Firefighter perishes in flood conditions.
A firefighter dies after capsizing in a fireboat during an operation in Pfaffenhofen, Upper Bavaria. Authorities report that his body was found in the morning.
7:29 Floodwater continues moving downstream, much of Bavaria at warning level 4
Floodwater remains at the highest warning level 4 in several areas of Bavaria. Focus has shifted to the southern Donau tributaries, including Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. Peaks reached overnight, forcing attention downstream towards Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen district, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district may see rising water levels on Sunday.
6:54 DWD warns of more heavy rain in the south
The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts further severe thunderstorms with heavy rain in various parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, starting from noon on Sunday until late Monday night. Heavy rain could lead to flooded streets and basements, while lightning may cause damage.
5:39 Evacuations escalate in Augsburg district
Authorities in the Augsburg district have increased evacuation orders in the flood-hit areas. Residents of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are instructed to leave their homes immediately, with buses provided for those unable to do so themselves. Evacuations are also requested for other areas prone to flooding caused by the Schmutter river, a Danube tributary.
5:05 Wiesbaden braces for rising water levels
Authorities in Wiesbaden are taking preventive measures to combat rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. A flood protection wall has been built in Kostheim, with a pumping station installed in the Rhein-side district of Schierstein. Parking lots near the rivers are advised to be avoided in the coming days.
4:04 Train traffic halted between Stuttgart and Munich
A landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has stopped all long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. No estimate is available about when the line will reopen. The blocked bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart has led to rerouting of train traffic between Ulm and Augsburg, which was already suspended due to flooding in southern Germany.
3:13 THW fills sandbags for flood response
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm has been working overnight to produce and deliver 30,000 sandbags for the flood-stricken regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. They can fill 400 bags per hour, with requests coming from various locations.
1:27 Red Cross sends water teams to Günzburg
Bavarian Red Cross sends water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist in the relief mission in Swabia. The water rescue unit will be deployed primarily in the affected district of Günzburg, as the Red Cross reports. Trained in flood rescue operations, the teams are equipped with two boat and diving teams. Some water bodies in the district have reached the level of a one-hundred-year flood, associated with a flood that occurs or exceeds the statistical average once every 100 years.
12:00 AM Derailed ICE train in Schwäbisch Gmünd - No injuries
Two wagons of an ICE train carrying 185 passengers derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, due to a landslide late Sunday night. Passengers remained unharmed and will be evacuated to a nearby kindergarten before being transported to Plöderhausen by bus. The landslide was approximately 30 meters wide.
Nearly six o'clock, a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, in the Württemberg region, hits a passing car. Although initial police reports suggest the driver escaped unharmed, they still remain uninjured. The landslide happened where an affected country road and a railway ran parallel. Schwäbisch Gmünd is about fifty kilometers east of Stuttgart. The area has faced torrential downpours since last Friday.
Close to a quarter past one, Neu-Ulm, a city located on the Danube and Iller rivers, has managed to avoid the feared 100-year flood, according to city administration estimates. Even with dangerously high water levels, the city was able to evade the anticipated catastrophe. However, the extent of the damage is still unknown, Mayor Katrin Albsteiger admitted in the evening, as some areas remain off-limits. The affected streets, the Danube and Iller promenades, and the bike paths by the rivers are temporarily closed.
Just before midnight, the Munich Fire Department issues a warning to avoid the bank of the Isar River due to possible flooding. Additionally, two popular walking paths along the river have been closed. The water level has reached level 2 in the city, meaning non-construction areas may be flooded or roads disrupted due to high water levels.
Midnight finds close to 670 people in Schrobenhausen of Upper Bavaria potentially facing evacuation. Firefighters and rescue services are planning to remove these residents from Mühldorf and a street near the Weilach River. The district authority has also set up a hotline for emergencies as the town had previously declared a disaster. District Administrator Peter von der Grün said southern parts of Upper Bavaria appeared most perilous.
Nearly eleven o'clock, heavy rain and thunderstorms create many fire department interventions in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera shared this information. The region surrounding Ronneburg in the Greiz region, one of the parts hit by these weather events, witnessed flooded roads, fields, and inundated cellars. A small creek has also overflowed in the Gera district.
An hour earlier, the German Weather Service (DWD) revealed that long-lasting rain in southern Germany was beginning to wane. According to one of their meteorologists, the intense rainfall from the previous night would not occur for the remainder of the night. But new showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north. These storms may cause localized flooding on Sunday afternoon. The meteorologist emphasized the concern for flooding, given that the previously affected regions experienced swelling in rivers and creeks. Places like the Swabian Alb, regions north of it, and settlements around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are thought to be especially at risk.
Two hours before that, Freising's Landkreis (District) had declared a state of disaster due to overflowing rivers and creeks. They specifically feared that the Amper and the Glonn might reach record water levels. Hohenkammer, a town along the Amper, and other settlements, too, may face massive flooding. Amper Valley residents were being asked to clear out their cellars in anticipation. At present, ten Bavarian districts have declared a disaster situation.
Almost ten thirty, Dillingen in Bavaria, which endures incessant rain, now finds itself, too, a disaster. The Dillingen district authority has stepped up efforts to deal with the swollen Zusam, a Danube tributary causing particular issues in Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. The district is also planning to release water from the enlarging Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. As a safety measure, local farmers were encouraged to secure their livestock in stable holds.
7:09 Eighth Municipality in Bavaria Faces Emergency Situation
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared an emergency status being the eighth municipality in Bavaria. The source of the issue is the rising Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality. The Water Management Office of Ingolstadt predicts a level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation at the Paar, a tributary of the Danube, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is even more critical, according to the district administration. In the Schrobenhausen district, the Weilach has already overflowed and inundated a residential area. Rescue efforts are underway to evacuate residents in Mühlried, as district administrator Peter von der Grün notes. The situation is especially alarming in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün emphasized that the protection of roads, bridges, and paths is vital. "This allows the fire department to continue its operations."
7:34 Rescue by Helicopter: Red Cross Saves Two in Babenhausen
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has saved two individuals from their rooftop in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The BRK spokesperson explains that both people were in a perilous situation with their house at risk of collapsing due to the vast water masses. Other residents were also rescued by inflatable boats. Over 100 people were taken to safety, including numerous children.
7:13 People in Several Augsburg Towns Evacuated
Water rescuers had to extract individuals from their cars who could not open their doors in the water masses. The situation could quickly turn life-threatening due to the strong current and the rising water in the vehicle, the spokesperson continues.
In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, authorities are urging residents to leave their homes in anticipation of impending flooding. The situation is predicted to intensify in the evening in the northern part of the district, reports an Augsburg district administration spokeswoman. The affected areas include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has set up a provisional shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
18:48 Bundeswehr Assists Flood-Affected Areas in Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers have been deployed in Bavaria to assist with the floods. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg following their official request," informs a spokesperson for the Bavarian Bundeswehr Command to Antenne Bayern. Around Günzburg, blankets and field beds are being given out. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, approximately 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive to lend a hand in the coming hours. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are being utilized there.
18:20 Faeser Confirms Additional Assistance
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser assures the affected regions in southern Germany of further assistance. "Given the persistent heavy rain and impending floods, the THW is prepared to send more helpers," says the SPD politician in Berlin regarding the THW's emergency services. "We will continue to support the affected federal states with any available resources." With Saturday evening, 520 THW helpers and assistants are involved. They've rescued people, secured dikes, and pumped water. Faeser also expressed gratitude to everyone engaged in fighting the water masses: "I'd like to thank everyone who is tirelessly working to save lives." The people in the flood-affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should heed the warnings and commands of the authorities, Faeser added. "Pay attention to the warnings and follow them!"
17:58 29 Hikers Rescued at Zugspitze
The hikers in distress at the Zugspitze (see Live Ticker entry at 15:15 p.m.) have been saved. 29 individuals have been escorted by the mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. Multiple groups issued distress calls. They couldn't proceed further due to adverse weather and new snow at approximately 2500 meters above sea level, around 900 meters from the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was promptly dispatched. Mountain rescue personnel and employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also en route with snow groomers to find the climbers.
18:22 Alert for Severe Thunderstorms in Parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues a warning for the dangers of severe thunderstorms in certain areas of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second highest alert level is active until the evening, states the DWD. These storms could involve lightning strikes, uprooted trees or high-voltage lines, falling objects, flash flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
18:11: A3 closed due to flooding in Bavaria
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, near Regensburg, is partially closed for around 10 kilometers between Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The road's surface is flooded, as reported by the Upper Palatinate police presidium. A spokesperson comments, "Water is pressing from the fields onto the motorway." Local traffic police confirm the presence of road maintenance, firefighters, and police at the scene. Diversions are being put in place, they add.
17:51: Evacuation at Memmingen prison
Due to concerns of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria is being evacuated. According to Nonstopnews, the approximately 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The news agency notes that the Memminger Ach, a river running directly in front of the prison, has swollen into a raging stream and threatens to flood the prison. Parts of the prison's courtyard are already underwater. This could result in a power outage, prompting the prison administration to arrange the evacuation. Police have arrived with multiple emergency vehicles to aid in the evacuation.
17:35: Heavy rain leads to raised water levels
The heavy rain in Swabia has caused water levels to increase to level 4 at several measuring points. In Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, rivers are swelling. The flood warning service (HND) reports these levels at gauge points in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Schmutter). In Dasing (Paar), level 4 is also expected to be reached. The Regen River in Cham in the Upper Palatinate is also experiencing this level of flooding. Hundred-year floods are occurring in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) due to the HND.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to reach peak levels in Meldestufe 3 on Saturday and Sunday, but water levels are already declining in the lower stretches of the Iller. In the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauge points are experiencing level 1 and 2 overflows, with an increasing trend. In the stretch between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are predicted to reach Meldestufe 3 throughout Saturday, with the Pegel Kelheim rising at night. Further downstream in the Donau section towards Passau, rises to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are anticipated.
17:23: Munich Airport continues operations despite rain
Inspite of heavy rainfall in various parts of Bavaria, Munich Airport is managing to run flights normally. So far, no flights have been compelled to be canceled. Robert Wilhelm, the airport's spokesperson, explains the reason to BR. "We can see water gathered in the meadows beside the runways," he states. Thanks to being located higher, the airport was also constructed with measures to aid water loss. Runways, themselves, are designed with side slopes that allow water to drain. Moreover, they are "grooved," meaning they have grooves that help accelerate water runoff. Consequently, there is no imminent danger of hydroplaning. The airport anticipates no major complications for the rest of this weekend.
17:07: Soder assess flood situation personally
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has personally reviewed the situation in the regions most affected by the storm. He thanks the helpers and officials while visiting Diedorf in the Augsburg district. He remarks, "Bavaria can demonstrate its crisis readiness," in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. Soder acknowledges that the situation is draining for citizens. "This isn't over yet," he continues. "Things are really starting to get worse." Resources, such as sandbags, are being pooled in areas where the focus of the storm currently lies in Swabia. "Without the helpers and helpers," Soder calls to the rescue services like the fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. Their efforts are exemplary, he praises. To the general public, he appeals, "Please follow the rules." One should adhere to evacuation orders, not try to exit the cellar or drive out of the garage.
16:35: Trains disrupted by storms and flooding
The abrupt and severe weather conditions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have influenced train transport. Deutsche Bahn has reported disruptions and train cancellations in Southern Germany. A spokesperson notes that two ICE lines are experiencing the most impact. Saturday sees no trains travels between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. For further information on track closures, cancelations, and delays, one can consult the Bahn website.
4:12 Emergency in Unterallgäu - People in need should display a white cloth
The emergency situation has now reached the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In the town of Babenhausen, part of the cell phone network has failed. Individuals who cannot make an emergency call due to this issue should display a white sheet or cloth from their windows or, if possible, make themselves visible at the windows to attract attention to their need for assistance. The local administration suggests this solution. In Babenhausen, people are currently being rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.
4:02 400 THW forces put to use in Southern Germany
In relation to the storms in Southern Germany, approximately 400 members of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are already assisting. The THW in Bonn has made this information public. They are removing water, securing dams, and preemptively evacuating people. "Due to the persisting, and at times heavy, rainfall, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW forces," their statement reads. In the affected regions, mobile flood gauges will be installed and monitored by the THW. "Considering the latest weather forecasts and the expected floods in the upcoming hours, the THW is ready to deploy more THW forces," they add. Teams are on standby throughout the country. Each relief team consists of about 40 THW personnel who are equipped with three sewage pumps, a generator, a scouting vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can remove up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
3:37 Flood warnings indicated on one map
This map shows all current flood warnings. The graphic is updated continually.
3:15 Report: 26-person mountaineering group stranded below Zugspitze
A group of 26 climbers is reportedly stranded a few hundred meters away from the summit of the Zugspitze. As reported by BR, approximately 60 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen on the Zugspitze in the past few hours while it has rained continuously in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been dispatched to locate the climbers amidst the snowstorm. The mountain rescue service in Garmisch-Partenkirchen has confirmed this. The group appears to be exhausted and may not be adequately equipped. It remains unclear why they decided to climb the Zugspitze under these conditions.
2:55 Donau-Ries district declares disaster
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared an emergency. This measure is intended to "bring all forces together and allow us to respond faster and more efficiently to the anticipated water levels," District Administrator Stefan Roßle explains. "It is crucial to maintain a calm state of mind and avoid low-lying areas at this time," he advises.
2:20 Flood alert issued in Augsburg - Evacuation readied
A dam and a dike have burst in the Swabian district of Augsburg. The district administration has confirmed this. Residents in certain streets in the town of Diedorf are advised to leave their homes. Evacuation preparations are underway in Diedorf's Anhausen area. "Now it's no longer safe to stay on elevated floors," the Augsburg district administration reports. A dam has collapsed in Burgwalden, and a dike on the Anhauser Weiher has given way as well. Authorities urge residents of the affected areas to depart their homes with haste and go to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle, the district administration of Augsburg suggests. The authorities also advise people to stay away from railway embankments. There is a risk to life.
Söder and Herrmann travel to the flood region
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are visiting the flooded area in the Swabian region of Augsburg this Saturday. The two CSU politicians plan to gain a first-hand understanding of the flood situation in Diedorf. Their initial plans to attend the flood-stricken town of Fischach had to be altered due to the current state of affairs. In Diedorf, evacuation efforts for residents are currently underway. The flood situation is particularly critical in the Swabian region. Besides Augsburg, the districts of Aichach-Friedberg and Günzburg have now also declared a state of emergency.
2:09 Emotional Meckenbeuren becomes more tense
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is becoming more tense. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren has risen further. The river level reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon, according to a spokesperson for the municipality. It is expected that the peak will be reached soon. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached 4.50 meters. Typically, it only carries 45 centimeters of water. In the evening of the previous day, the municipality suggested that around 1300 people leave their homes as a precaution. Most of them stayed with friends or family. Few used the emergency shelter. To avoid potential destruction from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls have been cleared out in advance. In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed as a precaution.
Read also:
The International Red Cross sends emergency teams and equipment to aid in flood relief efforts across various regions affected by the current flooding crisis.
As the Live Ticker continues to monitor the unfolding situation, authorities in several countries issue warnings about the potential for further flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall. Firefighters across Europe work tirelessly to evacuate residents in danger zones and provide critical assistance to those impacted by the floods.
