing a severe threat of dam break in Pfaffenhofen district. The authorities ask residents to head to higher floor levels immediately.
Bavarian Prime Minister Söder specified 40,000 emergency personnel are in route to address the flood crisis. Söder acknowledged, "We must prioritize the organization of reliefs in the next few hours. Those who have worked in the field for a long time should receive relief. The longer you're without rest, the higher the chance of errors and fatigue. And that's when danger grows exponentially."
In Straubing, the water keeps rising in line with the HND, and the town expects to reach the highest alert level four that same day. Besides, the establishments of dam guards from 3 p.m., they will report on-site water levels and any possible dam damage. Extra sandbags are filled and distributed.
12:29 A word from the town of Baar-Ebenhausen: A dam break occurred in their district, along with Reichertshofen and the municipality of Manching. Evacuation is advised for the ground floor residents.
12:39: Bavarian Prime Minister Söder reports that 40,000 emergency responders are en route to handle the flooding in Bavaria. He believes the main priority is to coordinate relief efforts effectively.
11:43 Chancellor Scholz expresses gratitude to rescuers in flood-stricken regions
Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader Olaf Scholz praises the efforts of rescue workers and assistants in areas affected by flooding. Through a post on social media platform X, he writes, "A firefighter's death in Pfaffenhofen leaves me deeply saddened."
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A firefighter operating in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, an Upper Bavarian district, was fatally injured during a rescue operation at night.
11:12 Flooding becomes focal point at Erfurt Catholic Day
Led by the German Bishops' Conference chairman, Georg Bätzing, a special message is given at the Catholic Day in Erfurt to those suffering from recent storms. He states, "We wish for the preservation of human lives in our prayers," as he stood near the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:42 Half of Meckenbeuren inundated in Bodenseekreis
The communities of Kehlen and Brochenzell, part of Meckenbeuren in the district of Bodenseekreis, have been submerged in water. A municipal spokesperson notes, "The Schussen has overflowed, flooding streets in the area." Over one thousand three hundred residents in Meckenbeuren had voluntarily left their homes before the floods hit, seeking refuge. Some residents remained in their homes, staying on the upper floors. The Schussen's water level had reached 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, levelled beyond the typical 0.45-meter depth. The level has since receded somewhat.
09:57 Bavarian premier mourns firefighter's death
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder commemorates the deceased firefighter from a flood rescue operation in a post on X. He stated, "His commitment and dedication to others will always be remembered." Soeder's acknowledgment goes out to the firefighter's relatives and colleagues, as well.
The firefighter, a member of a volunteer fire department, died Saturday night when a rescue vessel capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
09:36 Ukraine puts off final practice session before DFB-Team game
Due to ongoing heavy rainfall, the Ukrainian football team has decided to relocate their training sessions for the European Championship clash against the German national team. Instead of practicing at 6 pm at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion on Sunday, the team will train in Erlangen. The stadium authorities opted to safeguard the field. Ukraine competes against Germany on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD).
09:05 Munich area experiences 290 flood-related fire brigade incidents
The Munich region has not been immune to the recent flooding. Since Saturday morning, the fire brigade has managed more than 290 interventions, as relayed by the Munich Fire Department. Most tasks include pumping floodwater from basements and cellars. Several trees were uprooted, causing temporary road closures, and the flood warning level 2 of the Isar River was surpassed on Saturday evening.
08:37 Weather-induced emergency in Anhausen reaching a slowing point
Situations in Anhausen are stabilizing after a dam break five kilometers upstream resulted in a rapid flood inundation of the area. "Evacuated residents are starting to return," says ntv reporter Niklas Diemer. However, water levels remain critical elsewhere.
08:22 Additional THW workers deployed to South German flood zones
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The German Aid Organization (THW) is further increasing its staff presence in flood-impacted regions in Southern Germany. More than 1,800 assistants are currently deployed to support operations. Tasks include dam security, sandbag support, and assisting with evacuations. Additionally, the fire service and other emergency crews are working throughout the area.
08:03 Landslide in Baden-Württemberg interrupts train and car traffic
Flood-related issues persist throughout southern Germany. In Baden-Württemberg's Schwaebisch Gmuend, a landslide has disrupted train and road traffic.
07:44 Schwaebisch Gmuend ICE to be recovered during the morning
The recovery efforts in Schwaebisch Gmuend for an ICE train that derailed during a landslide are set to commence in the morning. A railway representative commented, "Despite the disruption, our second track has a rescue locomotive to aid in extracting the ICE." A precise estimate for the duration of the disruption is unavailable. The train, containing 185 passengers, derailed on Saturday evening during a landslide.
08:16 Missing Person in Schrobenhausen
In Schrobenhausen, a person is reported missing. The individual is believed to have been in the basement of a house when the flood hit. The basement and parts of the upper floor are now submerged, as per a spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office. Rescue teams cannot access the house at the moment.
07:44 Firefighter Loses Life in the Floods
A firefighter has tragically passed away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He was reported to have capsized with three colleagues in a fireboat and was found dead the following morning, according to a statement from the district administration.
07:29 Floods Continue to Move Downstream - Level 4 Alerts
High-level flood alerts (Level 4) are still being recorded in various locations across Bavaria. The primary focus remains on the southern Danube tributaries including the Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The crest of the flood wave has been reached at night. The focus then shifts downstream - from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Towns such as Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing might be affected, but the crest wave is said to reach them at the beginning of the week. The swelling water levels are expected to impact Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen district in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district.
06:54 Meteorological Service Warns of More Heavy Rain in the South
According to the German Meteorological Service (DWD), widespread areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are under the imminent threat of thunderstorms with heavy rain on Sunday. Thunderstorms and intense rainfall are forecast between noon and Monday night, which could result in flooded streets and basements. The risk of damage from lightning strikes is also present.
05:39 Evacuation Calls Increased in Augsburg District
Local authorities in the flooded districts of Augsburg, Bavaria, are expanding their evacuation orders. Residents in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen should immediately leave their communities, advises the Integrated Control Center in the early morning. Buses are being made available for individuals who can't leave the area on their own. People were also told to evacuate some parts of the district on Sunday evening and through the night. Special attention is being directed towards communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.
05:05 Wiesbaden Takes Measures Against Rising Water Levels
Authorities in Wiesbaden are taking precautions against increasing water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood protection wall has been built in the district of Kostheim and a pump has been installed in the Schierstein district, according to the fire department. Parking lots adjacent to the river should be avoided in the coming days, cautions the fire department. For now, no further measures are expected.
04:04 Train Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich Disrupted
Due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, rail traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has been suspended. A railway spokesperson cannot differentiate on how long the line will be closed in the early morning. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, which, along with the closure of the line between Ulm and Augsburg due to the floods in southern Germany, has caused long-distance trains to be rerouted.
03:13 THW in Ulm Fills 30,000 Sandbags
Forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm spent the night producing sandbags for flood-affected and at-risk areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. 30,000 sandbags were intended to be delivered overnight, stated Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center. "We can currently fill around 400 sandbags per hour." Inquiries for these sandbags are incoming from various regions, both inside and outside Baden-Württemberg. The continuous rainfall has substantially raised water levels at many locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:27 Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is dispatching water rescue personnel from Unterfranken to the aid mission in Swabia. The water rescue unit is slated to be used in the particularly-impacted district of Günzburg. The water rescue teams in Unterfranken consist of two boat and diving teams each. In the Swabian district of Günzburg, several bodies of water have reached the levels of a hundred-year flood. This equates to a flood that is expected to happen or exceed the statistical average once per century.
Two carriages of a high-speed train derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, in the late evening as a result of a landslide. Luckily, the passengers sustained no injuries and are currently being evacuated. According to a railway spokesman, the incident occurred around 23:20, but the carriages did not tip over. The landslide spanned approximately 30 meters. The displaced passengers are expected to shelter at a nearby kindergarten before being transported to Plüderhausen via bus.
Midnight: A landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd damages a car. The driver remained unhurt. Police received the initial report in the wee hours. The landslide ensued along a street that connected to both a road and a railway line. Schwäbisch Gmünd, about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart, experienced heavy downpours since Friday.
12:15am: Neu-Ulm evades 100-year-old flood damage
The flood wave along the Danube and Iller in Neu-Ulm has surpassed its peak, per the city's administration estimation. Consequently, a predicted 100-year flood was skirted. The mayor, Katrin Albsteiger, says, "The damage will only be clear once the situation restores." Roads adjacent to both rivers and cycling paths are closed for the present.
23:47 Munich: Isar River Bank Danger Warned
The Munich Fire Department sounded an alarm concerning the Isar River due to flooding. Additionally, the city administration ordered closure of two popular footpaths along the river. As reported by the X platform, flood stage 2 has been reached in the state capital. Flood stage 2 entails flooding in non-built areas or traffic disruptions because of road inundation.
11:23pm: Upper Bavaria: 670 targeted for evacuation
Firefighters and rescue teams are readying evacuations for 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. Emergency vehicles and boats were put to use in the Mühldorf district and a street near the Weilach River, per the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen administration. They also set up a hotline for emergencies. A disaster had been announced previously by the Munich administration. The situation is precarious in the southern sector of the Upper Bavarian region, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
11:03pm: Numerous fire fighting operations in Eastern Thuringia
Heavy rain and lightning storms prompted numerous fire-fighting operations in Eastern Thuringia, the Gera control center reported. The areas surrounding Ronneburg in the Greiz district, specifically, have been drenched by torrential rainfall. Moreover, there are flooded roads, flooded fields, and flooded basements. A small stream by Gera has also overflowed.
10:45pm: Prolonged rain in the south fails to issue warnings
An easing of intense rainfall is noticeable in areas that are submerged or in danger in South Germany, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). A meteorologist noted, "No significant rainfall amounts similar to what we had last night are expected." Nevertheless, new showers and thunderstorms from the north are projected to approach on Sunday afternoon, which might potentially further intensify risks of local flooding. These storms could be strong and slow to dissipate, resulting in more flooding. The regions most affected are the Swabian Alb, areas above it, and the areas surrounding Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
10:25pm: Disaster declared in Freising
The Landkreis Freising traversed into a state of emergency due to flooding from overflowing rivers and streams. The district administration warned of severe conditions in Hohenkammer and across all Amper-side spots. Preparations are requested as the district anticipates massive flooding. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster.
21:50 Dillingen District Enters Disaster State
Following ongoing rainfall, Dillingen district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency. The situation at the Zusam river, a Danube tributary, worsened in the evening, reported the local crisis team. The authority seeks Bundeswehr aid. Experts foresee an impending 100-year flood, threatening the neighboring towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, precautions are being taken to redirect water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district administration advises local farmers to secure their livestock in safe stables.
7:09 Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares emergency situation
The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district in Bavaria has declared an emergency due to the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries. The district administration in Upper Bavaria explains the cause. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt predicts level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for tonight. The situation is even more worrying at the Paar, a tributary of the Danube, and at the Weilach, which feeds the Paar. In the Mühldorf region of Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed and inundated a residential area. According to District Administrator Peter von der Grün, emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents. The situation is particularly severe in the south of the district. Von der Grün emphasized that protecting roads, bridges, and paths is a top priority so that the fire brigade can continue to respond to emergencies.
20:34 Life-threatening situation: Red Cross uses helicopter to rescue people in Babenhausen
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has used a helicopter to rescue two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen. The house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of collapsing due to the massive water masses, according to a BRK spokesperson. Other residents were also brought out of their homes using inflatable boats. The rescue teams reportedly saved over a hundred people, including many children.
20:13 Leaving homes necessary for residents near Augsburg
Water rescuers had to pull people from their vehicles, where they couldn't open the doors due to the water masses. Such situations could turn life-threatening, the spokesperson warned, adding that the rising water in the car could quickly become a hazard.
In several municipalities in the Landkreis Augsburg, people have been asked to leave their homes due to the onslaught of flooding. The situation is expected to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district, a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration said. Affected communities include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and Nordendorf. The Swabia state government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr aids flood-hit areas in Bavaria
German soldiers are assisting in combating the floods in Bavaria. A Bundeswehr spokesperson confirmed that the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have requested assistance. "In the area of Günzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed. In Aichach-Friedberg, around 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected in the coming hours. In addition, two Bundeswehr trucks are in operation there," she said.
19:20 Faeser assures more assistance for flood-affected regions in southern Germany
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledged more help for the regions grappling with flooding in southern Germany. "The THW is preparing more support in the face of steady rain and impending flooding," said the SPD politician in Berlin, referring to the Technical Relief Organization. "We will continue to support the affected federal states with all available forces." As of Saturday evening, there are 520 THW helpers and rescuers on the job, engaged in rescuing people, building dikes, and pumping water. Faeser also expressed gratitude to all emergency personnel: "I would like to thank everyone involved in the fight against the water masses for their tireless efforts in saving lives." Faeser urged residents in flood-hit areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the warnings and instructions of the authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously," she said.
18:58 Rescue of 29 climbers at Zugspitze complete
Rescuers have successfully extricated the 29 climbers in distress at the Zugspitze (see the Live Ticker entry at 3:15 p.m.). The climbers were escorted to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin near the Zugspitzplatt. Multiple distress calls triggered the mountaineers' rescue. Unfortunately, there was heavy snowfall and weather conditions impeded progress by about 2500 meters, which was about 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service responded, with the Zugspitzbahn also deploying snow groomers to assist in the search.
18:42 DWD issues severe storm warning for parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. The areas of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under the second-highest alert level until the night, which includes possible lightning strikes, fallen trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
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At 18:11, the A3 motorway, which is located in Bavaria near Regensburg, is experiencing flooding issues and has been partially closed. For approximately ten kilometers between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen, the roads have been submerged. A representative from the police presidium Upper Palatinate clarified that water is draining from the nearby fields onto the motorway. Authorities, including the fire department and the traffic police in Regensburg - known as the Autobahnmeisterei, are on site to intervene. Traffic is being rerouted due to this situation.
At 17:51, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the threat of flooding. There are around 150 inmates at the facility, and they will be moved to different locations such as Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Directly in front of the prison lies the Memminger Ach, a once small river that is now rapidly swelling and poses a risk of flooding the prison itself. Some areas of the courtyard are already completely submerged. This could lead to a power outage, prompting the prison management to act. With numerous emergency vehicles, the police arrived to coordinate the evacuation, which had to be carried out over flooded streets as the access road was already underwater. In the process, the fire department also engaged the use of pumps to drain water out of the prison.
By 17:35, the heavy rainfall has begun to cause river levels to rise to level 4 in various locations throughout Swabia. Pegs in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Nattenhausen (Guenz) have already reached this level. A similar situation is expected at the Pegel Dasing (Paar). In some regions of Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, river flooding is anticipated, with Hundred-year floods indicated by the Nattenhausen (Guenz) and Dasing (Paar) pegs. At the Pegel Wiblingen (Iller), the water level is expected to peak at Meldestufe 3 on Saturday or Sunday. However, in parts of northern Germany, water levels are beginning to recede. In the lower Iller, this process is already complete.
Among the numerous rivers experiencing swelling waters are the Woernitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, which are experiencing individual pegs with Meldestufe 1 and 2 overflow. Up to several times a day, the water levels in the Donauzuflusses are expected to reach Meldestufe 3. The Pegel Kelheim will likely follow, while the further Donau course to Passau is also expected to see rising water levels.
By 17:23, the heavy rain in many areas of Bavaria has not disrupted flight operations at Munich Airport. Despite the downpour, no flights have been cancelled, and this can be attributed to several factors. The runways adjacent to meadows have splotches of water surrounding them, and the airport sits on higher elevation, allowing excess water to seep away. Additionally, the runways slope inwards at their edges to promote quick drainage. Moreover, the runways are equipped with grooves that facilitate runoff. Thus, there is currently no risk of aquaplaning.
At 17:07, Bavarian Minister President Markus Soder conducted a first-hand visit to the harshly impacted region of Swabia. Engaging with local helpers and authorities, including Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, he remarked on Bavaria's resilience to crises and noted that the situation carried a significant burden for residents. "Things are really getting started now," said Soder. The resources, such as sandbags, are being strategically deployed to the most severely affected regions, including Swabia. He appreciated the efforts of the rescue services like fire departments, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. Soder also requested that the public comply with safety measures, including evacuation orders and refrain from reentering basements or attempting to drive out of garages.
In an earlier update at 16:35, it was declared that no trains will be running due to water damage.
Heavy storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are causing disruptions to rail traffic. Deutsche Bahn reports cancellations and delays in South Germany. Two major ICE lines are being hit, with no trains running between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. The railway is updating passengers on track closures, cancellations, and delays on their website.
12:12 The disaster situation expands to Unterallgäu - Residents needing assistance should display a white cloth from their windows
As the storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria worsen, they're now affecting the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, part of the mobile network has failed. For those stranded who can't make a call, they should put a white sheet or cloth out their window. The district administration notes that rescue efforts are underway in Babenhausen using inflatable boats to save residents from their homes.
11:57 400 THW members on standby in South Germany
As the tropical storm continues to rage through South Germany, over 400 relief workers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are ready to assist. The THW in Bonn confirms this. They're removing floodwaters, securing dams, and evacuating people if necessary. "The THW is prepared to deploy more rescue teams due to the persistent and sometimes intense rain," they add. Mobile water level gauges will be placed in affected areas and monitored, according to the THW. "With the weather forecast predicting more rain and potential flooding in the coming hours, the THW is standing by with additional rescue teams." Equipped with three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post, each THW group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
11:37 Mapping all flood warnings in one place
Check out this map for the latest flood alerts. It's being updated regularly.
11:15 A mountain climbing group of 26 stranded below Zugspitze summit
A 26-person mountain climbing team is reportedly stranded several hundred meters below the Zugspitze summit. As per BR, 60 centimeters of snow has fallen on the Zugspitze in recent hours, while heavy rain continues in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is at a meager 100 meters. Rescue teams have been sent to search for the climbers amidst the blizzard, as reported by BR, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The team is said to be exhausted and potentially ill-equipped. It's unclear why they decided to climb Zugspitze in such treacherous weather conditions.
10:52 The Donau-Ries District announces disaster situation
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has announced a disaster situation. This move aims to "mobilize all forces to prepare more quickly and effectively for the imminent water levels," explains District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It's crucial to maintain a calm demeanor and, if possible, steer clear of low-lying areas."
10:20 Dam ruptures in Augsburg - Evacuation orders issued
A dam and a dike have collapsed in Augsburg's Swabian district. The Landratsamt reports this. Residents in certain streets in Diedorf are instructed to evacuate their homes immediately. Evacuation plans are being developed in the Anhausen area of Diedorf. "It's no longer safer to stay in higher floors," they warn. A dam has burst in Burgwalden, while a dike at the Anhauser Weiher has given way. All residents in the affected areas are encouraged to leave their homes immediately and relocate to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Rescue teams are also cautioning against lingering near railway underpasses, as floodwaters may rush through them.
State leaders Soeder and Herrmann to visit flood-stricken Augsburg district
The leaders of Bavaria, Minister President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, are making a trip to the flooded part of Augsburg's Swabian region on Saturday. The goal is to observe the flooding in Diedorf, where evacuation preparations are currently underway. District Administrator Martin Sailer is joining them. The visit was rescheduled due to the worsening situation. Previously, the leaders had intended to visit the flooded Fischach area. In Diedorf, evacuation procedures for residents are currently in progress. The flood situation is very severe in the Swabian region. After Günzburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now declared states of emergency.
Soeder and Herrmann inspect the damage firsthand
Bavaria's Markus Soeder and Joachim Herrmann are heading to the flood area in Augsburg's Swabian district on Saturday. They want to survey the extent of the flooding in Diedorf, as per the Interior Ministry. District Administrator Martin Sailer is also attending. The visit's location was changed at the last minute due to the deteriorating situation. In Diedorf, preparations for evacuating residents are underway. The flooding is most severe in the Swabian region. After Günzburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now declared states of emergency.
The rising level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis is expected to peak soon. Late in the afternoon, the river increased to 4.72 meters, according to a representative from the local government. In contrast, during the last flood back in 2021, the river only reached 4.50 meters. Typically, it holds no more than 45 centimeters of water. In preparation for potential flooding on Friday night, the municipality of around 14,000 people asked around 1,300 residents to evacuate their homes as a safety measure. Many chose to stay with loved ones, while a small number opted for emergency shelters. To minimize any potential harm from the flooding, facilities such as schools, preschools, and community centers were emptied in advance. Furthermore, local bridges were cautiously shut down.
Read also:
- International attention is drawn to the Augustburg county's situation as flood gawkers disrupt rescue operations.
- The live ticker updates highlight the flood situation in Augustburg county, including the problems caused by flood gawkers.
- The Augustburg county administration issues a warning to visitors to stay away from flood-prone areas due to the unpredictable nature of flood waves and the danger of manhole covers popping up.
