Dresden escalates flood alert status
Heavy downpours in adjacent nations also swell river levels in Bavaria and Saxony. Although the flooding peak in the south might've hit its zenith, the Elbe level is forecasted to surge for several more days. In neighboring countries like Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland, substantial rainfall and flooding have occurred, yet Germany's scenario remains relatively tranquil, albeit some locations have issued preliminary warning signals. Furthermore rainfall is projected for Saxony until Monday afternoon, and in certain parts of Bavaria, it may persist until Tuesday afternoon.
Dresden announced the second level of flood warning in the evening. The Elbe level measures 501 centimeters, with a substantial increase anticipated, as reported by the Saxon state capital. Additionally, the partially collapsed Carol Bridge affects the flood situation: submerged bridge components impede the flow, causing water levels to surge upstream by approximately 30 to 50 centimeters in a section of the Elbe. The forecast suggests that Dresden will elevate the warning level to 3 on Monday, which necessitates water levels surpassing the 6-meter threshold. There are four warning levels in total, with the peak expected mid-week.
In Schöna on the Elbe, the second alarm stage is active, signaling the onset of flooding, the state flood control center indicates. The same alarm stage is already enforced in Görlitz at the Lusatian Neiße, where the water level is currently receding but may ascend once more on Monday. In Brandenburg, flooding was predicted in certain areas, yet no warning levels were declared over the weekend.
Young Man in Wheelchair Saved
In Bavaria, the maximum water levels were primarily attained by morning, as per the flood news service. The afternoon rainfall will initially trigger a modest increase in the east, reported the Bavarian Environmental Agency's service. The subsequent progression remains unclear. According to current estimates, river levels in the affected regions may attain similar heights as today by Tuesday. Rainfall is anticipated to diminish on Tuesday, and the situation should normalize in Bavaria by Wednesday.
In Passau, the Danube reached its peak level early Sunday morning. Some paths and parking lots were blocked, as announced by the city. The third warning level was hit in Ruhstorf on the Rott in the early hours of Sunday, where the water level is expected to rise slightly transitorily.
In Munich, the water level initially dipped below the second warning level on Sunday. In Bavaria's state capital, the fire department rescued a 19-year-old from the floodwaters on Saturday evening, who had been swept away in his wheelchair. Fortunately, the young man suffered no injuries during the incident.
In Bavaria, despite the predicted rainfall on Tuesday, the river levels in affected regions are expected to reach similar heights as current levels by that day, according to the Bavarian Environmental Agency's service. The young man, a 19-year-old, was successfully rescued from the floodwaters in Munich on Saturday evening, despite being swept away in his wheelchair.
The rainfall in Bavaria, while causing a modest increase in the east on Sunday afternoon, did not significantly impact the overall situation, as the river levels had primarily reached their maximum by morning.
