Disregarding the hazards, individuals continue to surf the Isar.
Warning about high water levels hasn't stopped surfers in Munich from hitting the flood waters in the Isar - videos uploaded by X (formerly Twitter) users show them riding the rising current. The Bavarian flood alert service states that the river is currently 308 cm above the zero point at Meldestufe 2.
20:31 Augsburg takes first balance - 356 emergency interventionsThe city of Augsburg has taken stock after the recent flood events. Firefighters were called out a total of 356 times from last Saturday due to flooded basements, garages and roads in the area. However, the extent of the damages to sewers, dams and roads can only be determined once the flood situation has fully subsided. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mayor Eva Weber thanked the emergency services: "They've done an amazing job here. But effective flood protection depends on both short-term measures and long-term planning."
20:01 Neu-Ulm district relaxes disaster alertThe Landkreis Neu-Ulm in Swabia has now lifted its disaster alert. "It's been a tough few days," said District Administrator Eva Treu in the evening. "I'm glad we can now withdraw the alert and come through relatively unscathed, given the border districts' situations." In the district, 350+ people had to be evacuated including refugees from the Nersingen reception center, patients from Weißenhorn's foundation clinic, and residents from Neu-Ulm's Römervilla. Cleanup and damage repairs are underway, but will take some time. "We also keep the other districts fighting the floods in our thoughts," Treu mentioned.
19:32 Driftwood assaults Lake Constance's portsThe flood disaster is causing issues for the ports along Lake Constance - large quantities of debris are washing ashore. In Kressbronn (Bodenseekreis), a yacht harbor's crew has laid oil spills as a preventative measure to keep driftwood from entering the harbor basin. The crew said the driftwood poses a significant challenge, as this year there's a lot more washed up than they've previously seen.
19:02 Donau water levels rising in KelheimWhile water levels in Regensburg's Donau are beginning to drop, those in Kelheim (Lower Bavaria) are continuing to rise. The district authority anticipates that the peak of the flood will be reached on Wednesday. The water level in Neustadt is also expected to reach its peak in the evening. The district authority also reports that the water levels in Mainburg and Abensberg have decreased to below warning stage 1.
18:12 Rems-Murr-Kreis cancels disaster alertThe Rems-Murr-Kreis administration has canceled its disaster alert. The flood situation in the district has improved, according to the administration. With the initial implementation of the disaster alert, the deployment of first responders and volunteers from the disaster control is assured. Retention basins are now being drained slowly and meticulously.
17:49 Filth overwhelms Lauffen city centerA mixture of manure, oil, drug residue and other filth is inundating Lauffen's city center, fields, and a playground. The city building department in Lauffen confirmed the sludge originates from the sewage system. The sewage system and treatment plant are struggling due to the extreme flood situation.
17:28 Austria shuts down Donau for shippingThe entire length of the Donau in Austria is closed to shipping. State waterway authority "via donau" announced it. "At a certain water level, safety is not guaranteed," says Christoph Caspar, spokesman from "via donau". How long the measure will remain enforced depends on additional rainfall and the water levels of the tributaries. The Donau flows through Austria for more than 350 kilometers, from Passau to Bratislava's capital and border town. Some cruise ships are forced to dock in Linz, where the Donau overflowed its banks. Road closures are also in effect. In Schärding, the flood threat level is being increased to prevent major flooding in the Inn tributary.
17:04 Police rescue woman from tree after 52 hoursA 32-year-old woman spent more than 52 hours trapped in a tree in the Bavarian flood-prone area. She was located in the Swabian Neu-Ulm region of Silberwald using a drone and later airlifted by helicopter, per Kempten authorities. She'd been missing since Sunday.
4:55 PM: Regensburg's Mayor Anticipates More Tension in Flood Situation
The mayor of Regensburg speaks about the city's flood situation, stating that there's a possible 1-2 more days of "real tension" ahead. According to Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, their existing flood defenses remain uncertain as the soil remains wet, muddy, and jelly-like. Prime Minister Markus Söder paid a visit to the area in Upper Palatinate and commended the city's experience, professionalism, and preparedness in protecting itself against floods. However, the increasing groundwater levels put pressure on the equipment's anchors, making it wobbly.
2:31 PM: Grimma Seeks Aid Against Floods with Fountain System
As Grimma's old town undergoes restoration, the city faces another challenge – the threat of returning floods. To combat this, concrete walls have been constructed underground. These walls are part of the safety measures adopted in Saxony's Grimma, which previously experienced a devastating flood in 2002.
2:17 PM: Rhineland-Palatinate Flood Situation Showing Signs of Improvement
Rhineland-Palatinate is witnessing some relaxation in the flood situation. The Flood Forecasting Center of the State Environment Office states that the water levels at the Middle Rhine and various points on the Upper Rhine continue to rise. It's expected that the peak levels will be reached by evening and on Wednesday. There's a forecast that the levels will drop until Sunday and at the Middle Rhine over the weekend. The water level at the Maxau gauge will reach its maximum until Wednesday morning. In Mannheim, however, the water level will fall again. The same trend is predicted for the Worms gauge. Here, the peak level has already been surpassed. In Mainz, the peak level will be reached on Tuesday evening or at nighttime. The Kaub gauge is anticipating a peak level reaching by night to Wednesday. As for Koblenz, the flood protection measures will continue, the city reported. The Mosel gauge has decreased slightly. Predictions show that the Koblenz gauge will reach its peak level only on Wednesday morning, which is slightly below the two-year flood level of around 570-590cm.
1:52 PM: Danube's Water Level in Passau Falls Below 10-Meter Mark
Following the 10-meter water level at Danube in Passau, reported by HND, it's dropping again. The current measurement is 9.93 meters at 3:00 PM. The city of Passau had declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing unfavorable flood situation, like Regensburg and other districts, for better coordinated rescue operations.
1:26 PM: Poland's Southern Areas Struggle with Flooding
Following heavy rainfalls in southern parts of Poland, Bielsko-Biala faces a flood situation. The city's mayor declared a flood warning due to the flooding across various regions. The Fire Department has conducted approximately 700 interventions. More than enough basements and properties were flooded. Two tracks of the local railway station have officially stopped operations, with other trains getting reprogrammed on other platforms. City archives and the bus depot of the municipal transport companies have also been flooded. Online platform 'Onet.pl' shared video footages showcasing the streets, traffic circles, and a bridge entirely submerged in water. In various rivers across the region, water levels have been seen to increase. The regional administration's crisis center presented an alert status at some locations. Meteorologists from the State Meteorological Service foresee more heavy rainfall throughout the day.
1:59 PM: Interior Ministry Reports Varying Numbers of Missing People in Bavaria
Several residents remain missing in Bavaria's flood-affected areas. The Interior Ministry's spokesperson updated the number of missing to seven in the morning, five in the afternoon, and six in the early evening. Earlier, Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) revealed that up to seven people are missing within the state. The situation is seen as incredibly unstable, according to the Interior Ministry's spokesperson. While most people have reported to authorities on-site, the latest data might not have reached the situation control center in Munich yet. An additional firefighter in Swabia missed after falling overboard while in Offingen with other first responders.
The flood situation in Bavaria is still critical, with minister president Markus Söder (CSU) labeling it "serious and urgent." Regensburg and Passau could experience record-breaking water levels of the Danube, says Söder, who was speaking after a cabinet meeting in Munich. The state is committed to handling the situation and has mobilized over 60,000 individuals for the flood response. Evacuations have been necessary for more than 6,600 people, while three casualties were honored with a moment of silence at the cabinet meeting. Reports indicate that up to seven people might be missing, and the state government is in contact with those affected. Söder expressed sympathy for the victims and hoped to navigate the next two days regarding the flood situation.
The Baden-Württemberg state government feels well-prepared due to the heavy rains over the weekend. According to Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, they've been actively responding and have had preparation measures in place for a long time. He reiterated the need for general property damage insurance, a position refuted by Justice Minister Marco Buschmann. Baden-Württemberg's Environment Minister Thekla Walker urged regular checks on existing protective measures, stating, "We have to stay on top of it." Unfortunately, two people have lost their lives in Baden-Württemberg due to the floods. Germany's Insurance Association (GDV) rejects a mandatory flood insurance requirement.
Passau, in Lower Bavaria, declared a disaster as water levels neared ten meters on the Danube. The city of Passau expected a water level exceeding seven meters in the coming hours due to the rain on Monday. Several streets and squares were already closed, while schools were canceled and bus traffic was disrupted. Passau is particularly affected since Donau, Inn, and Ilz converge there, heightening the concern about the region's critical situation. The city urged people to avoid the entire flood area.
A woman, dressed in a bathing suit, swam in the flood waters during a patrol by the fire department. They rescued her from the pedestrian underpass. According to the city spokeswoman, such behavior has become normal during floods. The Deggendorf public pool will reopen on Thursday.
For insurers in Germany, the floods in southwestern Germany will result in significant losses. The GDV's managing director, Jörg Asmussen, remarked, "The images from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg portray something horrific." His organization has received several damage reports, but a comprehensive assessment is unavailable until water levels have receded. In 2010, insurers suffered a 200 million euro loss due to flooding in Saarland. The cost to Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg companies depends on the percentage of insured homes. In Bavaria, it is 47%, while in Baden-Württemberg, it is 94%. A mandatory flood insurance had previously been in place there until 1994. Asmussen maintains that politics should not dictate mandatory insurance but instead focus on building bans in dangerous areas and stronger dams, breaking the cycle of increasing damages and premiums.
12:42 Söder: Bavaria allocates 100 million euros "plus X" for flood reliefBavaria's minister president, Markus Söder (CSU), says that €100 million will be provided to mitigate the flood damage plus "X euros more." After a cabinet meeting in Munich, Söder spoke about the critical situation and the flood response involving more than 60,000 individuals. 6,600 people had to be evacuated, and three people have been confirmed dead. State officials have contacted the affected individuals, expressing their sympathy for their suffering. Söder hopes the next two days will bring them through this ordeal.
Baden-Württemberg's government is prepared, according to Minister President Winfried Kretschmann. He explained that they've been proactive and would not let this situation overwhelm them. Kretschmann repeated his call for general property damage insurance. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, on the other hand, maintains his rejection of implementing it. The state's environment minister, Thekla Walker, has urged regular checks on existing protection measures. In conjunction with the deaths in Baden-Württemberg, one may note the urgency of being prepared for these incidents. The GDV's managing director, Jörg Asmussen, shows concern for the situation, stating that it has serious implications for the insurance industry. However, he criticizes mandatory flood insurance, asserting that it's not only costly but also offers no guarantee. Instead, he highlights the importance of flood prevention measures such as building bans in endangered areas and better dams.
The disaster caused by a flood in several regions of the country has prompted the Bavarian government to offer financial assistance of at least 100 million euros to those affected. The decision was made during a meeting of the cabinet in Munich, confirmed Minister President Markus Söder. The aid package is intended for private households, as well as commercial enterprises, self-employed individuals, and farmers. Showing empathy towards the affected, Söder stated, "Bavaria helps, quickly and without excessive bureaucracy. We won't leave anyone in distress." Söder also urged the federal government to provide flood relief as promised. In line with the Bavarian plan, households may receive up to 5,000 euros in emergency aid for their private homes, with oil damage to residential buildings eligible for up to 10,000 euros, subject to the deduction of insurance payments at the end. For encounters with life-threatening situations, 100% reimbursement is promised. Companies and businesses can claim between 5,000 and 200,000 euros in emergency funding. However, these amounts will be reduced if the damage was insurable.
At 12:23 p.m., the Danube in Passau was at a level of 9.95 meters, which is close to the 10-meter mark. Nine hours prior, the flood warning service (HND) released information about the water level nearing 9.50 meters which was the forecasted level for the afternoon. If the water level rises to 8.50 meters, built-up areas will be flooded to a greater extent. This hurdle was already crossed in Passau in the afternoon.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for rainfall in southern Germany. Meteorologist Robert Hausen from Offenbach clarified that while there may be some showers and thunderstorms, they won't be heavy. This applies throughout the country until Thursday. According to Hausen, temperatures will stay below 20°C in the northern and northwestern regions, which is typical for this time of year. The rest of the country will experience temperatures ranging from 21 to 26°C. At night, it may be cooler than 10°C. By the end of this week, the rainfall is expected to increase once more. In the south, rain and, in some places, thunderstorms are likely, but at a lower scale than previous days. The meteorologist hopes that the water levels will have reduced by then.
The flood situation in Bavaria is still strained due to the high water levels, but no more forecasts of heavy rains exist that could intensify the problem. Some water levels have begun to decrease. For now, the focus is on the Danube where the flood situation is also improving based on the latest information. The anticipated peak of the flood level will reach the maximum warning level four in Ingolstadt in the evening. In Kelheim, the water levels are increasing, which aligns with the level during the 2005 flood. In Passau, it is projected that the Danube level will be below the 2002 flood mark.
The fifth fatality due to the flooding has been confirmed by the police. A woman in Markt Rettenbach, Bavaria, lost control of her car, which slid off the road and into a water-filled meadow on Monday. Unfortunately, she passed away. When an official from the water management office found the vehicle, it was completely submerged. The police described this unfortunate event as a "tragic accident." Previous reports acknowledged four deaths as a result of the flood.
The Autobahn 9 in Upper Bavaria, which was partially closed because of a dam break, has been reopened. From Ingolstadt-South to Langenbruck, all lanes are now open for unrestricted driving. However, other roads affected by flooding such as the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden remain closed.
Heavy rains have made Germany's major waterway, the Rhine, difficult to navigate in many areas. "Shipping has been halted on the Middle and Upper Rhine," a representative from the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) informs Reuters. Before, only Upper Rhine was impacted in places like Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms. However, now parts of the Middle Rhine, including Mainz and Bingen, are also being affected. "Several ships are docked or in ports," she explains. "They're waiting for the water levels to decrease." The peak could still occur later in the day or evening. The region around Bingen might be navigable again by Thursday. "Shipping is suspended for a few days," she stresses. This is to avoid bank damage caused by ships that produce waves leading to overflowing banks and flooding cellars.
10:20: More Train Delays in South Germany
Due to the ongoing flood situation in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the German Railways (DB) are still experiencing issues with some lines in local and long-distance transportation. Four lines present train disruptions, as per DB announcements. Affected are the stretch between Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich on the Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich route, the part between Donauwoerth and Augsburg on the Nuremberg-Donauwoerth-Augsburg-Munich route, the section between Buchloe and Memmingen on the Munich-Memmingen-Lindau route, and the entire Ulm-Memmingen-Kempten route. Munich cannot be reached from the west and north. But, the DB still advises against train travel to Southern Germany. Additionally, there are individual disruptions and delays on the lines Munich-Nuremberg-Erfurt-Berlin, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm, Augsburg-Munich, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt(M), Munich-Lindau-Bregenz-Zurich, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, Augsburg-Kempten(Allgaeu)-Oberstdorf, and Nuremberg-Wuerzburg.
10:06: Search for Missing Firefighter Utilizes Drones and Helicopters
The search process for a missing firefighter in Swabia continues, according to updates provided by local law enforcement. Although searches in the floodwaters are on hold for the time being, land and aerial searches will continue. The fear is that the 22-year-old has drowned. He was part of a group of five emergency services personnel working for the DLRG (German Life-Saving Society) in Offingen near the Baden-Württemberg border when their boat capsized in the strong currents. Four other responders, aged 24-70, managed to reach the shore unscathed.
09:38: Police Clarify: Search for Missing Firefighter Continuing
Earlier, there was a statement issued by the police about the discontinuation of the search for the missing firefighter in Swabia (see entry at 06:22 am). However, that has been corrected. The search is still underway, the police spokesman Holger Stabik revealed. The 22-year-old is presumed to have drowned. He was performing water rescue operations with the DLRG in Offingen when their boat capsized in the strong currents. Four other DLRG members are safe after reaching the land.
08:45: "Stay Away": Regensburg Mayor Advises Against Flood Tourism
Regensburg's mayor, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, urges visitors to stay away from the city amidst the current flood situation. "We have many tourists, but unfortunately, some locals are also exploring the flooding areas," she says in an interview with Bavarian Radio. She begs everyone not to visit the dikes or jetties, as emergency helpers could be present. In the night before, the city's situation was tense, according to the mayor. The high water level and the unstable subsoil threatened the evacuations. The high water line has been reached, and she hopes the water levels come down later in the day. How well the dams and protective structures stand is uncertain. "We're in a situation different than in 2013 because of the high groundwater levels and the unstable subsoil, making the pressure on the dams with a fluctuating subsoil critical," she adds.
08:25: "Don't Look", Regensburg Mayor Warns of Flood Tourism
The Mayor of the flooded city of Regensburg, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, cautions against flood tourism. "While we're seeing a lot of tourists, please don't go out and inspect the situation", she appeals through Bavarian Radio. She especially urges people not to go to dikes and jetties, as rescuers could be busy there. The city of Regensburg, in south Bavaria and situated on the Danube, experienced a tense night, as per the mayor. High water levels and the unstable subsoil threaten the evacuations. She expects the waters to decline in the daytime. The stability of the dams and protective structures is uncertain.
Passau, Lower Bavaria, is experiencing a rapidly escalating situation. The city anticipated reaching a water level of 9.50 meters in the afternoon, yet that threshold has already been surpassed, as per Felix Balß, an ntv reporter.
07:48: An Unparalleled Deployment from the Bavarian Fire Brigade Association
The fire brigades in Bavaria are being called upon more resourcefully than ever before, claims Johann Eitzenberger, head of the Bavarian Fire Brigade Association, to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Truly exceptional in terms of scope and impact," he adds. With 30,000 volunteer firefighters on the job daily, their objective is to minimize and prevent potential damages whenever possible. While the situation is currently under control, we can't rule out additional challenges. "Specialized abilities will still be necessary for an extended period, such as tackling oil from heating tanks."
07:28: Danube's Dikes and Additional Barriers Threatened to Collapse
The Danube's intense water volumes are imposing on dikes and additional safeguards across southern Germany. Several dikes face the imminent risk of collapse and rupture. Passau's city center is already submerged and locked off from the public.
06:55: Castle Ruins Slide due to Persistent Rain
The Burg Falkenstein in Upper Bavaria has lost parts of its structure as a result of the relentless rain. 50 inhabitants near the castle have been relocated from their homes, reports the Rosenheim district. Burg Falkenstein in Flintsbach is a well-known hiking destination. Principal castle Falkenstein was constructed around 1300. The outer castle was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. A thorough renovation in the 16th and 17th centuries led to the complex's destruction through separate accidents at the end of the 18th century. The ruins are a portion of the Petersberg monument, which houses the Roman Peterskirche and the nearby Mesnerhaus. The extent of the damages to the ruins remains unknown.
06:22: Seeking a Missing Firefighter
The search for a missing firefighter in Swabia is no longer proactive. It's speculated that the 22-year-old may have perished, according to a law enforcement spokesperson. Once the water subsides, his body is likely to be discovered. The firefighter was heading towards Offingen, which borders Baden-Württemberg, with a boat from the DLRG water rescue service during the night from Sunday to Monday. When the vessel with five rescue team members experienced strong currents, it capsized. Fortunately, all crew members between the ages of 24 and 70 managed to reach the shore and sustained no injuries.
06:03: "Century-scale Rainfall" Recorded in Southern Germany
At several locations in southern Germany, precipitation levels potentially reach every 50 to 100 years, according to preliminary statistics provided by meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer of the German Weather Service. "This is remarkable, yet not wholly unheard of," he shares. Although the data is preliminary, it demands attention. "We'll need to carefully review the information." Records are sometimes inaccurate or compromised, but overall, further downpours are expected. "The existing calculations are fairly conservative."
05:33: The Danube in Passau Exceeds the Nine-Meter Mark
The water level of the Danube in Passau surpassed the nine-meter mark overnight. As of 3 a.m., the flood warning service (HND) mentioned a reading of 9.27 meters. On Monday night, the level was recorded at 8.83 meters. Following HND's prediction, the peak is projected to be reached at noon on Tuesday at 9.50 meters. Passau's historic center was shuttered for traffic due to the flood. Upon a gauge reading of 8.50 meters, inhabited areas are projected to be inundated to a more substantial degree. This level was attained in Passau on Monday afternoon.
04:07: 200 Residents in Regensburg Required to Depart Homes
In Regensburg, 200 individuals in the city center are instructed to abandon their residences due to a worsening flood situation. "The Werftstraße's underground is swelling due to the high groundwater level, fundamentally threatening the flood protections," discloses the city on its website. Hence, the disaster response team made the decision to evacuate the entire street.
02:47: Rosenheim District's Flood Situation Has Marginally Improved
The flood situation in Rosenheim district is exhibiting a slight improvement following a disaster declaration. The schools and kindergartens in the affected areas are hence predicted to remain shut on Tuesday. Initially, evacuations occurred in Raubling and Rohrdorf. The number of evacuees was initially unclear.
In the midst of the alarming flood situation in southern Germany, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) has removed all weather warnings for the country. The DWD reports this. Torrential downpours in the last few days have led to substantial increases in the water levels of many streams and rivers, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, resulting in entire towns being swamped even after dams were breached. At present, at least four individuals have perished due to the floods. The situation in both regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg remained dicey on Monday.
00:12 On most rivers in the southwest, the water levels are dropping once again after the deluges of the past days. The flood prediction center confirms this. Nevertheless, at rivers such as the Danube and Rhine, there are still increasing readings on the gauges. A spokesperson asserts that no critical values are to be anticipated that would surpass their limitations. At the Danube from the Pegel Hundersingen in the district of Sigmaringen downstream, as well as Lake Constance and the Upper and Upper Rhine, the water is presently still rising. At the Pegel Maxau near Karlsruhe, the peak reading of 8.29 meters on Sunday won't be surpassed again, says the spokesperson. The Neckar is falling.
22:53 Rosenheim District urges residents to remain indoorsDue to the impending flooding, the Rosenheim district in Upper Bavaria is advising locals to stay at home. "There is a genuine threat to life and safety," says a statement from the authority. People should avoid spending time outdoors, keep away from open bodies of water, and refrain from obstructing rescue teams. On Tuesday, schools will be shuttered in a number of towns: in Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach. The State Educational Authority Rosenheim will notify the affected schools. Nurseries in the aforementioned towns ought to also remain closed.
21:47 Parts of Burg Falkenstein in Rosenheim collapseDue to the heavy precipitation, parts of Burg Falkenstein have slid in Flintsbach, Rosenheim. The Rosenheim district administration reports this. Beneath the castle, 50 inhabitants must be evacuated.
21:08 Germany's largest camping site needs to be vacatedThe camping site in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia must be emptied within the following 24 hours due to the flood situation. This is announced by the Grav-Island's operators. The increasing water levels in the encompassing rivers and waterways are the justification for this. The Grav-Island is the most significant camping site in Germany, encompassing 5,000 permanent campsites.
20:53 Regensburg's Werftstraße to be evacuatedThe Werftstraße in Regensburg has to be evacuated, according to the city of Regensburg. The street is directly on the Danube, and the ground underneath is becoming progressively softer due to the high groundwater levels. The installed flood protection mechanisms might fail, and the street could be submerged. Approximately 200 residents should now be evacuated beginning at 21:00.
All previous developments can be referenced here.
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Despite the lifting of the disaster alert in Neu-Ulm, the clean-up and damage repairs in the district are expected to take some time due to the extent of the flood damage.
