Ebersbach an der Fils prepares certain locals for evacuation at 03:26.
The town of Ebersbach an der Fils, located south of Stuttgart, has alerted residents living in certain streets to prepare for possible evacuations due to flooding. They urged people to gather important documents and essential items to spend the night away from home. The town's Facebook page announced this information early on Monday morning. It's also important for residents to stay in the upper floors of their houses. The Ebersbach fire department is expected to assist residents.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has lifted all severe storm warnings with heavy rain for Germany, but there's still a chance of heavy rain in southern Germany. From noon onwards, areas south of the Danube and near the Bavarian Forest will be affected. Stormy rain showers could also bring about thunderstorms.
The Augsburg district has experienced issues with "flood tourists" interfering with rescue teams. These tourists have attempted to visit dike locations, underpasses, and areas near water, despite all warnings. To avoid burdening the rescue teams unnecessarily, it's recommended that people avoid these places. Flood waves can unexpectedly hit you, and banks can collapse, warns the authority. Drivers and pedestrians should also steer clear of flooded roads and underpasses. Manhole covers could be lifted by the pressure in the sewers, creating a suction that could pull people in.
Baden-Wuerttemberg's Minister President, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl, are set to visit two flood-stricken regions in the state on Monday. They will first visit Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning, followed by a visit to Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. Kretschmann decided against visiting the flooded areas on Sunday. "I myself have decided not to visit the area in the acute situation, where every pair of hands is needed, and every sandbag makes a difference, but to stay informed and close at hand," he said on Sunday afternoon. He added that the rescue teams are overwhelmed.
Ebersbach an der Fils declared a full alarm condition due to flooding on Sunday night. This means all firefighters are now on duty. Water masses have broken through a noise barrier and flooded the federal highway 10, as seen in a video shared by the city on its Facebook page. The town's Facebook page cautioned residents, urging them to stay at home and avoid emergency scenes. There's a danger to life, as the video shows. People are also advised not to enter their cellars or visit any manhole covers.
A 43-year-old missing person was found deceased in a cellar, as reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk.
The signaling box in Radeberg, east of Dresden, was hit by lightning on Sunday evening, halting regional train traffic in the Dresden area for a brief period. The signaling box, which controls traffic on the Dresden-Bautzen and Dresden-Görlitz lines, has suffered a malfunction as a result of the lightning strike. The railway spokesperson indicated that repairs would be completed on the same day, but the trains ran normally again after about two hours.
A nursing home in Lauingen, situated near the Danube, is being evacuated due to the flood. The city's website reported this development, emphasizing the need to ensure the uninterrupted care of residents. The elderly people were accommodated and cared for at an educational center.
Areas between the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries have been evacuated because a dam has been breached. The affected areas include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and a part of Urfahrhof. The district office advises people to remain calm, collect necessary belongings, and follow emergency service instructions. Notebooks are being provided.
A 48-year-old man is reportedly missing and presumed dead in the cellar of a building.
Because of a lightning strike in Radeberg, a signal box in the Dresden area has malfunctioned, disrupting regional train traffic. The malfunction was repaired in the evening, and trains resumed operation after around two hours.
Ebersbach an der Fils has declared a full alarm due to floods on Sunday evening. This decision means all firefighters are now on duty. Video footage shows water from a breached noise barrier flooding the federal highway 10. The town's Facebook page advised residents to stay at home and not venture out to emergency scenes, as there is a risk of life. Residents are also warned not to enter their cellars or approach any manhole covers.
Another fatality is reported—a 48-year-old man has been found dead in a cellar.
A lightning strike on a signal box in Radeberg impacted regional train traffic in the Dresden region. This happened at 5:10 pm and required a two-hour repair.
The nursing home near the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated due to flooding. The city has posted this information on its website and assured residents that their care would continue. Residents were moved to a local educational center.
At 9:03 PM: Faeser plans to visit the flooded parts of Bavaria as well.
Scholz and Faeser to Visit Bavaria's Flood-ravaged Areas.
After the flooding spreads to more regions in southern Germany, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, plan a visit to Bavaria's flood-hit area on Monday. They would meet with Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, and State Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria. The President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is also expected to be present at this meeting.
According to the Landratsamt Pfaffenhofen, some kindergartens in the district will also remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
At 8:30 PM: 40 Bavarian Schools Shut Down on Monday.
Due to the intensifying flood crisis, at least 40 schools in 8 districts in Bavaria will be closed on Monday. According to the Bavarian Ministry of Education, affected districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. All schools in the Aichach-Friedberg district will remain closed, as well as all primary, middle, and secondary schools in this district. Likewise, schools in Dillingen will also be shut down completely. Furthermore, kindergartens in Pfaffenhofen district will also remain closed on Monday and Tuesday. While primary, middle, and secondary schools in Schrobenhausen, along with its vocational school, vocational college, special school, and grammar school will have in-person classes canceled on Monday and Tuesday.
Read more about this on Merkur.de
At 7:49 PM: Power Shutdowns in About 30 Swabian Towns.
At least 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing power outages, as reported by the network operator LEW. Apart from these towns, local grids in individual streets and houses are also affected. The outages presumably affect Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen districts. The emergency crews are working on restoring the power supply by switching to alternative lines. However, the duration of each power outage varies and depends on the specific conditions at hand.
At 7:11 PM: 1,000+ People in Günzburg Take Shelter at Gyms and Legoland.
In Günzburg, Bavaria, over a thousand people have found refuge in temporary shelters that are gyms and, partly, at Legoland. The sudden necessity for evacuation measures stems from the significant increase in the Günz River's water level. The mayor of Günzburg, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a disaster alert. The Donau river level in Straubing has already breached the six meters mark. The city is now at risk of triggering the fourth alert level, which indicates severe flooding. Road closures have also been reported as a result of the flood.
18:42 The Weather Service Warns of Heavy Downpours in the South.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) warns of further heavy rainfall, especially in the southern regions of Germany. In addition to acute rainfall in Stuttgart, meteorologists anticipate severe thunderstorms with heavy rain in the Alps, stretching from Saxony to southern Brandenburg, and heading towards Berlin. By Sunday evening, the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and Alpine Foothills, as well as the Bavarian Forest, will likely face strong thunderstorms with possible heavy rain as well. The meteorologists predict significant rainfall from Monday morning onwards in the Alpine Foothills south of the Danube. The accumulated precipitation results in heavier downpours, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour in some locations.
17:42 Disaster Alert Declared in Straubing.
Given the deteriorating situation along the Danube, Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr has declared a disaster alert. This measure comes after the city's Donau river level surpassed the six meters mark. The city is predicted to breach the fourth alert level before long. These alert levels, set by the flood warning service, range from mild river overflows (Level 1) to flooded built-up areas (Level 4) based on pressing demands and resources. Emergency measures are being successfully implemented, according to reports.
In certain cases, roads have been closed due to the flood.
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5:34 Floods at Bodenseekreis Caution Against Flood Tourism
Bodenseekreis district in Friedrichshafen, partially flooded, urges people to avoid visiting flood areas. This would create obstacles for rescue teams, potentially putting them and others in harm's way. The municipality advises pedestrians to steer clear from affected regions and comply with road and bridge closures. Authorities have previously informed individuals about the deadly current. On Saturday night, the Schussen river overflowed, flooding streets and houses in Kehlen and Brochenzell.
17:11 Severe Thunderstorm Hazard in Brandenburg Oder-Spree District
German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued an alert for severe thunderstorms in Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, peeps should be ready for lightning strikes, fallen trees, gusty winds, and flying items. There's also a risk of building damage.
16:53 Two More Districts Declare Crisis
Due to the flooding situation, Dachau and Kelheim have also declared disaster situations. District leaders in Kelheim, Martin Neumeyer, and in Dachau, Stefan Löwl, state that it's necessary to coordinate assistance efforts as effectively as possible. They emphasize that existing forces in the region cannot manage the expected emergency sites. Local support will now be complemented by external help.
16:25 Train Travel to Face Restrictions on Monday
Monday might bring restrictions on train travel in South Germany due to the weather conditions. The Deutsche Bahn has announced that it will allow passengers who've bought tickets for Sunday-Monday to postpone their journeys without penalties. Some train lines in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have been disrupted, including the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. Rail authorities urge travelers to avoid the flood-prone areas.
16:08 3,000 Affected by Evacuations in Bavaria
As many as 3,000 residents in Bavaria have been displaced due to flooding. A spokesperson from Bavarian Interior Ministry confirms this, adding that about 20,000 first responders are assisting in the ongoing efforts, while an initial force of 40,000 were deployed.
15:51 Weather Expert: "Yet to Fathom the Damage"
Bernd Fuchs of ntv doesn't discount the prospect of the flood situation in the south gradually improving. He sharply emphasizes, "Each drop is one too many." When asked about the flood's link to the climate crisis, Fuchs views the current scenario as "a clear indicator of where the trend is headed."
15:22 Electric Shock in Flood Work - Man Suffers Serious Injuries
An employee of an energy firm experienced a life-threatening electric shock while working near Freising. A spokesperson for Bavarian Police Presidium Upper Bavaria North reports that the 27-year-old man, employed by an electricity company, received the shock. Marooned in a flooded area, he was saved and transferred to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It's believed the incident occurred during efforts on power lines.
15:02 Shipping on Upper Rhine Halts
Due to heavy precipitation in South Germany, water levels along the Rhine have increased, halting shipping temporarily. The Rhine High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate notes that shipping is restricted on an Upper Rhine section near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The water level in Maximiliansau surpassed the critical shipping water level II by 7.50 meters Saturday evening. Although it decreased to 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon, it was expected to climb once again. In Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz, higher water levels are foreseen, threatening shipping on this vital waterway. At Koblenz, a level of 6.10 meters is expected by Tuesday, which is below the safe limit for sailing. Highest levels are anticipated on Wednesday in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
14:47 Neighboring Countries Help With CARE Emergency Aid
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria have jumped in to aid flood-hit areas in Germany. They have deployed emergency aid packages as part of their CARE collaboration. These countries have set up supply lines, constructing temporary bridges and providing food and clothes for those in desperate need.
14:16 Flooding Shuts Down Roads and Railroads
By Sunday morning, the floodwaters had shut down roads and railroads across southern Germany. In addition to human costs, extensive damage to infrastructure has been caused.
At 2:38 PM, the Autobahn A9 is closed for approximately 50 kilometers in the district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. A dam broke, which caused a section between Allershausen and Ingolstadt to be partially flooded. This is a new occurrence for the police in this area as it also resulted in power outages. A significant number of people have been impacted. Authorities are working to resolve the situation. The regional administration requested that residents in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching relocate to higher floors in their houses and apartments.
Update: 3:23 PM: The Autobahn GmbH informs us that the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is problematic in both directions. Improvements have also been implemented for the stretch in between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn interchange Neufahrn. It is strongly recommended to circumvent the region entirely.
1:59 PM: German Economic Minister Robert Habeck connects the current flood disaster to climate change. While visiting the affected community of Reichertshofen in Bavaria, Habeck emphasized the need for increased climate protection efforts. He stated, "Limiting CO2 emissions so we can adapt should not be compromised or ignored, it's a top priority." Habeck explained that natural disasters are becoming more frequent signaling "a clear sign that nature and climate are changing."
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz plans to inspect the flood-affected areas on Monday. The Chancellor's visit was confirmed by government insiders.
1:21 PM: Firefighter, 22, went missing during an evacuation operation in OffingenIn the early hours of the morning, during an evacuation operation in Offingen, a 22-year-old firefighter reportedly disappeared. The police spokesperson for Schwaben South-West disclosed that the man was on his way to a flood rescue mission with a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three helpers from the DLRG when the boat capsized. Three of the rescue workers were retrieved from the water. Search efforts for the 22-year-old are ongoing and have involved helicopters. A 42-year-old firefighter had previously lost his life in the flood incident.
1:11 PM: Continuous rain leads to further flooding in South GermanyWhile the area is experiencing a break in heavy rainfall, localized storm systems have continued to produce more rain. NTV meteorologist Bjoern Alexander explained, "The widespread and heavy rain has indeed stopped. But new and developing heavy showers remain."
12:52 PM: Additional dam break imminent in Paar regionAnother dam is at risk of breaking in the Paar region. Targeted communities include Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf within the Pfaffenhofen district. The authorities request that residents evacuate to higher floors immediately. Basements and cellars are discouraged. To contact emergency services, call 112 if needed.
12:39 PM: Söder confirms over 40,000 personnel have been mobilized for flood relief effortsBavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder shared that approximately 40,000 employees have been assembled to alleviate the flooding problems across the state. Söder expressed that maintaining relief efforts and providing rest for workers is critical for safety. "To prevent errors, exhaustion, and putting lives at risk, it's imperative that long-time personnel are relieved from their duties."
12:29 PM: Dam breach announced in Baar-EbenhausenA dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen, specifically affecting the cities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents have been advised to vacate the ground floor of their homes to find safety on upper levels.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses gratitude to the rescue crew and helpers in the inundated regions for their efforts. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen is disheartening," states the SPD leader on X. "My condolences are with his familial and professional peers." On Saturday night, a firefighter perished during a rescue undertaking in the Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
11:25 Catastrophic conditions are the subject of discussion at the Catholic Day in Erfurt.
The president of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, shares a message of sympathy for those struck by the recent storms, particularly in the southern regions of our nation, who are currently in the process of cleaning up or still engaged in combating the floodwater. "We fervently hope that human lives are safeguarded and spared," Bätzing proclaimed during the conclusion of the Catholic Day in Erfurt in front of the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Regions of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis are submerged in water.
The regions of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the town of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis are submerged in water. A spokesman for the community affirms that the Schussen has overflowed and has inundated streets. Nearly one thousand three hundred people had voluntarily left their homes on Saturday to seek refuge in safety. Some inhabitants remained in their homes and took refuge in upper floors. The water level of the Schussen escalated to more than 4.86 meters on Saturday evening. It has since subsided. Normal depth in the area is just 45 centimeters.
10:34 Bavarian Minister President Söder conveys a tribute to the perished firefighter.
The president of Bavaria, Markus Söder, extends his respect to a firefighter who perished in a rescue procedure in the flooded region. "His service and dedication to humanity will be forever cherished," Söder wrote on X. "Our most profound sympathy and thoughts are with his comrades and loved ones. We grieve." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter passed away, based on police reports, when a rescue boat capsized at a flooded house near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
10:09 Ukraine's national soccer team alters its rehearsal due to torrential rainfall.
Ukraine's national soccer team cannot conduct its final showcase on Sunday at 6:00 pm at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg as initially planned before the EM encounter against the German squad. Instead, they've selected Erlangen for their training session. "It was decided to avoid damage to the stadium's grass," declares a representative of the Ukrainian team. Ukraine will confront Germany at 8:45 pm on Monday (ARD) in Nuremberg.
09:52 Munich records 290 rescue missions due to flooding.
The Munich metropolitan vicinity also has sustained damage from the heavy rainfall. Since Saturday at 6:00 am, the firefighters have been summoned to 290 interventions, advises the Munich Fire Department. Predominantly, the firefighters are extracting water from inundated cellars and basements. In addition, numerous trees have been uprooted due to the saturated soil, and some roads had been shut down. On Saturday evening, the flood warning level 2 of the Isar surpassed the thresholds.
09:24 Anhausen begins to stabilize after dam collapse, but concerns persist.
The situation in Anhausen is gradually improving, but, in the vicinity, a dam has collapsed, prompting rushing water through the town. "Those who were evacuated are starting to return," conveys ntv reporter Niklas Diemer. Nonetheless, other places still showcase serious concerns with water levels.
09:08 The THW bolsters its assistance to the flood-stricken regions in southern Germany.
The Technical Emergency Aid Organization (THW) is sending additional staff to the flooded regions in southern Germany. A spokeswoman confirms that more than 1,800 individuals have been deployed. The personnel are responsible for securing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding in the evacuations of residents in prostrated areas. Concurrently, the fire department and other emergency agencies are also providing assistance.
08:47 A landslide in Baden-Württemberg caused an ICE train and a car to collide.
The flood predicament in portions of Germany persists in exacerbating concerns. The southern regions are the most visibly affected by the torrents of water, and in the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg, a centenary high water level is under imminent threat. The rescue services and volunteers are also at their limits.
08:30 The ICE train impacted by the landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend is scheduled for rescue.
The rescue proceedings for the ICE train engulfed by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend are projected to conclude in the morning. The regional train can't traverse through the region, a spokesperson informs. A rescue locomotive on the second track of the line is offering support. It is still uncertain as to the duration of the cessation. The regional train had successfully bypassed the ICE earlier. On Saturday evening, the landslide caused two carriages of an ICE train with 185 passengers onboard to detach.
08:16 A missing person in Schrobenhausen.
One person is missing in Schrobenhausen in the wake of the floods. Emergency teams and the police are searching for the individual.
A person is missing in Schrobenhausen after they were reportedly in the cellar of a house during a flood. The flood has dampened rescue efforts in the area, as teams are unable to enter the house at this time.
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, a firefighter has tragically died when their boat capsized. They were out with three colleagues, and unfortunately, the firefighter's body was found in the morning. Authorities have shared this news.
Throughout Bavaria, alert level 4 flooding is occurring at several gauge stations. It's vital to note that the southern Donau tributaries (including Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper) and the upper Danube are most affected. The peak levels were reached overnight, and the floodwaters are now moving downstream: from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, and districts of Schrobenhausen and Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in the Upper Palatinate could be hit by the most significant part of the flooding early in the week. In these areas, rising water levels are expected.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), there's another round of thunderstorms with torrential rain coming our way in southern Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. Their forecast predicts these storms will happen from noon until late Monday night. The danger of flooded streets and cellars is imminent, and even lightning strikes are possible.
Authorities in the Augsburg district are urging residents in certain communities to leave their homes due to the heavy floods. Kuhlenthal and Allmannshofen residents are particularly advised to evacuate as quickly as possible. Buses have been arranged for those who can't leave the flooded areas on their own. Numerous other districts in the region have also been warned to evacuate by Saturday evening and overnight. The main areas threatening evacuation are those along the Schmutter River, a Danube tributary.
Officials in Wiesbaden are taking steps to prevent rising water levels from flooding their city. A flood barrier was built in the Kostheim district, according to the fire department's update early in the morning. In Schierstein's riverbank area, they installed a pump. People are advised to stay away from parking lots close to the river during the coming days.
Stuttgart and Munich's train services have been shut down due to a landslide in Schwabisch Gmünd. The train representative couldn't estimate when the line would be reopened in the morning. This landslide disrupted the bypass route between Aalen and Stuttgart, and, previously, the line between Ulm and Augsburg was shut down due to the flood.
THW teams in Ulm worked through the night to fill 30,000 sandbags for use in the southwestern areas. Bernd Urban, head of the THW logistics center, shared the news of their efforts. The sandbag filling rate was at 400 per hour.
Water rescue teams are being deployed from Unterfranken to the ailing district of Gunzburg by the Red Cross. With two boat and diving teams, the rescue unit is being sent to support the flood relief operations. The Donau tributaries in Gunzburg have exceeded the levels of a 100-year flood. This translates to a flood that occurs, statistically, once every 100 years.
Reference:-A person is missing in Schrobenhausen after flood inc...-07:44 Firefighter dies in floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm-07:29 Flooding shifts downstream - further alert level 4 in many places-06:54 Weather service expects more heavy rain in the south-05:39 Augsburg district expands evacuation calls-05:05 Wiesbaden prepares for rising water levels-04:04 Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich suspended-03:13 THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags-02:25 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Gunzburg
Two carriages on a German high-speed train called ICE derailed in the town of Schwabisch Gmuend, Baden-Wuerttemberg in the evening due to a landslide. Fortunately, the 185 passengers aboard remained unharmed, and evacuation efforts are now underway. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m., with only the first two carriages leaving the tracks. The landslide spanned roughly 30 meters wide. Currently, the passengers are seeking refuge in a nearby kindergarten before they'll be transported to Plüderhausen by bus.
Around midnight, a landslide struck a car in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Fortunately, the driver emerged unscathed. This incident occurred close to a road and a railway track. The region has experienced heavy rains since Friday, affecting Schwaebisch Gmuend and other parts of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Neu-Ulm managed to survive the brunt of the floodwave on the Danube and Iller rivers. While water levels were high, the 100-year flood did not materialize, as estimated by the city administration. Mayor Katrin Albsteiger stated that damages would only be determined once the situation stabilized. For now, the Donau, Iller riverbanks, and cycling paths along the Danube and Iller remain closed.
At 11:40 p.m., the Munich Fire Department warned of potential dangers at the Isar riverbank caused by the high waters. Additionally, two walking paths by the Isar River have been shut down. The river currently stands at Melt Level 2, indicating flooding on non-built areas or traffic disruptions.
At 11:23 p.m., Upper Bavaria’s Schrobenhausen district is preparing to evacuate 670 residents. Firefighters and emergency teams have mobilized in the Muhlried district and on the Weilach River. The local District Office has also established an emergency hotline. The southern part of the district, in particular, is showing signs of concern, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
Throughout eastern Thuringia, heavy rain and thunderstorms have prompted numerous fire department interventions. The Gera control center confirmed these developments, especially in Ronneburg in the Greiz district. Roads are flooded, farmland, and basements have been submerged. A small stream in Gera's Liebschwitz district has overflowed.
By 11:00 p.m., the DWD (German Meteorological Service) observed a gradual decrease in rainfall in southern Germany's flooding-prone and affected areas. A DWD meteorologist revealed that large amounts of rain would no longer be falling. However, a new batch of thunderstorms and showers from the north could reprise the flooding risks, most intensely around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The threat may endure for a long time. The most affected regions are the Swabian Alb, along with areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
Freising's district administration declared a state of disaster due to heavy flooding and relentless rivers and streams. In the town of Hohenkammer, catastrophic water levels are predicted for the Amper and Glonn rivers. Residents located along these rivers have been instructed to prepare for a worst-case scenario by emptying their cellars, among other steps. Ten districts in Bavaria have now declared disaster situations.
Dillingen district announced a disaster situation due to persistent downpours. The Zusam tributary, which flows into the Danube, is witnessing worsening conditions, causing authorities to call upon the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military) for assistance. The Zusam is expected to experience a 100-year flood potentially affecting nearby towns such as Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Authorities are readying to release swollen Danube water into the Riedstrom, creating a former natural floodplain. The district advises farmers to store their livestock in safe barns.
21:10 Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares an emergency
The district of Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen declares an emergency as it becomes the eighth commune in Bavaria to do so. The cause of the emergency is the increasing levels of the Danube and its tributaries, as the district office announces. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt forecasts a level 4 on the Neuburg gauge tonight. The situation is even more severe at the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and at the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. The Weilach has already overflowed in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf and has flooded a residential area. Emergency teams are preparing to evacuate locals from the flooded area, as reported by Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is particularly alarming in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün emphasizes the priority of protecting roads, bridges, and paths. "Only then can the fire brigade continue to operate efficiently."
20:45 Helicopter rescue in Bavaria
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two individuals from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. A BRK spokesperson states that the two people were in a life-threatening situation. The house in the Unterallgäu district was in danger of collapsing due to the heavy water masses. Other individuals were evacuated from their homes with the help of inflatable boats. The teams have rescued over 100 people - including many children.
20:20 Residents asked to leave their homes in Augsburg
Water rescue teams have also had to extract people from their cars, as the trapped individuals could not open their doors due to the high water levels. The situation is potentially life-threatening, writes the BRK spokesperson, due to the strong current and rising water levels in the vehicle.
In several towns in the Augsburg district, residents are being asked to evacuate their homes and apartments due to the deteriorating flood situation. The condition is expected to worsen in the north of the district tonight. Affected areas include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has set up an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:52 Bundeswehr aids in flooded areas of Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers are assisting in the fight against the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is providing support to the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both districts have made official requests," explains a Bavarian Army Command spokeswoman to the radio station Antenne Bayern. "In the vicinity of Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are being distributed. In the district of Aichach-Friedberg, about 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers are arriving shortly." In addition, two Bundeswehr vehicles are being utilized for the operations.
19:25 Interior Minister Faeser provides more assistance to Southern Germany flooded regions
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser provides further assistance to the flood-affected regions in Southern Germany. "The THW is preparing to dispatch additional forces nationwide due to the heavy rainfall and impending floods," says Faeser, referring to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). "We will continue to support the affected states with all available resources at our disposal." The THW currently has 520 female and male team members in action. They have been rescuing people, securing dikes, and removing water. Faeser also expresses gratitude to the many volunteers and officials working to save lives. Residents in the flood-affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg must take the warnings and instructions of the authorities seriously, Faeser says. "Please heed these warnings carefully!"
18:53 Rescue of 29 climbers at Zugspitze
The 29 climbers stranded at the Zugspitze (refer to the Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been successfully rescued. The mountain rescue service has guided the 29 people to the Sonnalpin restaurant at Zugspitzplatt, the mountain rescue service reports. Several groups made emergency calls, as they could not proceed any further approximately 2500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters before the Sonnalpin, due to poor weather and new snow. The mountain rescue service arrived at the scene, and Zugspitzbahn employees were also on their way with snow groomers to search for the stranded climbers, informs a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
18:15 Storm alert for regions in Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues warnings for the risks associated with severe thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. DWD issues the second-highest warning level for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree until the evening. The possible hazards include lightning strikes, downed trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail.
18:11: Flooding on the highway - A3 partially closed
The A3 highway in Bavaria near Regensburg has been closed in both directions for approximately ten kilometers between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The road is submerged, according to the police department of Upper Palatinate. A spokesperson for the department said, "The water is pushing onto the highway from the fields." Emergency responders, including the traffic police in Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, and fire department, are on site. The traffic will be rerouted, said a spokesperson.
17:51: Prison in Memmingen evacuated
A prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the potential for flooding. Reported by news agency Nonstopnews, up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach, a small river that runs in front of the prison, has become a raging torrent and threatens to flood the facility, according to the report. Parts of the courtyard are already submerged. This could cause a power outage, so the prison administration made the decision to evacuate. Emergency vehicles from the police arrived to facilitate the evacuation. The evacuation had to be carried out over flooded streets as the approach was already flooded. The fire department was also present with pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35: Heavy rain raises water levels in Swabia, Upper Palatinate
The heavy rain is causing several gauges in Swabia to reach level 4, which indicates a flood warning. In Upper Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are rising rapidly. The gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), as reported by the Flood Warning Service (HND), have already reached level 4. Dasing (Paar) is also expected to reach level 4. The same applies to the Regen in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Hundred-year floods have been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar), according to the HND.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is anticipated to reach its peak in Alert Level 3 on Saturday to Sunday, with water levels already receding in the lower Iller. In the northern Donauzuflüsse Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are individual gauges with level 1 and 2 exceedances with an increasing trend in the upper reaches. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are expected to rise to Alert Level 3 during the day, with the Pegel Kelheim following at night. In the further Donau course to Passau, increases to Alert Levels 1 and 2 are expected.
17:23: Munich Airport maintains normal flight operations despite heavy rain
Despite the heavy rain in various areas of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport are continuing normally. To date, no flights have been canceled. There are several reasons for this. "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways," said airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also designed slightly higher. Additionally, the runways slope towards the sides, allowing water to drain. The runways also have grooves, which speed up water drainage. Therefore, there is currently no danger of aquaplaning, Wilhelm informed the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport does not anticipate any significant issues for the remainder of the weekend.
17:07: "This is really where things are taking off" - Söder visits Diedorf in Augsburg district
Minister President Markus Söder is assessing the situation in the severely affected region of Swabia. At his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district, he praises the support and authorities on site. Bavaria remains crisis-resilient, the minister president states alongside Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The situation is a significant burden for citizens, he comments. He continues, "This is not over yet. Things are really starting to happen." Resources, such as sandbags, are being concentrated in Swabia. "Without the helpers, we would have no chance." Söder thanked the rescue personnel such as the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization for their exemplary commitment. He asked the public to follow the regulations. Evacuation orders should be obeyed, not to return to the cellar or attempt to drive the car out of the garage.
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16:35: Train operation pared down in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are impacting rail transport. Deutsche Bahn released a statement, indicating disruptions and train cancellations in Southern Germany. Two ICE lines are primarily affected, a spokeswoman noted. Munich-Bregenz-Zurich has no trains running from Saturday due to the flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. Further details on tracks closures, cancellations, and delays can be found on the Bahn website.
4:12 Disaster strikes Unterallgäu - Residents in need hang a white flag
A disaster has hit Unterallgäu, a district in Bavaria. In Babenhausen, the mobile phone network has malfunctioned. Those in need and unable to make emergency calls should put up a white cloth or sheet in their windows to communicate their requirement for assistance, recommends the district administration. Rescuers in Babenhausen are already administering relief to trapped residents by utilizing inflatable boats.
16:57 Over 400 THW responders deployed in South Germany
Amidst the South German storms, 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) responders are actively engaged in multiple tasks. Their headquarters in Bonn revealed this. Their responsibilities include pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating people on a preemptive basis. "Due to the continuous and sometimes heavy rain, THW is prepared to dispatch more THW forces," their statement adds. The THW installs flood monitoring systems and regularly updates them in the affected regions. "In light of future weather forecasts and upcoming floods anticipated in the upcoming hours, THW is primed to mobilize extra THW crew members," it highlights. These units are thus poised to intervene across Germany. Each relief team has approximately 40 THW responders, equipped with three sewage pumps, a generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command center. These teams can displace 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:47 All flood alerts visualized on single map
This map pinpoints all current flood alerts. It's frequently updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1234567890
15:25 Report: 26-climber group stranded beneath Zugspitze
An alleged group of 26 mountaineers is trapped several hundred meters below the summit of the Zugspitze. As per public broadcaster BR, 60 centimeters of fresh snow have fallen on the Zugspitze over the last few hours, while heavy rain douses the valley. Temperatures dip below freezing, and visibility is about 100 meters. Multiple rescue units are dispatched to search for the climbers in the blizzard, based on BR's report quoting Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue. The group seemingly lacks adequate tools and might be exhausted. Their reason for scaling Zugspitze during this drastic weather remains unknown.
14:50 Donau-Ries district declares disaster
Donau-Ries, a Bavarian district, has declared a disaster for the same reason: to combine all resources and expedite our preparedness for imminent water levels, explains District Administrator Stefan Rössle in a statement. "Stay calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible," adds Rössle.
14:20 Dike and dam fail near Augsburg - Evacuating residents
A dike and a dam have burst in Augsburg's Swabian district. The Augsburg district administration indicates the mishap. In Diedorf, inhabitants of certain streets are advised to depart their homes. Emergency evacuation preparations are currently underway in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Leaving higher floors is no longer enough," cautions the Augsburg district administration. A dam has burst in Burgwalden, and a dam in the Anhauser Weiher has succumbed. All people in the affected regions should flee their residences instantaneously and independently within the following hour to Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities uttered a warning to stay clear of railway underpasses, as they could undergo flooding. A life hazard exists.
Söder and Herrmann bound for flood-stricken Augsburg
Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder and the Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, travel to the flood-affected areas in Augsburg on Saturday. They plan to obtain a first-hand account of the flood situation in Diedorf, as the Interior Ministry proclaimed. District Administrator Martin Sailer is also participating in the visit. The locus of their visit shifted due to the circumstances. In Diedorf, inhabitants are bracing for relocation. The flood hazardous status is particularly remarkable in the Swabian region. Followed by Günzburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now adopted disaster declarations.
In Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, the Schussen river is experiencing a steady rise. As reported by a municipal spokesperson, the water level at noon reached a staggering 4.72 meters. It's anticipated that the peak will be attained shortly. In the previous flooding that occurred in 2021, the river had hit a height of 4.50 meters. Typically, it only carries a meager 45 centimeters of water. Last Friday, the municipality suggested that approximately 1,300 residents depart their houses as a precautionary measure. Most of them chose to stay with friends or family. A small subset opted for the emergency accommodation. To avert potential destruction from floods, schools, kindergartens, and halls were evacuated ahead of time. This German town of 14,000 residents has also closed bridges as a preventive measure.
