Firefighter succumbs during rescue mission.
A firefighter has passed away in Pfaffenhofen, Upper Bavaria. He, along with three colleagues, flipped over in a rescue boat while attempting to save people stranded in a flooded bungalow. As per reports, the volunteers' association Ehrenberg-Pfaffenhofen was alerted for help around 11:00 pm to evacuate several individuals trapped in the flooded house. Four firefighters took a boat to aid these people, but the boat capsized with the flood, causing one of the firefighters - aged 42 - to drown. Initial reports claimed him to be missing. His body was found around 2:20 am.
The rescue operations carried on throughout the night in heavily impacted districts. For instance, two nursing facilities' residents were safely transported to safety. Emergency services such as fire departments continually provide support in both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg owing to the floods. Several districts in both states remained on the highest weather warning level on Sunday.
Severe rain forecasted again
No respite is in sight as expected. German Weather Service (DWD) outlines the danger of thunderstorms with intense rainfall from noon on Sunday until Monday evening. Streets and basements may flood again, and there is also a probable risk of lightning strikes.
In Bavaria, the rain has hiked the water levels to the most severe alert level 4 at multiple measuring sites. Significant regions are still dealing with floods, including Donauzuflüsse Guenz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, and upper Danube. The tops were hit in the night.
The frenetic rainwater has somewhat decreased, improving the high water situation in the upper regions of predominantly affected rivers. However, there's a risk of further rampant and prolonged rain showers, thus one must be prepared for a potential escalation of the problem. DWD's weather warnings must be monitored for further updates. The focus of the disturbance will transition downstream - from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Possible susceptible areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The anticipated peak wave is expected to hit these regions early in the week.
Particular attention is required in the Mühlried at Schrobenhausen district, Manching, and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district. The water levels are also increasing in the Isar catchment area in Upper Bavaria. The Main tributaries' levels have soared rapidly, reaching level 3 in some areas.
At numerous locations, a century-flood occurred. A century-flood refers to a burst that occurs or overpasses its average value every century.
Train cancellations and delays
Passengers in South Germany will still need to deal with train cancellations and delays due to the weather. The spokeswoman reiterated that several lines are impacted. As per the company's website, exemplary cancellations involved the route from Munich to Berlin, Karlsruhe to Munich, Munich to Zurich, and Augsburg to Oberstdorf.
On Saturday night, two coaches on an ICE train with 185 travellers detached at Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, leading to a landslide. There were no injuries, and all passengers were evacuated overnight until Sunday. Schwaebisch Gmuend is situated around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. It was still unclear on Sunday morning when the train would be taken from the tracks.
Read also:
- Despite the rescue efforts, the storm in Bavaria resulted in numerous deaths, including a firefighter from Pfaffenhofen who passed away during a rescue mission.
- International aid and support have been requested as the floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria continue to wreak havoc, with several districts still on the highest weather warning level.
- The severe weather in Germany, including the storm and flooding, has led to numerous train cancellations and delays, affecting passengers traveling through South Germany, such as from Munich to Berlin and Augsburg to Oberstdorf.
