District of Rosenheim announces emergency measures at 18:43.
The Rosenheim district makes an emergency declaration in response to ongoing heavy rainfall. This decision will enable quicker and more coordinated relief operations to tackle the anticipated situation, District Administrator Otto Lederer explained. The district's streams and rivers experienced further rises in water levels during the day. Firefighters and THW assistance teams are on their way.
18:34 Climate expert urges suspension of debt brake due to unforeseen flood costs
The potential financial consequences of the floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are still unclear and may reach millions. Consequently, the Greens are advocating for the temporary suspension of the debt brake. Green climate expert Lisa Badum expressed this idea to "t-online," stating, "Given the anticipated costs, we must be ready to consider suspending the debt brake."
18:17 Hesse anticipates continued rising water levels on the Rhine and Neckar until Wednesday
The flood situation in Hesse remains critical on the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Four pegs of these rivers have exceeded their warning levels over the weekend, as per the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). The Hessian Rhine section's water levels are predicted to keep increasing until Wednesday. The HLNUG expects the Rhine to surpass Hessian warning level 3 in various locations by Tuesday. The Main river's levels are also expected to rise on Monday. The HLNUG does not anticipate reaching peak levels on the Main in the coming days.
17:35 Police and fire department free man trapped in car
In Dörzbach, Baden-Württemberg, firefighters and police were called to extract a man from his vehicle. The 54-year-old had gone to the flooded sports field on Sunday morning to observe the flood from a distance. His car got stranded after merely a few meters, with water reaching the side windows. Calling for rescue services, the driver escaped harm but will be responsible for the cost of the rescue operation, as per the police.
17:01 Mayor describes danngerous flood night incidents
Schorndorf Mayor Bernd Hornikel recounted dramatic flood night incidents in his region. The rapidly rising water levels throughout the area forced firefighters to evacuate themselves. In Rudersberg, the Rems-Murr district, all seven fire departments had planned to attend, but only one vehicle actually arrived. The remaining six vehicles were lost. "They're literally submerged," said Hornikel, adding that their comrades had to flee to the roof of the vehicle to be rescued.
16:41 Dam breach on the Amper triggers evacuation orders
A dam rupture on the Amper in northern Bavaria led to mandatory evacuations for people living nearby. This evacuation order applied to two smaller areas in the Freising district, affecting around a dozen individuals. The previous day, a refugee shelter was evacuated. The Hessian district administration reported that the Amper's water levels had surpassed historical highs, with the water level at Inkofen measuring 3.98 meters, surpassing the previous record of 3.66 meters from 1994.
16:22 More potential dam failures anticipated in Swabia
With the serious flood situation in Swabia, additional dam failures are feared. The populations of Heißesheim and Auchsesheim in the Donau-Ries district have been instructed to leave the area as rapidly as possible. The district administration in Donauwörth warned that "a complete flooding of the entire settlements should be anticipated." Emergency shelters have been established.
15:52 Updated boil water advisory in these districts
The Donau-Ries district health department has expanded its boil water advisory due to the ongoing flood situation. Initially, it covered only the communities of Mertingen and Oberndorf. Now, the residents of these communities are advised to boil their water before drinking: Eggelstetten, Genderkingen, Bäumenheim, Heißesheim, Überfeldsiedlung, Asbach-Bäumenheim, Hamlar, and the Kaisheimer districts of Sulzdorf and Gunzenheim.
15:27 Weather warning for the middle and eastern Alpine foothills
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues a warning for heavy thunderstorms with intense rainfall and strong winds on the central and eastern Alpine foothills. DWD forecasts rainfall of 40 to 60 liters per square meter within six hours, wind gusts of up to 60 km/h, and small hail in the affected regions. The municipalities of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen, Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Miesbach, Rosenheim, Traunstein, Weilheim-Schongau, and Rosenheim City are expected to be impacted.
14:55: Two fatalities in Baden-Württemberg
In Baden-Württemberg, two individuals have perished due to floods. The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a house in Schorndorf, a town in the Rems-Murr district. Previously, two more casualties were found in Bavaria. This brings the total number of fatalities resulting from the current floods in Germany to at least four.
14:30: THW fills 2,000 sandbags - hourly
The flood situation in southern Germany keeps emergency responders working around the clock. The Technical Relief Organization of Donauwörth fills 2,000 sandbags per hour. In Gunzburg, volunteers from the DLRG rescue people trapped in inundated residences. Response operations continue full force in Bavaria. Fatigue is a major concern for many.
14:05: Cars swept away by flooding in Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg
Floodwaters have swept away cars in Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg. Some of the vehicles landed on train tracks, another landed in a well. Household items litter the muddy streets while mounds of debris are seen on a bridge. The Rems-Murr district town is particularly impacted by the flood damage from the torrential downpours.
13:45: Donau dam nears collapse - eleven years after 2013 flood disaster
The residents of Niederalteich in Bavaria endured a flood catastrophe almost precisely eleven years ago. Since then, Donau dams have been repaired, but operations are not yet finished at one location. The dam is now at risk of collapsing there.
13:15: A9 re-opens for traffic towards Ingolstadt, Munich faces traffic control
A section of the A9 in Upper Bavaria that was partly closed due to a dam break is again accessible for vehicles. However, a sort of traffic management has been established in the direction of Munich. According to a police spokesperson, only 300 cars can drive on this stretch between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck as of now, then the road will be closed for some time. The motivations for this action remain unknown for the time being. The section of the A9 heading towards Nuremberg has been open since early morning. A reminder: "Please be aware that this could change."
11:45: Scholz promotes solidarity after witnessing flood damage firsthand
Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the German flood area, concluding that help is required. "Nature is mighty," stated the Social Democrat politician while standing in Reichertshofen south of Ingolstadt. Now it's time to show solidarity. Assistance from the federal government is needed. Already, numerous aid workers are on the ground, including from the Bundeswehr. Scholz expressed gratitude to all involved and mentioned a firefighter who perished in the line of duty. Floods like this are now occurring more frequently due to climate change. He has visited four aid centers this year.
11:15: Senior citizen stuck in flood near Passau, fire department rescues 81-year-old
The fire department has pulled an 81-year-old driver from the waters in the Upper Palatinate. The man got caught driving through a flooded street in Hahnbach, a market town near Nuremberg, to witness the Vils River flood. Eventually, his car got stuck, and the water level kept rising. The driver sought refuge on his vehicle's roof through the sunroof and rang for aid. A passerby informed the police. The fire department arrived with a special vehicle to save the car and its occupant from the prevalent water.
11:00: Danube cruise ship evacuation ongoing, passengers from the USA and England
The evacuation of a Danube cruise ship is in progress near Deggendorf. The ship with 150 travelers from the USA and England cannot continue its journey on the Danube due to the flood. Thomas Kindel, disaster control head at the Deggendorf district office, tells Bayerischer Rundfunk that a work boat is docked at the harbor, evacuating 25-30 individuals at a time.
The water levels of the Danube are escalating, with the Danube Flood Control Service Bavaria anticipating a similar amount of water downstream from Regensburg as during the 2002 flood. This can be observed, for instance, at instances such as the Isar merging into the Danube in Deggendorf. With a length of roughly 2,850 kilometers, the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. In Passau, a water level of 10.80 meters was measured on August 13, 2002 through the Ilzstadt gauge point. As of Monday morning, the value was 7.77 meters - rising. ntv weather expert Paul Heger provides an overview of the urgent flood situation and potential dangers in the coming days:
11:27: Search for missing woman yields tragic result in Schrobenhausen
Rescuers discovered the body of a missing 43-year-old woman in a flooded basement in the heavily impacted Upper Bavarian municipality of Schrobenhausen. She had been unaccounted for since Sunday, reports a police spokesperson.
11:21: Rising Rems and Murr water levels cause concern - nursing home evacuated
Despite declining rainfall, authorities in Ludwigsburg anticipate a dangerous predicament and escalating water levels. "Although there's currently no heavy rain, we are expecting an increase in water levels for both Rems and Murr," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier. The peak level of the Rems hasn't been reached in Remseck. The command post is monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency services. Approximately 250 personnel from the fire department are engaged in relief work. A nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was evacuated on Monday morning. The residents and their caretakers were relocated to other facilities.
10:54: Upper Rhine inaccessible for inland shipping
Due to overwhelming rainfall, Germany's most prominent waterway, the Rhine, is partially closed down for inland shipping. "The inland shipping is halted," states a representative for the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA). "Critical thresholds have been exceeded at several gauge stations." Impacted regions include Maxau near Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Worms. A potential closure on the Middle Rhine—the area between Mainz and Bonn—could occur on Tuesday or Wednesday. "According to the current predictions, these should not be overly extended," notes the representative. The closures aim to prevent any damage to banks, caused by the waves created by ships. Such waves can overflow the riverbanks, filling basements and causing structural damage.
10:27: North Rhine-Westphalia offers relief efforts and resources to Bavaria's flooded region around Landau an der Isar
North Rhine-Westphalia is lending a hand by sending a team of five rescue vehicles with 48 personnel, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats to aid in the flooded locale west of Walkenried in Bavaria. The Düsseldorf Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Bavaria approved the emergency aid request. The team was consequently dispatched.
10:04: People in Ebersbach an der Fils asked to relocate for safety
Residents on specific streets in Ebersbach an der Fils, a municipality located south of Stuttgart, are being encouraged to leave their homes. The exact number of individuals impacted is yet to be determined. Spokesmen from the city previously advised citizens to gather crucial documents and necessary belongings. With the area still experiencing a flood situation, schools and municipal daycare centers are set to remain closed throughout the day, according to the city's Facebook page.
09:41: Search for Schrobenhausen's missing woman effortlessly continues
The police in Schrobenhausen, the Pfaffenhofen district, are continuously hunting for a 43-year-old woman. Despite rumors of her discovery following a police notice issued last night, the police say the search still persists. A helicopter and divers have been enlisted for the endeavor. As pumps have been utilized in the flooded basement of the house, hopes have been raised for the woman, believed to have last been seen in the basement of her residence. ntv reporter Niklas Diemer shares insights into the tense situation.
09:12: Söder: Bavarian floods will continue to challenge emergency services for several more days
The Minister President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, anticipates that the flood crisis will continue to command attention from disaster control authorities in the state for several more days. "It's slightly better, but we can't issue a full warning," Söder disclosed on Monday morning on Deutschlandfunk. "Even with the rain ceasing, the water levels of larger rivers will still ascend owing to the influx," he emphasized. "The majority believe it will last until Wednesday or Thursday."
A dam in the Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen district has now wholly disintegrated at three points, as per a spokeswoman for the district administration. In the affected regions of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching, all residents have been asked to vacate the ground floors of their houses and apartments and seek refuge in higher levels. Around 800 individuals were evacuated from Baar-Ebenhausen. In the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen, nearly 250 individuals were provided shelter. The Paar, a tributary that flows into the Danube, is the location of this dam. In Vohburg, the Danube is being traced more thoroughly, and safety measures are being taken. The A9 motorway is still shut down in both directions between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck, according to the information provided.
08:14 The dam in Manching is shattered
In Manching-Pichl, another dam is reported to have eroded according to several media outlets citing the district administration. Residents are instructed to withdraw from the ground floor of their houses and apartments and shift to higher floors. Some streets affected include Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
07:59 Firefighters in Rudersberg trapped by rising watersFirefighters in Rudersberg, a town in the Rems-Murr-Kreis of Baden-Württemberg, are now caught in an unforeseen surge of water as per a reporter from ntv. Rescue teams were unable to rescue residents as the water level increased rapidly. Firefighters could only save themselves by climbing to the upper floors of houses and ending up staying there for hours. The fire station was likewise submerged in water. Vehicles were shifted to a higher ground - only for the area to be inundated seconds after. Two vehicles could not be safely moved.
07:24 Regensburg declares a state of disasterThe Danube's water level continues to soar – Regensburg recently declared a state of disaster. The water level at the Eiserne Brücke gauge is presently at 5.90 meters, based on the Bavarian flood warning service. Last week, the average water level was about 2.70 meters. As per the specialists' data, the water level at the time of the last significant flood on June 4, 2013 was exactly 6.82 meters.
06:59 Specialists from Water Rescue Service save family by helicopter in GünzburgThe Water Rescue Service in Günzburg saved twelve people from the balconies and roofs with the help of a police helicopter, as described by BR. The situation gets more complicated: a family with three children, one less than a week old, was in peril. Due to the watermasses, a rescue attempt using a boat was impossible.
06:28 Fear of a dam collapse in ManchingThe Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt has issued a warning of a potential dam break in Manching, a town in the Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen. Folks must remain in upper floors and stay away from cellars or underground car parks. A dam in Baar-Ebenhausen broke on Sunday.
05:58 People evacuated from houses south of Stuttgart owing to floodingFloods have led to evacuations from residences in Uhingen, a town in the Göppingen district south of Stuttgart, as per a police spokesman who phoned early in the morning. People have been pulled out from buildings in the community. According to the most recent estimate, no one was injured. Uhingen is located east of Ebersbach on the Fils, where the risk of flooding was so high that an extraordinary emergency situation was declared. The flooding in the town affects a residential area.
05:27 Ostalbkreis Communities evacuated because of the rising floodwatersThe yet increasing flood situation in the Ostalbkreis in Baden-Württemberg is jeopardizing communities. In the late hours of Sunday and Monday, folk from parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen had to be evacuated due to pending floodings, as reported by a spokeswoman for the crisis team in the morning. The entirety of Täferrot has been asked to be evacuated. By then, the first floods had already seeped in. Around 250 to 300 individuals have been transported to safe zones.
05:05 Baden-Württemberg aids Bavaria by lending emergency personnelFaced with the continuing flood crisis, Baden-Württemberg is now sending its emergency forces to Günzburg, a town in the Bavarian district. According to the Ministry of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg, three "Sanitation and Care" units have been dispatched to the district, as requested by the Free State of Bavaria. The emergency forces will cater to the needs of residents who had to evacuate their residences and households as a result of the floods. Additionally, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will be stationed in the Günzburg district to augment the rescue of people.
4:30 Flooding threat: Esslingen builds temporary dam
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is constructing a temporary dam to prevent a possible flooding of certain areas of its inner city. This flood is anticipated to occur early in the morning, which could lead to canals in the center of the city overflowing. Over 1,500 tons of stones and sand will be piled up near the so-called "Water House" at a canal during the night and on Monday morning. Traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the construction site, as the municipality has announced. The city in the Stuttgart region had previously advised against entering basements and underground garages in the central area and Oberesslingen due to the dire flood situation.
03:26 Ebersbach an der Fils prepares to relocate some residents
The heavily impacted town of Ebersbach an der Fils, located to the south of Stuttgart, has made preparations for evacuations involving some of its residents. These individuals have been asked to gather essential documents and personal items in order to spend the night away from their homes. The city made this announcement on Facebook early during the morning. Residents are advised to seek shelter in the upper levels of their houses. "The Ebersbach Fire Department is on its way to assist the residents."
03:11 Weather advisories withdrawn - Hefty rainfall expected though
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has lifted all severe weather cautions for heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain across Germany. However, the DWD has stated that there will still be localized heavy rain showers with potential for intense rainfall in southern Germany. Beginning at noon, areas south of the Danube and the Bavarian Forest are likely to be affected. Small-scale thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.
02:04 Landkreis Augsburg protests against flood tourists
Flood visitors are causing complications for emergency personnel in Landkreis Augsburg. The rescue squads must increasingly deal with the rescue of people who, despite all warnings, went to the dikes, underpasses, and in, or on, the water. The district government is asking people to stay away from these areas to relieve the rescue teams. "Flood waves can catch you off guard and the bank can give way," cautions the authority. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic should also avoid flooded streets, as well as flooded underpasses. Manhole covers can be pushed up by the pressure in the canal and suck in passersby.
01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl visit flood-affected regions
Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl are scheduled to visit two flood-affected areas in the state on Monday. They will first spend the morning in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis and later visit Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis, a spokesperson for the state government revealed. Kretschmann decided against visiting the affected regions on Sunday, stating, "I have deliberately chosen not to visit the site in the intense situation where every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference. Instead, I will stay updated and abreast of the situation." The rescue squads are at their limit, he acknowledged on Sunday afternoon.
23:50 Full alert declared in Ebersbach an der Fils - Noise barrier breached
Ebersbach an der Fils, a town near Stuttgart, issued a full alert due to the flood on Sunday evening. This implies that all firefighters are on duty. Water masses have breached a noise barrier on the B10 road and flooded the street, as seen in a video published by the city on its Facebook page. The residents were given a dire warning: "Please stay at home (sic!) and do not go to the emergency sites. There is a partial danger to life as evident in the video. Please do not enter the water; there could be unseen manhole covers that pose a risk!" People are being instructed to avoid their cellars and remain on the upper floors.
23:16 Missing 43-year-old found lifeless in cellar
A 43-year-old individual reported missing because of the storm in South Germany has been found dead in a cellar.
22:16 Signal box lightning strike disrupts regional train services around Dresden
Disruptions to regional train services occurred in the evening around Dresden, as a result of a lightning strike that damaged a signal box. This incident affected the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz, says a railway spokesperson. The lightning struck the signal box in Radeberg, east of the state capital, at 5:10 p.m. It was repaired by evening. The trains operated normally again after approximately two hours, the spokesperson says.
22:00 Lauingen nursing home evacuated
Due to the flood, a nursing home near the Danube in Lauingen is being emptied. The city stated on its website that they are aiming to provide safe care for the elderly. The inhabitants could all be accommodated in an educational center.
9:30pm: Dam failure prompts evacuations between the Danube and Schmutter
It's a difficult night for several communities surrounding the Danube and the Schmutter in the Swabian region of Donau-Ries. The cause of the evacuations is a massive breach in a dam. The areas affected include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. Local officials are urging residents to remain calm, gather their essential items, and follow emergency service instructions while setting up shelter.
9:03pm: Faeser joins Bavarian flood area visit
As more areas in southern Germany succumb to flooding, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are scheduled to visit the Bavarian flood region on Monday. They'll be accompanied by Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district. They plan to talk with the emergency services on the ground. The President of the Technical Assistance Organization, Sabine Lackner, will also be present.
8:30pm: Nearly 40 Bavarian schools to close on Monday
Around 40 schools in eight districts across Bavaria will not have in-person classes during the upcoming week due to the flooding crisis. These districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. For instance, no in-person teaching will occur in Aichach-Friedberg Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, local grammar schools, vocational schools, or special schools on Monday. In Wertingen, Dillingen District, all schools will be shut down. In addition, some Pfaffenhofen district kindergartens will also be closed on Monday. In-person instruction for Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschools in Schrobenhausen, along with the vocational school, special school, and grammar school, will be canceled on Monday and Tuesday.
7:49pm: Power outages striking 30 Swabian communities
Around thirty communities in Swabia are experiencing power failures. The power grid operator LEW reports these outages are primarily within the low-voltage regional grids, impacting individual streets and houses. The majority of these blackouts seem to be concentrated in Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen districts. According to LEW, emergency services are making efforts to reroute power using available lines. The duration for each outage is dependent on the situation on-site.
7:11pm: Over 1,000 Günzburg residents taken to safety in gyms and Legoland
In the Bavarian town of Günzburg, over 1,000 people have been moved to safety, according to Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart in a chat with Bayerischer Rundfunk. These individuals are housed in gyms and, in some cases, Legoland. The tides have risen significantly in the last few hours, necessitating further evacuations.
6:42pm: Weather service issues warning for more heavy rain in the south
The German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of more heavy rainfall, particularly in southern Germany. By early evening yesterday, intense rain is predicted in the Stuttgart region, while thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected in the Alps. Further thunderstorms are possible from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and even towards Berlin. Meteorologists in Offenbach predict that the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foreland to the Bavarian Forest will see stronger thunderstorms with potential for heavy rain later today. For Monday morning, the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube anticipates showers, strong thunderstorms, and more heavy rain.
6:07pm: Disaster alert declared in Straubing
As the Danube flood situation worsened, Mayor Markus Pannermayr of Straubing declared a disaster alert. The primary reason is the increasing demands and the associated workforce needed. The Danube water level in Straubing has exceeded six meters. The city expects the level 4 emergency to be surpassed within the next few hours. The flood warning service assigns four emergency levels. At level 1, minor overflow is anticipated, while at level 4, built-up areas could be heavily flooded. Security measures are progressing well and will continue, a spokesperson added. Some streets in the city have already closed due to the flood.
17:34 Warning against high water tourism in Bodenseekreis community
The partially flooded community of Meckenbeuren in Friedrichshafen urges against attempting high water tourism. These visitors would obstruct rescue efforts and put themselves and others in danger, the city states. For those curious about the flood areas, they're asked to avoid them on foot, and respect any closed bridges or roads. Authorities have repeatedly had to express the potential danger of swimming against the current to both adults and children. The Schussen river overflowed its banks on Saturday evening, flooding streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
17:11 Serious thunderstorm warnings in Brandenburg Oder-Spree area
The German Weather Service (DWD) has released an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. By Sunday afternoon, there's a potential for lightning, uprooted trees, strong winds, or falling objects at the second highest alert level. This could lead to damage to properties, as well as landslides and hail.
16:53 Two more districts declare disaster status
The districts of Dachau and Kelheim have declared a disaster due to flooding. Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer states that such measures ensure well-coordinated relief efforts and ample provisions. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl expresses a similar sentiment, explaining that local officials can no longer handle the mounting deployment sites.
16:25 Train restrictions anticipated on Monday
With potentially challenging weather conditions in southern Germany, Deutsche Bahn has announced an extension of its leniency policy for Monday. Anyone with a ticket from Sunday to Monday and impacted by weather damage can reschedule their journey at a later date. Though traffic impacts remain uncertain, the railway advises against traveling in flood-ridden Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions. Numerous long-distance routes have experienced cancellations, including Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes.
16:08 3,000 people in Bavaria evacuated due to floods
In Bavaria, over 3,000 people have been evacuated due to the flooding. A spokeswoman from the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich confirms these statistics. Currently, around 20,000 emergency personnel work tirelessly on flood-related tasks, while 40,000 have been involved since the situation began.
15:51 Weather expert: "These flood events far from over"
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs, ntv weather expert, foresees difficulty in assuming that the southern flood situation will stabilize soon. "Each additional drop matters," he tells the public. He sees climate change's dangers in the current crisis.
15:22 Electrocution during flooding rescue work - man severely injured
A man working on the floods near the town hall in Allershausen, Upper Bavaria, suffers a significant electric shock. The Upper Bavarian Police Headquarters' representative reveals a 27-year-old worker for an energy company was airlifted to the hospital. His work appears to be associate with the floods.
15:02 Shipping along the Upper Rhine suspended
Floods in South Germany have caused the suspension of shipping on the Rhine. Following heavy rain, river levels along the Rhine are high, limiting navigation. According to the Rhine High Water Forecast Center Rheinland-Pfalz, no ships have sailed at a section near Karlsruhe since Saturday. Friday evening, the water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping maximum II at 7.50 meters. It increased to 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon, but is predicted to fall again Monday night. The river levels are expected to rise considerably downstream in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, the rising waters may put shipping in jeopardy during the coming days. The Koblenz gauge could reach a level of roughly 6.10 meters on Tuesday, prohibiting any ship sailing.
2:38 PM: Section of Autobahn A9 Closed Between Allershausen and Ingolstadt
The Autobahn A9 is closed on a 50-kilometer stretch between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. An official from the Upper Bavarian North Police Department reports that parts of the road are facing floods, a novel occurrence for law enforcement in that region. Additionally, there are power outages in the area. A significant number of people are being affected. Steps are being taken to address the issue. The district administration has urged the residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to relocate to the upper floors of their homes or apartments.
Updated 3:23 PM: As per the Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Additionally, the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Neufahrn junction is significantly restricted. It's recommended to bypass the entire area. There are also restrictions due to flooding on the A8, heading towards Munich, in the Sulzemoos area.
1:59 PM: Economy Minister Habeck Views Heavy Rain as a Result of Climate Change
Economy Minister Robert Habeck urges for more focus on climate protection once the flood disaster in Southern Germany is tamed. "The containment of CO2 emissions, so that we have enough time to adapt, shouldn't be dismissed or suppressed but is the top priority," says Habeck during a visit to the heavily impacted Reichertshofen in Bavaria. Habeck states that the frequency of natural disasters is "definitely a sign that nature and climate are changing." These "century floods" now occur "every few years."
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz To Visit Flood-Affected Areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the affected areas personally on Monday to gain a better understanding of the situation. [Sources: dpa, rnd.de, n-tv.de]
1:21 PM: Missing 22-Year-Old after Flood Rescue Operation in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter is missing after a flood rescue operation in Offingen, Landkreis Gunzburg. This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Swabia South police headquarters. The young man was with a colleague from the volunteer fire department and three lifeguards from the DLRG in a boat for an evacuation at around 2:50 am, when the boat capsized. Four of the rescuers were saved from the water, while the 22-year-old is still missing. Searching efforts have been intensifying since early morning. Two helicopters are currently being utilized. A 42-year-old firefighter has already perished during the flood operation.
1:11 PM: No Relief: Thunderstorms Continue Heavy Rain
The new week does not bring any respite to the flood zones in Southern Germany. Per NTV meteorologist Bjoern Alexander, "the widespread, heavy rain is still ongoing." However, new and local thunderstorms have developed.
12:52 PM: Possible Dam Breach at the Paar
At the Paar, another potential dam breach is imminent. Municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district are affected. Residents are asked to promptly move to upper floors. Basements and cellars should be vacated, according to authorities. In case of imminent emergencies, the fire department must be contacted at the emergency number 112.
12:39 PM: 40,000 Emergency Personnel on Duty in Bavaria for Floods
According to Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, there are roughly 40,000 emergency personnel aiding in dealing with the flood situation across Bavaria. Söder stated during his visit to Upper Bavarian Reichertshofen, "the most essential task now will be to properly organize the reliefs in the next few hours." Those who have been working for an extended period need to be relieved, according to Söder. "As the time spent in the field without relief increases, the risk of errors, exhaustion, and potential danger to life and limb gets higher."
12:29 PM: Straubing Implementing Dam Guards
The Donaupegel in Straubing is expected to reach alert level four, as reported by the High Water Information Service (HND) Bavaria. As a result, authorities in Straubing are installing dam guards from 3 PM. Fire fighters on site will monitor the dam and feed updates on both the current water levels and any damage to the dam. More sandbags are being filled.
12:03 PM: Dam Breach in Area of Baar-Ebenhausen
A dam has ruptured in Baar-Ebenhausen, part of the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen. According to an official alert, the municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are affected. People are urged to immediately leave the ground floor of their homes.
11:37 AM: Chancellor Scholz Praises Rescue Workers in Flood-Affected Areas
The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, expresses his gratitude and respect to those working in the flood-affected areas. "I'm saddened by the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen," he writes. He sends his condolences to the firefighter's colleagues and comrades. In the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter lost his life during a rescue operation at night.
11:25 Floods become a topic at the Catholic Day in Erfurt
The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, offers a special greeting to those affected by the floods at the Catholic Day's closing mass in Erfurt. "We hope for the protection and preservation of human lives," says Bätzing in front of the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Parts of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis are underwater
The districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the community of Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are under water. The Schussen river has overflown its banks, flooding the streets, a municipality spokesperson confirms. Around 1300 people were evacuated voluntarily on Saturday to seek safety outside their homes. Some residents chose to stay put and took refuge in the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen rose to over 4.86 meters on Saturday evening. It has since started to recede. Normally, the depth of the Schussen at that spot is only 45 centimeters.
10:34 Minister President Söder expresses sympathy for deceased firefighter
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder honors the firefighter who lost his life during a rescue operation in a flood zone. "His unwavering commitment to his fellow humans will always be remembered," he writes. "Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his colleagues and family. We all mourn. It hurts." The firefighter died when a rescue boat capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen due to submerged houses.
10:09 The Ukrainian football team will train elsewhere due to floods
The Ukrainian national football team has switched their final training session before the EM test match against Germany to Erlangen, as the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg is too wet. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian team says they want to spare the stadium's lawn. The team will play in Nuremberg on Monday against the German national football team.
09:52 290 interventions in Munich due to flooding
The Munich area is also being affected by heavy rain for hours. Since 6:00 am on Saturday, the fire department has carried out over 290 interventions, the Munich fire department reports. Firefighters are mainly pumping out flooded basements and underground garages. Additional trees have fallen, and some streets have been closed. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was exceeded on Saturday evening.
09:24 Situation in Anhausen calming down after dam break
Anhausen's flood situation is gradually improving following a dam break five kilometers away, which caused mass flooding. "People who were evacuated here are beginning to return," reports an ntv journalist, Niklas Diemer. However, water levels are still critical elsewhere.
09:08 THW sends more personnel to flooded areas
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is dispatching more personnel to assist in the flood-hit regions of southern Germany. Over 1800 people are already on duty, a spokeswoman says. The helpers are helping with dam maintenance, filling sandbags, and aiding in evacuations of people in flooded areas. The fire department and other emergency services are also responding to the situation.
08:47 Baden-Württemberg faces potential century-old flood
The flood situation in parts of Germany remains concerning, with the south of the country heavily affected by water masses. In the east of Baden-Württemberg, there's even the threat of a century-old flood. The rescue services and helpers are reaching their limits.
08:30 Recovery of landslide-affected ICE train to take place in the morning
The ICE train affected by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, will be retrieved in the morning. The regional train cannot pass this section of the track, said a spokeswoman. The rescuers have deployed a rescue locomotive to support the recovery of the ICE. The duration of the disruption is unclear. However, the regional train has been able to pass the disabled ICE.
08:16 Missing person in Schrobenhausen
A person is missing in Schrobenhausen. The individual may have been in the cellar of a house when the flood waters rose. A spokesman for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office reveals that the rescuers cannot yet enter the house due to the dangerous waters.
07:44 Tragic Loss of a Firefighter in the Floods
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, a firefighter has passed away. He met his demise while performing his duty alongside three other firefighters in a rescue boat. This unfortunate news was conveyed by an official spokesperson for the district administration in the morning hours.
07:29 Floods Shift Downstream - Remaining Regions at Level 4
In Bavaria, certain areas display record-high flood levels at a magnitude of 4. The focus is primarily on the southern Donau tributaries of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as per the flood warning services' report. The peak levels were encountered during the night hours. The focus has now shifted downstream - from Swabia toward Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. The potential affected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing, with the peak wave being expected to traverse through these regions by early next week. In particular, it is expected that water levels will significantly rise in Mühlried within the Schrobenhausen district, in Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, along with Abensberg in the Kelheim district by Sunday.
06:54 Weather Forecast Predicts More Severe Storms for South
In various regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates inclement weather characterized by severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. These conditions are expected to prevail from lunchtime on Sunday until late Monday night. Consequently, streets and basement areas may once again be flooded due to the precipitation, and there is the potential for lightning damage as well.
05:39 Augsburg District Increases Evacuation Calls
In the flooded areas of the Augsburg district in Bavaria, local authorities have widened the scope of their evacuation notices. Residents in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave their communities as soon as possible, according to the Integrated Emergency Control Center early morning statement. Transportation is being facilitated for those unable to evacuate on their own. Additionally, evacuation instructions were conveyed to other communities in the district on Saturday evening and beyond. Areas substantially impacted include those surrounding the Schmutter river, which is a Danube tributary.
05:05 Wiesbaden Braces for Rising Water Levels
Officials in Wiesbaden are taking proactive measures to address the rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. A flood defense wall has been erected in the Kostheim district, as reported by the city's fire department early morning. Furthermore, a pump has been set up in the Schierstein district. To minimize potential hazards, parking facilities along the riverbanks should be avoided for the foreseeable future. Currently, it is believed that no further actions will be necessary.
04:04 Railway Traffic Between Stuttgart and Munich Halted
Train services between Stuttgart and Munich have been suspended as a result of a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg region's Schwäbisch Gmünd area. A railway spokesperson does not yet know how long the closure will last, as shared in the early morning bulletin. The landslide has obstructed the bypass route between Aalen and Stuttgart, forcing long-distance trains to be rerouted due to existing flood conditions in southern Germany.
03:13 THW in Ulm Fills Sandbags for Flood-Prone Regions
In a nocturnal operation, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm has been busy filling sandbags for use in flooded and flood-threatened areas. Overnight Sunday, an estimated 30,000 sandbags were set to be delivered. The organization's leaders shared that they can fill 400 sandbags per hour. Demand for these sandbags typically originates from affected zones in the southwest as well as neighboring regions. This constant rainfall has caused noticeable upticks in water levels in both Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross Mobilizes Water Rescue Team for Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is crowbarring water-rescue professionals from Unterfranken to aid in the ongoing efforts in Swabia. The water rescue team is anticipated to be utilized specifically in the Günzburg district, according to a statement from the Red Cross on Saturday evening. The water rescue units from throughout Unterfranken are equipped with two boat and diving teams each. With several waterways in the district of Günzburg reaching the levels of a so-called "century flood," this represents a flood event that typically only occurs every 100 years.
1:27 Schwaebisch Gmuend: Two ICE train carriages derail due to landslideA landslide caused two carriages on an ICE (InterCityExpress) train, carrying 185 passengers, to derail in the Baden-Wuerttemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend late in the evening. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the incident. Passengers are being safely evacuated. The spokesperson for the railway company stated that the derailment happened at around 11:20 pm. The carriages did not tip over but they were pushed off the tracks by the landslide, which was roughly 30 meters wide. The passengers will be moved to a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Ploedershausen by bus.
00:59 Car struck by a landslide in Schwaebisch GmuendA car was hit by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend. The driver reportedly sustained no injuries, according to initial police reports. The incident occurred where the road and the railway line run parallel. Located around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart, Schwaebisch Gmuend has witnessed heavy rain since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm city passes high water level mark, extent of damage unknownThe city of Neu-Ulm successfully surpassed the high water level mark of the Danube and Iller, as assessed by the city administration. While avoiding the 100-year flood in the process, the actual extent of damage is still uncertain. "It won't be clear until the water levels normalize," commented Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Presently, two streets, the Danube's banks, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller are closed to the public.
23:44 Munich: Danger of flooding at the Isar River BankThe Munich Fire Department alerted people to potential dangers at the Isar River Bank due to the recent rise in water levels. Also, two popular walking paths along the river have been closed. The Isar River has reached alert level 2, indicating flooding in non-built areas or road disruptions due to high water levels.
23:23 Schrobenhausen: 670 people to be evacuated due to floodingRescue teams and firefighters are preparing to evacuate around 670 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. Heavy machinery is being used to evacuate in the Mühldorf district, including excavators and boats. The district administration has set up a citizen hotline for emergencies. They have already declared a disaster.
23:03 Eastern Thuringia: Numerous fire brigade operations due to heavy rain and thunderstormsThe regions in Eastern Thuringia have experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, initiating a significant number of fire brigade operational interventions. The control center in Gera reported these incidents. The areas around Ronneburg in the Greiz district are heavily impacted by floods, flooded roads, inundated fields, and flooded cellars. A small stream has also overflowed.
22:45 Lower rainfall amounts in the south - no rainfall warning yetThe German Weather Service (DWD) reports a slight reduction in the persistent rain seen in southern Germany's affected or vulnerable regions. According to the DWD meteorologist, there won't be the heavy rainfall experienced last night. "There won't be the monumental downpours we had last night," he says. However, showers and thunderstorms are arriving from the north, potentially leading to more local flooding on Sunday afternoon. He also noted that these showers could be quite strong and gradually fade away. The areas predicted to experience these showers and thunderstorms include the Swabian Alb, areas to its north, as well as the surroundings of Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Disaster situation in Freising as wellThe Freising district also states a disaster situation due to the threat of overflowing rivers and creeks. Both the Amper and Glonn rivers could reach unprecedented water levels, as indicated by the district administration. The district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality is concerned about a massive flood in Hohenkammer and other areas along the Amper. Citizens are being urged to prepare early for such an extreme situation, like emptying their cellars, for example. With this, ten Bavarian districts declared a disaster situation.
9:50 Dillingen district announces disaster status due to persistent rain
The Dillingen district in Bavaria now also declares a disaster situation due to heavy rainfall. The circumstances at the Zusam, a Danube tributary, have worsened in the evening, as authorities report. The local crisis team is asking for assistance from the Bundeswehr. Experts forecast a 100-year flood on this small river, which may impact the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Concurrently, officials are planning to empty the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district administration is asking local farmers to keep their livestock in secure barns.
9:09 Eighth Bavarian town declares disaster status
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has proclaimed the eighth Bavarian town a disaster zone. The reason is the swelling Danube and its tributaries, as the district administration in the Upper Bavarian town confirms. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt anticipates level 4 at the Neuburg gauge, and the situation is particularly dire at the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which runs into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen section of Mühldorf, the Weilach has already inundated a residential district. Emergency services are making preparations to evacuate residents in that area, according to Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is most serious in the southern region of the district. Von der Grün emphasizes that securing roads, bridges, and related infrastructure is a key priority. "This is necessary to ensure that the fire department can continue its operations and receive calls."
8:34 Life-threatening situation: Bavarian Red Cross saves people from roof with helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has airlifted two people from their home's roof in Babenhausen using a helicopter. These individuals were in a life-threatening state, as a BRK spokesperson explains. Their dwelling was at risk of collapsing due to large volumes of water. Other people were also transported by inflatable boats from their houses. The rescue teams guided more than 100 people to safety - including several children.
8:13 People in various Augsburg locations are requested to leave their homes
Water rescuers had to help people escape their vehicles as well, who could not open the doors due to the water masses. The situation may become life-threatening due to rapid currents and rising water levels in the vehicles, the spokesperson adds.
In several municipalities of the Landkreis Augsburg, residents are urged to vacate their homes due to the critical flood situation. The situation is expected to worsen in the northeastern region of the district during the night, informs a spokesperson for the Augsburg district administration. The areas of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf are affected. The Swabia administration has established an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
7:48 Bundeswehr assists in flooded areas in Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers are deployed to alleviate the flood damage in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, following their official requests," says a spokesperson for the Bavarian Bundeswehr Command. "In the vicinity of Gunzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, about 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are scheduled to arrive as 'helping hands' in the next few hours. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are being utilized there."
7:20 Faeser promises further assistance
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser guarantees further resources for the flood-impacted regions in southern Germany. "Due to persistent rain and the impending flooding, the THW is prepared to send additional forces," states the SPD politician in Berlin, referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW) and its personnel. "We will continue to support the impacted states with the assistance of the THW." By Saturday evening, 520 personnel from the THW had already been deployed. They have saved people, fortified dikes, and drained water. Faeser also expressed her gratitude towards everyone involved in the efforts against the floods. "I thank all the aid workers and helpers most sincerely who are currently battling against the floodwaters and are unwaveringly working to save lives." The citizens of the flood-stricken areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are urged to adhere to the instructions and warnings provided by the authorities. "Please take these directions and warnings very seriously!"
The climbers in need atop the Zugspitze (see Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been rescued. 29 individuals were led to safety by the mountain rescue team at the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin, on the Zugspitzplatt, per a statement from the mountain rescue service. Multiple groups had issued distress calls. They could no longer proceed as weather conditions had deteriorated and new snowfall had accumulated roughly 2500 meters above sea level, approximately 900 meters from the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue team leapt into action. Employees from the Zugspitzbahn were also making their way with snow groomers to aid in the search for the climbers, according to a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
18:42 Weather Service issues severe storm warning for Brandenburg areas
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is cautioning against the potential dangers of violent storms in certain sections of Brandenburg. Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree districts are facing a second-highest warning level until the evening. Warnings include potential lightning strikes, falling trees and power lines, airborne objects, rapidly flooded roads, landslides, and hail.
18:11 Water covers stretch of the A3 Autobahn
In Bavaria, between Parsberg and Beratzhausen junctions of the A3 motorway, nearly ten kilometers of the A3 is closed in both directions. The road condition is flooded, per a spokesperson from the Police Presidium Upper Palatinate. “The water is pouring in from the fields onto the motorway,” they added. Traffic police in Regensburg report that the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are present on-site, with instructions to divert traffic.
17:51 Prison in Memmingen being evacuated due to flooding
In Memmingen, Bavaria, the prison is undergoing evacuation as a result of the flooding risk. A Modering agency report confirms this, mentioning that approximately 150 inmates will be moved temporarily to locations in Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Directly in front of the prison runs the Memminger Ach - a small river that has grown into a roaring torrent, posing a flood threat to the JVA. Portions of the courtyard are already under water, which could potentially result in a power outage. The prison management declared the evacuation due to the threat. Police arrived with several emergency vehicles for evacuation duties. The evacuation agents had to navigate flooded streets to reach the prison. Firefighting vehicles were also present with pumps, used to pump water out of the prison.
17:35 Heavy rains cause significant river level increase
The downpour has led several measurement points in Swabia to reach level 4, indicating a flood situation. Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate rivers are swelling. The flood warning service (HND) noted that the gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Schmutter) are already at level 4. In Dasing (Paar), they anticipate reaching this level. The Regen in Cham (Upper Palatinate) is also expected to reach level 4. Hundred-year floods are projected at the gauges in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is anticipated to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 on Saturday to Sunday. The lower Iller indicates water levels are already receding. Northern Danube tributaries - Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab - exhibit individual gauges with level 1 and 2 overflows, with a further trend of increasing flow. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are expected to reach Meldestufe 3 during the day, including locations in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is also slated to follow. In the further Danube section towards Passau, increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are estimated.
17:23 Flight operations continue normally at Munich Airport, despite inclement weather
Despite heavy rains across various parts of Bavaria, operations at Munich Airport continue to function as usual. No flights have been cancelled. Wulst offers several reasons for this, stating, "We observe water gathering in the meadows adjacent to the runways." The airport was also constructed at an elevated region. Steep grades on the runways facilitate water drainage. The runways are also grooved, which improves water runoff. As of now, no imminent dangers of aquaplaning exist. The airport predicts no major concerns through the remainder of the weekend.
17:07 Söder: "Things are really getting intense"
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder visits the flooded region in Swabia to assess the situation personally. He expresses his gratitude to the emergency responders and authorities. Söder mentions that Bavaria is being tested by the crisis and considers the situation an 'extreme burden' for the citizens. The Minister President suggests that things are just starting to heat up, highlighting the emphasis on deploying resources in Swabia. He stresses that helpers such as the fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization are crucial and points to their exemplary commitment. To reinforce his message, he encourages citizens to follow the rules, avoid returning to the basements despite evacuations, and refrain from leaving their garages with their cars.
16:35 No trains running anymore
Rail traffic in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria is progressively being disrupted. Deutsche Bahn confirms that there are train disruptions and breakdowns due to the storms and floods in southern Germany. ICE lines connecting Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich as well as the Augsburg and Ulm line are directly impacted. Bh for further details, check websites for information on their failures, delays, and the closure of tracks.
16:12 Disaster zone encompasses Unterallgäu - Residents needing assistance should display a white cloth
In Bavaria's Unterallgäu region, the disaster situation has begun to unfold. The disaster situation status has been activated in the Babenhausen town, and its administration requests residents who need help and cannot make a call to hang a white fabric outside their house. Still, importantly, people are already being evacuated in Babenhausen with utilization of inflatable boats and other rescue measures.
15:57 400 THW forces deployed in South Germany
Roughly 400 members of the technical relief organization (THW) are involved in various actions in southern Germany. Notably, they are pumping water out, securing dikes, and assisting in evacuations. The THW, based in Bonn, is prepared to put more resources into action given the relentless rainfall. Mobile flood gauges will be set up in affected areas, and these will be monitored continuously.
15:37 Map showcase all current flood alerts
This map showcases all current flood warnings and is continually updated.
15:15 Report: 26-man mountaineering group stranded below Zugspitze
An extensive climbing group of 26 people is said to be trapped hundreds of meters underneath the Zugspitze mountain. BR, a broadcasting channel, reports heavy rainfall and 60 cm of snow accumulation on the mountain's peak. The temperature is notably frigid at the moment, with visibility well below 100 meters. Several rescue teams have been dispatched to find the climbers in the blizzard. Their condition and preparedness upon attempting to scale the Zugspitze given extreme weather forecasts remains questionable.
14:52 Donau-Ries district declares disaster situation
Following the onset of the floods in Bavaria's Donau-Ries region, administrator Stefan Roßle has declared a disaster situation. The goal behind this decision is to unite all available forces to expedite readiness for the anticipated water levels. Roßle urges people to maintain a calm demeanor and advise avoiding low-lying regions at this time.
14:20 Dam breach near Augsburg - Preparing for evacuation
In Swabia's Augsburg region, a dam and dike have broken. The district administration shares the news of Diedorf residents requiring immediate evacuation. Residents in certain parts of the town are encouraged to leave their homes within the hour on their own and gather at Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also advise staying away from underpasses near train stations, as floods may flow in that direction. There's a significant threat to life.
Stay safe!
On another note - here's an image of Markus Söder visiting the flooded area:
People are asked to avoid driving if possible, following extreme weather events:
"In a situation of this caliber, the best option is to wait it out and avoid going outside."
Swabia, a region severely affected by recent floods, draws attention as policymaker, Markus Söder, pays a visit. While expressing gratitude to the authorities and helpers working diligently to overcome the crisis, Söder acknowledges its weight on the citizens. He mentions that the worst is yet to come and stresses the prioritization of Swabia with resources like sandbags. In praise of the emergency responders such as the fire department, the Red Cross, the police, and the Technical Relief Organization, Söder appeals to citizens to follow safety rules amidst the calamities. A reminder to adhere to evacuation warnings and not re-enter dangerous spaces is made.
With ongoing train disruptions in southern Germany, Deutsche Bahn has confirmed that some ICE lines see failures on Munich-Bregenz and Ulm-Augsburg routes. The website will provide insights on further track disruptions, failures, and delays.
The Unterallgäu region in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation, and the Babenhausen district is among those affected. With a ditched mobile communications network, its administration requests residents needing help to display outside a white cloth. Already commenced in Babenhausen, evacuations are taking place with water rescue teams using inflatable boats.
Braving a workload of about 400 personnel, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) acts in South Germany and is ready to deploy further support.
On Saturday, Bavaria's leaders Markus Soeder and Joachim Herrmann, both CSU politicians, are heading to Augsburg's Swabian district to get a hands-on look at the devastating floods in Diedorf. Apart from them, District Administrator Martin Sailer will join this visit, the exact location of which was hastily rescheduled because of the dire circumstances. There were initial plans for the politicians to visit Fischach instead, but the quickly changing situation called for a different approach. Currently, residents in Diedorf are being prepared for evacuation amidst the critical flood situation in the Swabian region. Along with Augsburg, districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now labelled the disaster an emergency situation as well.
Meanwhile, the Meckenbeuren flood situation at the Schussen river keeps getting worse. Spokespersons from the town estimated the river level at noon to be 4.72 meters, roughly double its normal depth. The height surpasses the previous 2021 flood peak, which stood at 4.50 meters. However, there's hope that the worst of the flooding is yet to come. Municipality officials also issued a warning to approximately 1300 locals to evacuate their homes on Friday, although most of them found shelter with friends or family. A small number of people opted to seek protection at the designated emergency shelter. Consequently, the town's schools, kindergartens, and community spaces were cleared out in advance to prevent any potential flood damage. Also, bridges in the municipality of 14,000 inhabitants were closed for safety measures.
Read also:
- The Live ticker reports that the International community expresses concern over the flood situation in Rosenheim county, which is declared an emergency case.
- Firefighters and THW assistance teams are also deployed in Rosenheim as the county's flood worsens, causing damage and requiring rapid response measures.
- As the flood situation continues in Rosenheim, there are calls for resources and aid from other German counties and countries, recognizing the scale of the disaster.
