Dresden's water level is rapidly approaching the 6-meter threshold.
The capital of Saxony is bracing for rising water levels, with the six-meter mark predicted to be surpassed later in the day, triggering the second-highest warning level. Meanwhile, some water levels in Bavaria are decreasing, but additional rainfall is forecasted.
As per the state flood center data, the Elbe in Dresden stood at 5.54 meters in the morning, and it's projected to exceed the six-meter mark later. From this point, the alarm level 3, which indicates potential flooding of inhabited regions, is active.
The Elbe near the Czech border has already reached the six-meter level at Schöna gauge, recording 6.09 meters. The Lausitzer Neiße near Görlitz on the Polish border also sits at alarm level 3, with a reading of 5.56 meters, just a few centimeters away from alarm level 4.
In Görlitz, a woman fatefully slipped by the Parkhotel Merkur's water edge and plunged into the Neiße. She was swept about 700 meters downstream before managing to free herself near the Vierradmuhle weir. She's now receiving treatment for hypothermia in a medical facility. The B99 Bundesstraße section in Görlitz has been closed due to safety concerns, as reported by a police spokesperson. The 4.80-meter threshold for warning level 3 in this area was surpassed.
The Technical Relief Agency (THW) is preparing for potential flooding in eastern Germany. "We are readying ourselves to move larger forces to the Elbe and the Oder if necessary," THW head Fritz-Helge Voss mentioned in the ZDF 'Morgenmagazin.' He recommended inhabitants in hazardous areas to create a modest emergency kit.
At least eight casualties have been reported due to the storm 'Anett' or 'Boris,' bringing heavy rain and flooding to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania. While Germany's situation remains relatively stable, additional rises in water levels are expected due to heavy rain.
Germany is still waiting for the corresponding extreme weather situation and has been "lucky" so far. However, the Elbe, Neiße, and Oder rivers are expected to flood throughout the week. Over the weekend, the THW had deployed approximately 140 personnel in Bavaria and Saxony, including at the collapsed Carolabridge in Dresden.
The Bavaria flood situation remains tense in certain areas, and additional rain is expected. The police headquarters reported that the situation in affected areas did not change significantly in the night. The High Water Information Service (HND) predicts renewed increases in water levels with the rainy start to the week.
However, a flood akin to Bavaria's June flood is not anticipated. Among other factors, the HND expects water levels on the Danube at Passau, the Vils at Vilshofen, and the Isar at Munich to rise once more. From Wednesday onwards, the situation is expected to gradually better, according to the reports.
Until Tuesday, the German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates continuous rain from the Alps to the foothills. Widespread rainfall amounts of 40 to 70 liters per square meter are possible, with up to 90 liters in stagnant areas.
In Passau, the floodwaters of the Danube and Inn rivers are beginning to recede, albeit minimally. The Danube's level in Passau was recorded at 7.24 meters in the morning, which is around 20 centimeters lower than Sunday afternoon. According to data from the Bavarian Flood Information Service, before the weekend's storms and heavy rain in the south and southeast of the state, it was only around 5 meters on Thursday evening.
At the Inn River's Marienbrücke gauge in Passau, 4.56 meters were measured in the morning, which is lower than the 5.03 meters on Sunday afternoon. On Thursday evening, it was around 2.50 meters.
In Passau, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. Some sections of the old town were flooded over the weekend, a familiar experience for the locals.
Volunteers filled sandbags against the floodwaters, and flood protection measures were implemented. "It is strongly advised not to enter flooded areas!", the city warned. The situation's development in the coming days remains uncertain.
Despite the decreasing water levels in some parts of Bavaria, additional rainfall is forecasted, which could lead to further challenges. The Netherlands, known for its robust flood management system, could potentially offer assistance or expertise to help Germany navigate these challenging weather conditions.
