Firefighting Association Affirms: Germany Boasts Adequate Preparations for Floods
German Firefighters Association (DFV) Confident in Flood Response The DFV views Germany as well-prepared for approaching floods, as per DFV President Karl-Heinz Banse to the "Rheinische Post". He highlights, "We're quite ready for flood situations in Germany, even considering recent events." The recent heavy rain incidents in the Ahr Valley and North Rhine-Westphalia, along with this year's flood situations in various parts of Germany, have contributed to this readiness. In the affected regions, planning is in full swing - "teams are put on high alert, sandbags are being prepared, weather data is being monitored". The population is also being informed, empowering them to prepare accordingly.
17:30 "Disappointing": Scholz Promises Aid Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz commits aid to neighboring countries struck by floods. "The floods we're witnessing are disappointing," remarks SPD politician Scholz during his Kazakhstan visit. He has already pledged assistance to the residents in the affected neighboring countries. "We'll do our best to help."
17:06 Lang: "Time for Action" Green Party leader Ricarda Lang calls for political action in response to the critical situation in flood-plagued regions of Central and Eastern Europe. The climate crisis is causing floods and heavy rain to become more frequent, intense, and likely, states Lang after Berlin executive consultations. Politics should not only react but also prepare. "Consequently, it's time for action now." Climate protection must rise in political priority. "If Friedrich Merz stated last year that the world wouldn't end, now shows that it has for many," comments Lang, referring to the CDU leader. "So, we must attach more importance to climate protection."
16:41 Nehammer Allocates Millions for Flood Damage Recovery Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer initially allocates 300 million euros from the disaster fund to address flood damage in Austria. These funds may be adjusted as needed, says Nehammer, the OVP government leader. Individuals who have lost property due to the natural disaster can apply for financial assistance from this fund. The extent of the damage from the multiple-day record rainfall in eastern Austria is still unknown.
16:08 Dam Crack: Residents Urged to Leave Immediately In Paczkow, southwestern Poland, the mayor orders immediate evacuation of lower-lying districts following a dam crack at a reservoir. "No one can ensure that the damage won't worsen," warns Mayor Artur Rolka on social media. He urges evacuated residents to report and asks those untouched by the water to leave and move to safe city areas. As a result of the evacuation appeal lack of compliance, Rolka now mandates a compulsory evacuation, informing the media. The affected reservoir was constructed above Paczkow on the Glatzer Neiße, a tributary of the Oder.
15:54 Habeck Pushes for Climate Action Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck advocates for increased resolve in climate protection, referencing the recent flooding crises in various European countries. "Energy transition, swift renewables expansion, climate-friendly industries" are necessary, Habeck suggests in an interview with the Funke media group. "More frequent flooding, disasters like the Ahr Valley, now in Bavaria - they are consequences of the climate crisis," Habeck adds. "So, our determination to confront the climate crisis is essential." While preventing extreme weather events is currently impossible, more protective measures are vital, like "strong dikes, retention systems, more river space" to better safeguard people.
15:36 Additional Flood Deaths in Europe The death toll from floods in several European countries exceeds 15, with Austria (3 dead), Czech Republic (1 dead), Poland (5 dead), and Romania (6 dead) among the hardest hit.
15:21 Poland Declares Catastrophe State for Flood Regions Poland declares a catastrophe state for flood-affected regions. The Warsaw government approves a 30-day ordinance in an emergency meeting, applying to Lower Silesia, Silesia, and Opole provinces. The catastrophe state offers authorities greater power to issue orders, temporarily limiting civilian liberties and rights. For example, evacuation orders or prohibitions for specific areas can be issued more easily.
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14:59 "More Frequent and Intense": Expert Explains Rain Extremes Extreme rain events and flood risks are becoming more common, leading to flooded landscapes and roads, breached dikes, and damaged infrastructure across Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania. But why are extreme rain events and flood risks increasing? High water expert Georg Johann answers ntv's questions.
14:34 Austrian Federal Railways Extend Travel Advisory until Thursday Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) extends the existing emergency travel advisory until Thursday, September 19, 2024, due to severe weather affecting large parts of Austria. "We highly encourage passengers to postpone non-essential trips within this period to a later date," ÖBB warns on its website. Already purchased tickets remain valid until September 22.
14:19 Europe's Flood Death Toll Climbs to At Least 11The death count from floods in Austria, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic has escalated to at least 11. In Austria, two more individuals lost their lives, as reported by law enforcement. In the Czech Republic, a person drowned in the Krasovka river in Moravia-Silesia's eastern region, as stated by police president Martin Vondrasek in a broadcast. Previously, eight fatalities were reported in these four nations. Czech authorities also listed at least seven individuals as missing.
14:04 European Nations Aid Flood Victims: Germany Offers AssistanceThe German government has expressed solidarity with people affected by floods in numerous European countries. "The individuals in our neighboring nations, our European allies, and our local populace should understand: We are diligently monitoring the situation and stand prepared to aid," said government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin. The destruction in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania is sometimes severe. Hoffmann added: "We see the images with distress and are shocked by the reports of deaths and missing individuals. On behalf of the federal government, we extend our condolences and sympathy to all those impacted."
13:43 Orbán Delays International Engagements due to Hungary's FloodingHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has put off all his international engagements due to the flooding in his country. "Due to the extreme weather conditions and ongoing floods in Hungary, I have postponed all my international engagements," Orbán announced on the internet platform X. He did not provide further details. Orbán was scheduled to speak in a debate on the six-month Hungarian EU Council presidency's program in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The right-wing populist politician often encounters harsh criticism from EU Parliament members and the EU Commission.
13:12 Ostrava, Czech Republic: Flood Dikes Break, Threatens CityEvacuations have expanded in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, due to an imminent flood danger. "It appears that there have been dike breaches in several districts," said Environmental Minister Petr Hladik after an emergency meeting. Residents were partially evacuated using inflatable boats. Approximately 100 cubic meters of water per second are flowing through the breaches. Attempts are being made to fill the gaps with stones. Ostrava, with around 285,000 inhabitants, is situated at the confluence of various rivers, including the Oder and the Opava. The mining and industrial city is located about 280 kilometers east of Prague. All transportation to Ostrava and further towards Poland has been halted. A power plant had to be shut down. In nearby Bohumin, power and mobile networks went down due to flooding. The water supply has failed in numerous places.
12:33 Epic Rainfall: 450 Liters per Square Meter in Czech TownThe rainfall from depression "Anett" is extraordinary: Since Friday, 450 liters of rain per square meter have fallen in Serec, in the Czech Republic, near the Polish border. This is the highest rainfall of recent days, according to ntv.de weather expert Oliver Scheel. In Germany, Ruhpolding/Berchtesgadener Land leads with 320 liters within four days. In Austria, 364 liters fell in the vicinity of St. Pölten and 369 liters in Lilienfeld. In Vienna, 279 liters were recorded, but then the measuring stations failed, so precise amounts are not available at present. In Poland, the most rain fell in Katowice, with 200 liters.
12:25 Romania: Floodwaters Claim Six Lives in Carpathian RegionHeavy rain and severe flooding have resulted in at least six deaths in Romania's Carpathian region. The regions of Galati, Vaslui, and Iasi in the east of the country have been especially affected. Approximately 300 individuals had to be evacuated, and around 6,000 farmhouses were flooded. The victims are primarily elderly, including two women aged 96 and 86. The highest flood warning level remains in effect until noon. Isolated villages are primarily affected, with people climbing onto rooftops to avoid being swept away by the floodwaters. Hundreds of firefighters are on the scene.
11:59 Flooding in Saxony: Elbe Levels Exceed PeakThe water levels of the Elbe in Saxony continue to rise. In Dresden, the level is at 5.62 meters as of Monday morning, according to the state's flood control center. The second flood warning level was issued on Sunday evening. The threshold for the third alarm level, which is at six meters, is expected to be surpassed early on Tuesday morning. The Elbe's peak in Dresden could be reached by Wednesday evening. In Schõna, on the border with the Czech Republic, the third alarm level is in effect with an Elbe water level of 6.13 meters. However, the flood control center anticipates water levels to start retreating in Görlitz. The highest point of a flood is referred to as the peak.
11:33 Austria: Two More Fatalities Added to the TollTwo more individuals have lost their lives in Austria due to flooding, as reported by law enforcement. A 70-year-old man and an 80-year-old man died in their homes in communities in Lower Austria. Both men succumbed to the floodwaters within their buildings. On Sunday, a firefighter perished while evacuating a basement. Exceptional measures are in place in eastern Austria due to the prolonged rain over the past few days. More than 1,800 buildings have been evacuated, and numerous roads are closed due to flooding.
11:01 Wroclaw Prepares for Flood as Alert is DeclaredFollowing heavy storms and flooding across southwestern Poland, the city of Wroclaw (Breslau) in Lower Silesia is preparing for an impending wave of floodwater. Mayor Jacek Sutryk has declared a flood alert for the city situated along the Oder River. Measures include constant monitoring of dikes, protecting and controlling canals, and closing dike crossings, as per Sutryk's statement in a Facebook video. The incoming floodwave is forecast to reach Wroclaw on Wednesday. Earlier estimations suggesting less severe impact have been revised. Although the flood isn't predicted to reach the height of the 1997 Oder flood, which submerged a third of the city, Sutryk stresses that the city's infrastructure has significantly improved with the implementation of new dikes, retention basins, and polders. He hopes that the floodwaters will stay outside the city.
10:35 Eastern Austria Flood Situation Remains Critical, Says GovernorDespite a brief period of no rain overnight, the flood situation in Eastern Austria continues to be highly precarious. "It's not over yet, it remains critical, it remains dramatic," says Lower Austria's Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. On Monday, up to 80 liters of rain per square meter are anticipated in the region. The main concern now is the dams. "There is the highest dam break danger," authorities report. Typical activities are largely suspended. More than 200 roads in Lower Austria are closed, 1,800 buildings have been evacuated, many students and kindergarten children are staying home, Mikl-Leitner mentions. Around 3,500 households are currently without power. The extent of the damages has yet to be determined. "The flood victims will be helped in any case," the governor vows. In Lower Austria, up to 370 liters of rain per square meter had fallen in recent days - several times the usual monthly amount.
10:10 Flood Levels Rising in Saxony amid Elbe RiverThe flood levels on the Elbe River in Saxony are continuing to rise. According to data from the State Flood Center, the value in Dresden is 5.54 meters in the morning. It is predicted to surpass the six-meter mark later in the day, which would trigger the second-highest alarm stage three. This may result in flooding of built-up areas. The alarm stage three has already been reached at the gauge in Schöna on the Elbe near the Czech border, where the water level was at 6.09 meters. The Lausitzer Neiße at the Polish border is also at alarm stage three, with the water level at 5.56 meters, just a few centimeters away from the highest alarm stage four. A section of the federal road B99 has been closed in Goerlitz for safety reasons, a police spokesman confirms. The warning level for stage 3 here is 4.80 meters.
09:49 First Death Reported in Czech Floods; Seven MissingThe first confirmed fatality in the Czech Republic's floods has been reported. Authorities also mention at least seven missing persons. A person drowned in the small river Krasovka in the Bruntal district of Moravia-Silesia, as stated by police president Martin Vondrasek on public radio. Three people are among the missing who drove their car into a rapidly flowing river near Jesenik in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains. There's no sign of the vehicle. Others have been swept away in various waterways such as the Otava River. An elderly home resident on the Poland border is also missing. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala refers to this as a "century flood" - a flood that statistically occurs just once in a century in the same location. Previously, fatalities from flooding have been reported from other EU countries: (see entry 06:40) - A firefighter died in Austria, a man in Poland, six individuals in Romania.
09:17 Woman Slips into Goerlitz's Neisse River while Testing Water LevelA woman examining the water level in Goerlitz lost her balance at the water's edge near Parkhotel Merkur and fell into the Neisse River. According to initial police reports, the woman was carried approximately 700 meters down the river before she managed to pull herself out near the Vierradmühle weir. She is currently undergoing treatment for hypothermia.
09:00 THW Prepares for Major Flood Operations in Elbe and Oder RiversThe German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is preparing for possible flooding in eastern Germany. "We're preparing to dispatch larger forces to the Elbe and Oder if necessary," says THW department head Fritz-Helge Voss on ZDF's "Morning Magazine." Voss recommends that people residing in affected areas should prepare essential supplies. Voss underscores that Germany has been fortunate so far but anticipates the Elbe, Neisse, and Oder rivers to flood in the coming week. Over the weekend, the THW had around 140 personnel deployed in Bavaria and Saxony, including at the collapsed Carolabridge in Dresden. Voss stresses that this is the fourth major flood situation in Germany this year and highlights the significance of preparedness and equipment investment. "Ultimately, these are climate adaptation costs," says Voss.
8:43 Emergency Meeting in Poland Over Disaster Situation Following the overwhelming floods in southwestern Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has scheduled an urgent cabinet meeting for Monday morning. Tusk has drafted a decree stating a disaster situation, but the council's approval is required. Extreme rainfall in southwestern Poland nearby the Czech border resulted in flooding, with the town of Nysa in the Opole region being the hardest hit during the night. The Glatzer Neisse, a tributary of the Oder, inundated the hospital emergency room as per PAP news agency reports. A total of 33 patients, consisting of children, pregnant women, were evacuated using boats.
8:15 Flood Warnings in Bavaria The flood situation in Bavaria remains unstable in specific areas, with further rain predicted. The current situation has not improved materially over the night; the HND anticipates a new water rise due to the rainy outset of the week. Expected water levels in Passau on the Danube, Vilshofen on the Vils, and Munich on the Isar will increase again, according to the HND. Gradual improvement is anticipated from Wednesday. The DWD predicts continuous rainfall from the Alps to the lowland till Tuesday, accompanied by 40 to 70 liters of rain per square meter in wide-spread areas, with up to 90 liters in stagnant ones.
7:32 Ongoing Flood Situation in Czech Republic There's still no sign of relief in the Czech Republic's flood-affected regions. The flooding wave reached Litovel, about 200 kilometers east of Prague, with whole streets being submerged. The local authorities of this nearly 10,000 inhabitants town request the public not to hinder emergency services, as the authorities predict further water level increases in the next few hours.
7:03 Flooding in Poland Due to Dam Break Poland witnesses escalating concern as destructive flooding advances towards the Glatzer Neiße's region following a dam breach. Videos document the storm's fury.
6:40 Loss of Life in Europe Over Flooding Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lower Austria struggle with historical flooding consequences. Multiple fatalities have occurred in several EU countries, including an Austrian firefighter, a Polish man, and six people in Romania.
6:12 Emergency Rescues in Czech Republic Catastrophic weather conditions caused rivers to submerge entire cities like Jeseník in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains and Krnov on the Polish border. More than 300 people in Jeseník required rescue by boats and helicopters. Following the water recession, the risk of landslides was heightened in various places.
5:49 Tourists Stranded in Vienna Heavy rainfall derived from the "Anett" storm, internationally known as "Boris," resulted in marooned passengers on a Swiss river cruise boat in Vienna. Over a hundred passengers and about 40 crew members on "Thurgau Prestige" cannot leave the boat, which is stationed at the shore, due to a flooded gangway connecting the ship to the pier, as per the Swiss broadcaster SRF, citing Thurgau Travel. Authorities are expected to determine the passengers' disembarkation timeline, according to reports, which state the cruisers' anticipated stay in Vienna persists until Tuesday. The "Thurgau Prestige" had planned a voyage from Linz to Budapest and back, but is currently stuck in Vienna.
The storm "Anett" or "Boris" has brought torrential downpours and inundation to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania, resulting in at least eight fatalities so far.
The Commission has been involved in discussions regarding the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rain events and flooding in Europe. The European Commission has emphasized the need for more climate action and investment in protective measures, such as stronger dikes and retention systems, to better safeguard people and infrastructure.
The Commission is also working with affected countries to provide assistance and aid, recognizing the significance of international solidarity during these times of crisis.
