Heavy Rainfall or Violent Winds Forecast - Bavaria increases flood relief funding to 200 million euros.
Following the devastating floods in various regions of the state, the Bavarian government is set to boost their initial assistance program. The funding will be doubled from its initial figure of 100 million euros up to 200 million euros, confirmed Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) after a cabinet meeting in Munich. Söder reiterated earlier remarks, stating they would provide "100 million plus X" and have now decided to complete this pledge.
This financial aid has already commenced, with payments being dispersed, Söder stated. The aid entails advantages for private households, small businesses, freelancers, and farmers. Households are entitled to receive up to 5,000 euros in emergency emergency aid, while oil damages in residential buildings can result in up to 10,000 euros. In cases where ongoing destruction poses an existential risk, full reimbursement can be given, affirmed Söder.
Companies and self-employed individuals can apply for up to 200,000 euros in emergency aid. However, if losses were insurable, these amounts will be reduced. Over the course of the past few days, more than 3,000 applications were received from households. The submission process for businesses and agricultural enterprises will begin this week.
Bavaria and the flood-impacted Baden-Württemberg jointly requested the federal government to honor its commitments and contribute towards the flood relief. Söder along with his counterpart Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) sent out a letter urging the federal government to fulfill their obligations. "We are requesting and demanding that the federal chancellor makes his promises a reality," said Söder.
Additionally, both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are advocating for the introduction of an obligatory basic damage insurance. This topic will be discussed during the upcoming meeting of the state prime ministers.
Recounting the situation after recent events in Bavaria, Söder mentioned four casualties, two disappearances, and 26 casualties, with 7,000 evacuations. It's estimated over 85,000 emergency personnel were on call. "The damages are likely to be rather substantial," he said, suggesting estimates could reach up to two billion euros.
For the coming month of July, Söder announced a cabinet meeting on climate policy, water, and flood relief. He intends to first conduct a "thorough review", identifying the state of dams and dikes, as well as determining the necessary repair work. It's crucial to determine "how we can further strengthen, improve, and accelerate the flood protection."
On Tuesday, Passau's city government in Lower Bavaria announced a state of emergency. The water levels in the Danube and Inn Rivers are decreasing, per the city administration. The Danube's water level remains in the second-highest alert level three, but the HND anticipates falling to warning level two by Wednesday. Meanwhile, a state of emergency is currently active in just the two Swabian districts of Günzburg and Donau-Ries, according to the Bavarian Interior Ministry.
HDF Bavaria predicted further rises at other sections along the Danube on Tuesday, mainly at lower warnings of one and two. The flood is forecast to subside again on Wednesday. In the western part of Bavaria's section of the Danube, the flood has reached the conclusion of the initial warning level.
Considering the forecast of "minor precipitation along the Alpine border" from the German Weather Service, the situation is predicted to improve.
