Floods will persist in Bavaria for a few more days, according to Söder.

Flooding in Bavaria will persist for several more days, according to Söder.

Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder anticipates that the flood emergency will continue to engage disaster managers in the state for several additional weeks. He expressed during a Germany Radio (Deutschlandfunk) interview on Monday morning, "Things are getting slightly better, but we can't declare total clearance yet." He underscored that even if the rain ceases, the water levels of significant rivers would still climb due to the inflows. "The majority predict it'll go on until Wednesday or Thursday."

08:41 Third Paar River Dam Breaks in Pfaffenhofen RegionThe dam of the Paar River in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm has now fractured into three points. The district administration's representative confirmed this development. In Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching, residents are instructed to leave their ground floors and take refuge in higher floors. Approximately 800 individuals were evacuated in Baar-Ebenhausen. About 250 people faced with the situation were accommodated in the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen. The Paar is a small river that flows into the Danube. In Vohburg, the Danube is being more carefully explored, and security measures are implemented. The A9 motorway continues to be closed on both sides between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck, according to news reports.

08:21 Dam in Manching BreaksIn Manching-Pichl of the Pfaffenhofen district, yet another dam has snapped, according to multiple media sources, citing the district administration. Locals are informed to leave the ground floors of their dwellings and seek shelter in the upper floors and stay vigilant of fire department alerts. The affected streets are Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.

08:01 Firefighters in Rudersberg Swamped by WaterIn Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg's Rems-Murr district, even the fire department fell victim to the rapidly advancing water. Per an ntv journalist on the scene, firefighters' attempts to rescue residents were thwarted when they ventured into the rising waters. Firefighters managed to save themselves by retreating to the upper floors of houses and staying there for hours. The fire department's headquarters was also flooded, and fire engines were moved onto a raised surface — which was then flooded just a few minutes later. Two fire trucks could not be extracted safely.

07:39 Regensburg Declares Disaster SituationAt a Bavarian flood warning service report, the Danube's water level has furthered ascending - now Regensburg has also proclaimed a disaster situation. The water level at the Messpunkt Eiserne Brücke has reached a height of 5.90 meters. By comparison, the typical value on Tuesday last week was approximately 2.70 meters. The water level reached precisely 6.82 meters during the severe flooding on June 4, 2013.

07:20 Rescue Team Helicopter Extracts Günzburg FamilyEleven individuals, including a family member with three children and a newborn child, were extracted from balconies and rooftops by water rescue specialists from the Water Police in Günzburg using a policeman's helicopter, as reported by BR. Due to the colossal water masses, a rescue by boat was no longer plausible.

06:50 Risk of Dam Collapse in ManchingIn Ingolstadt's Integrated Control Centre, they express concern over a potential dam collapse in Manching, Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen district. They advise inhabitants to remain in upper floors and evade basements and underground garages. A dam in the neighboring town of Baar-Ebenhausen ruptured on Sunday.

06:16 Evacuations in Communities South of Stuttgart Due to FloodingThe flood emergency in the Ostalbkreis region of Baden-Württemberg is becoming more intense. People were evacuated from portions of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen's communities overnight on Monday. For parts of Täferrot, complete evacuation is recommended. The first flooding reached the town in the early hours of Monday. Around 250 to 300 people were moved to secure locations overnight.

05:33 Evacuations in Ostalbkreis Communities Due to FloodingThe flooding situation in Baden-Württemberg's Ostalbkreis region is worsening. Individuals were evacuated from parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen's communities overnight on Monday. For Täferrot, total evacuation is scheduled. The initial flooding had already reached the town in the morning. Approximately 250 to 300 people were transported to secure destinations.

5:13 Emergency Services Deployed from Baden-Württemberg to BayernIn response to the ongoing flood situation, Baden-Württemberg is sending emergency services to the neighboring Bavarian district of Günzburg. The Free State of Bavaria has requested three "Sanitation and Care" units, which will be provided by the Baden-Württemberg Interior Ministry. These units will care for and supply people who had to leave their homes and apartments due to the flood. Additionally, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will be sent to the district of Günzburg to assist in evacuating residents.

4:30 Esslingen Constructs Temporary Dam to Prevent FloodingThe city of Esslingen am Neckar is building a temporary dam to avoid flooding in parts of the inner city. The peak of the flood is expected early Monday morning, and an overflow of the canals in the inner city could occur as a result. Near the Wasserhaus at a canal, 1,500 tons of stone and sand were piled up during the night and early Monday morning. Traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area of the construction site. Esslingen had previously instructed its residents not to enter basements or underground garages due to the tense flood situation.

3:26 Ebersbach an der Fils Plans Evacuation for Certain ResidentsThe flood-stricken community of Ebersbach an der Fils, south of Stuttgart, has prepared some residents on specific streets for evacuation. The people are advised to assemble important documents and necessary items to spend the night away from their homes. The fire department in Ebersbach will assist these residents.

3:11 Severe Weather Warnings Lifted - Heavy Rain Still PossibleThe German Weather Service (DWD) has cancelled all severe weather warnings for heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain in Germany. However, areas south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest may experience localized heavy rain showers with potential for intense rain. From noon onwards, these regions will likely be affected. Small-scale thunderstorms are still a possibility.

02:04 Landkreis Augsburg Warns Against Flood TouristsTourists visiting flood-stricken areas in the Landkreis Augsburg are causing problems for rescue services. The rescue teams are overwhelmed by visitors who went to the dikes, underpasses, and water bodies despite all warnings. To alleviate the burden on rescue teams, people are urged to avoid these areas. "Flood waves can surprise you, and the bank may collapse," the authority warns. Drivers and pedestrians should avoid flooded streets, as well as flooded underpasses. Manhole covers may be blown off by the pressure in the sewer and could suck people in.

01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl Plan Visits to Flood-Affected AreasBaden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl will visit two flood-affected areas in the state on Monday. In the morning, an appearance in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis is planned, followed by a visit to Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. A spokesperson for the state government confirmed the plans. Kretschmann had decided against visiting a flooded area on Sunday. "I myself decided not to go to the site until the critical situation, where every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference, but to stay informed and up-to-date," he said on Sunday afternoon.

23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils Issues State of Emergency - Noise Barrier OverrunIn Ebersbach an der Fils, a state of emergency has been declared due to flooding on Sunday evening. This means that all firefighters are on duty. At the federal highway 10, water masses have breached a noise barrier and flooded the road, as shown in a video shared on the city's Facebook page. Residents were given strict instructions: "Please stay at home and do not visit the emergency sites. There is a partial danger to life, as demonstrated in the video." People should not immerse themselves in the water and beware of open manhole covers. They should also avoid basements and remain on the upper floors.

23:16 Missing 43-Year-Old Found Dead in BasementBayerischer Rundfunk has reported a fatality due to the storm in South Germany. A 43-year-old person who had gone missing was found dead in a basement.

Correction: The initial statement incorrectly claimed that a woman was found dead. Bayerischer Rundfunk later corrected the report, stating that the 43-year-old is still missing.

Due to a faulty signal box caused by a lightning strike, train traffic in the Dresden region faced disturbances in the evening. The spokesperson for the railway mentioned that it affected the regional trains from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz. The signal box in Radeberg, east of the state capital, got hit by lightning at 17:10. It got fixed by the evening. After roughly two hours, trains started running smoothly again.

At 22:00, a nursing home located close to the Danube in Lauingen had to be evacuated due to flooding concerns. In their writing on their website, the city aims to ensure continuous care for the residents. The residents were moved to an educational center.

The Danube had already burst its banks on Sunday.

Several settlements around the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries had to be evacuated since 21:30 due to a severely breached dam. Those affected include Achsesheim, Heißesheim, and some parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The Donauwörth district office advised people to maintain calmness, pack their belongings, and follow rescue team instructions. Authorities also arranged for emergency shelters.

By 21:03, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, planned to visit the Bavarian flooded area on Monday. They would join Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, an Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, to evaluate the situation. The president of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, was expected to attend the meeting too.

Around 20:30, over 40 schools in eight districts in Bavaria would remain closed on Monday due to the flooding situation. The Bavarian Ministry of Education mentioned their districts to be Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. The daily routines that included Grund-, Mittel- and Realschulen, local gymnasiums, vocational and professional high schools, and special education centers in Aichach-Friedberg would get canceled. Similarly, in Wertingen of the district of Dillingen, all schools would not function. In Pfaffenhofen, specific schools remained closed on Monday, and some kindergartens were closed in the same district. Mondays and Tuesdays in Schrobenhausen would witness in-person classes' cancellation for Grund-, Mittel- and Realschulen, vocational schools, the special education center, and the gymnasium.

At 19:49, approximately 30 towns in Swabia faced power outages in some degree. The power supplier, LEW, shared the information. Additionally, local grids had issues with individual street lines and houses. The power failures were noticed in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The emergency teams attempted to guarantee power supply by moving to other lines, as much as possible in the prevailing circumstances. The outage length varied depending on the particular location.

Finally, around 19:11, over a thousand people from Gunzburg were moved to safety due to considerable Gunz River levels rise. The Gunzburg district administrator, Hans Reichart, informed Bavarian Broadcasting, stating more than 1,000 residents moved to gyms and in part, Legoland. The additional evacuation measures were implemented to safeguard the residents from the escalating Gunz River levels.

4:42 Weather Agency Warns of More Heavy Rain in South Germany

The German Weather Service (DWD) issues a warning for more intense rain showers, especially in southern Germany. The meteorologists in Offenbach predict severe rainfall, particularly in Stuttgart and surrounding areas on Sunday evening. Moreover, the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and foothills of the Alps south of the Danube might witness heavy downpours. Also, areas in Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin could experience substantial rain. Sunday night could witness powerful thunderstorms in the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and foothills of the Alps south of the Danube, causing around 40 liters of rain per square meter within an hour. For Monday morning, slight showers over Alpine foothills south of the Danube are expected. From Monday afternoon onwards, however, heavier thundershowers with the possibility of heavy rain again might surface in the same region. In certain regions within Alpine foothills south of the Danube, the risk of heavy rain, possibly up to 40 liters per square meter per hour, is high.

4:07 Disaster Alert Declared in Straubing

In response to the worsening flooding situation along the Danube, Straubing's mayor, Markus Pannermayr, issues a disaster alert. The announcement is made due to the broad scope and complexity of the situation, needing significant effort, according to a spokesperson. As of now, the Danube river level in Straubing has risen to more than six meters. The city expects the disaster level to exceed level 4 in the coming hours. The flood warning service designates four levels of warning. At level 1, minor flooding is expected, while at level 4, extensive areas of urban property may be submerged. The development of safety measures is ongoing, and improvements will continue, it was stated. Certain roads have already been closed due to the flood.

3:34 Flooded Community Warns Against Flood Tourism

The partially submerged community of Meckenbeuren, located in Friedrichshafen, cautions against flood tourism. Doing so would obstruct emergency services and endanger both the tourism visitors and others, said the community. "If it's raining less or not at all on Sunday, please avoid the flood area. Be mindful of closures on bridges and roads," a spokeswoman adds. Time and again, authorities have had to bring the attention of adults and children to the hazardous current of the Schussen river, which broke through the bank on Saturday evening and flooded streets and homes in Kehlen and Brochenzell districts.

3:11 Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Brandenburg's Oder-Spree District

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in Brandenburg's Oder-Spree district till Sunday afternoon. The forecast highlights the potential risks of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, falling objects, and even property damage. Additionally, landslides and hail could be expected.

2:53 Two More Districts Declare Disaster Alerts

Due to the flood, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a disaster alert. "The current situation, combined with the ensuing water levels predictions, remains fairly tensed," states Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer. The region aims to ensure that their relief efforts are professionally coordinated and equipped. Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, shares a similar view. The decision was made necessary because local officials could no longer handle the flood-related emergencies on their own, Löwl claims. With the new measure, assistance from outside sources can be deployed to the district.

2:25 German Railway Announces Extension of Leniency Policy

Passengers should anticipate limitations in the train service on Monday owing to the terrible weather conditions across southern Germany. German Railways extends its leniency policy to Monday, allowing passengers who purchased tickets for Sunday to Monday and wish to postpone their journey to travel later. The company confirms that it's uncertain to what extent the traffic will be impacted. Some long-distance routes in the south are facing disruptions. For instance, train connections are canceled for routes Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advises avoiding traveling in affected areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

2:08 3,000 People Forced to Evacuate in Bavaria

Approximately 3,000 people have been impacted by the evacuations due to the flooding in Bavaria, reports a Bavarian Interior Ministry spokeswoman in Munich. About 20,000 personnel are currently involved in the relief operations, and nearly 40,000 were previously engaged.

1:51 Weather Expert: "Weather Can't Be Expected to Ease"

This is what Meckenbeuren currently looks like from above.

According to Bernd Fuchs, a ntv weather expert, the flood situation in the south will not likely ease. "Every drop is too much," he stressed. Requested about a connection between flooding and the climate crisis, he views the current situation as "a clear indication of where the journey is going."

In the Upper Bavarian town of Freising, a man received a serious electric shock while working in the floods. The 27-year-old, employed by an energy company, was rushed to the hospital via rescue helicopter after being rescued from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen. It's speculated that the incident could be related to the floods themselves.

A halt has been placed on shipping on the Upper Rhine due to floodwater. The High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate confirmed that rainfall had increased water levels significantly in South Germany, leading to temporary suspension of sailing on some parts of the river. The water level in Maximiliansau reached a concerning level of 7.50 meters on Saturday, before rising further to 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon. While a decrease in water levels was predicted at night, authorities warned of potential dangers down the line as water levels may continue to rise. In other areas, such as Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz, very high water levels were foreseen in the coming days. The Rhine's important waterway, Koblenz gauge, was predicted to reach a level of 6.10 meters on Tuesday—a height surpassing which no ships can sail.

The Autobahn A9 experienced closures in a 50-kilometer stretch Pfaffenhofen district due to a dam break. This portion of road between Allershausen and Ingolstadt was flooded, as reported by a spokesperson from Upper Bavaria North Police Presidium. This marks the first time such an incident happens in this region. Additionally, there were power outages and numerous people affected. Local authorities urged residents in nearby towns of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to move to higher floors in their homes or apartments in light of the developing situation.

The Autobahn GmbH provided updates, revealing that the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions, while the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn intersection Neufahrn is severely restricted. It was suggested to divert around the area entirely. More closures were expected on the A8, heading towards Munich, with flooding impacting that region as well.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck urged for increased climate protection efforts as the South German flood emergency passes. Habeck spoke in Reichertshofen, Bavaria, remarking that the rising frequency of these natural disasters is an indicator of climate change and the need for CO2 reduction. Citing that century-level floods now occur "every few years," he stressed the importance of prioritizing this endeavor.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has plans to visit the areas struck by the floods on Monday. Sources from the government disclosed this information.

Unfortunately, a 22-year-old firefighter became missing while conducting an evacuation operation in Offingen. A representative from the police headquarters Schwaben Süd-West acknowledged this tragic event, noting that the young man's disappearance coincided with a boat capsizing around 02:50 am. While four helpers were successfully rescued, the 22-year-old still hasn't been located. Search efforts remain diligent, employing two helicopters. The loss of a 42-year-old firefighter had transpired previously.

The storms persisted into Monday, offering no reprieve in the southern German flood regions. Meteorologist Björn Alexander provided a prediction, indicating that the continuous rain would eventually subside. However, he noted that new localized thunderstorms were forming, so the rain wasn't going to stop immediately.

Issues with the Paar's dams continue, putting Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district in distress. Authorities requested residents to swiftly relocate to higher floors in response. The ground floor and cellar should be avoided in case of emergencies, with the fire department notified through the emergency number 112.

UPDATED 3:23 PM: As per updates from the Autobahn GmbH, the A9 has sections closed in both directions between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck, and severely restricted between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn intersection Neufahrn. Motorists were urged to detour to avoid the entire extent of the flooding on the freeway. Furthermore, other A8 regions, particularly close to Sulzemoos, faced additional potential flooding closures.

The floods in Bavaria have prompted coordinated efforts from emergency personnel, as stated by Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder. He remarked that around 40,000 people are now working to address the issue, with the focus being on properly organizing the relief operations in the coming hours. Relief efforts are essential as individuals who have been working for long durations without breaks are at a higher risk of making mistakes or experiencing exhaustion, leading to a more dangerous situation.

In Straubing, the Donaupegel is reportedly rising and will likely exceed the highest warning level four by the end of the day. As a result, dam guards will be positioned starting from 3 pm. Firefighters will monitor the dam on-site and report on the water levels as well as any potential damage to it. Additionally, more sandbags are being filled.

For people residing in the Pfaffenhofen district of Baar-Ebenhausen, a dam break has occurred, and neighboring communities like Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are impacted. Residents are urged to immediately evacuate the ground floors of their homes.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his appreciation and respect for the rescue workers and helpers in the regions affected by the floods. He also shared his condolences regarding the death of a firefighter during a flood rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen.

At the Catholic Day in Erfurt, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, addressed a heartfelt message to those impacted by the floods. He expressed hope for the preservation of human lives as they continue to struggle with the devastating effects of the floods.

Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis has been severely affected too, with several districts underwater due to the overflowing Schussen river. Around 1300 people were voluntarily evacuated on Saturday, while some residents opted to remain in their homes and take refuge in the higher floors. The Schussen water level reached a staggering height of more than 4.86 meters on Saturday evening. However, it's been gradually declining since then.

In normal circumstances, the Schussen usually measures just 45 centimeters deep at this spot.

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder honored the deceased firefighter by posting a heartfelt message on Twitter, commending his dedication to fellow human beings.

Due to heavy rainfall, the Ukrainian national football team has relocated their training session from Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion to Erlangen. This decision was taken to spare the lawn at the stadium. On Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD), Ukraine will play against the German national football team in Nuremberg.

Habeck is traveling in the flood area together with Bavaria's Minister President Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann.

The Munich area is also facing the brunt of the floods, with the fire department having attended 290 interventions since Saturday 6 am. The majority of these interventions were related to pumping out flooded basements and cellars. Numerous trees were uprooted, creating a need to close several streets. On Saturday evening, the Isar's flood warning level 2 was surpassed.

In Anhausen, the flood situation is starting to improve, though precautions are still necessary, considering that a dam broke five kilometers away, causing water to rush through the region in a short amount of time. Residents from the area that were evacuated are gradually returning. However, elsewhere, the water levels remain critical.

The THW (Technische Hilfeleistung) is deployed with more personnel to assist with the flood situation in southern Germany. This demonstrates the need for a coordinated response to effectively address the impact of these flooding situations.

In response to the ongoing flood crisis in various parts of Germany, particularly in the south, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) has deployed more personnel to the affected regions. Over 1,800 individuals have been enlisted to provide assistance, with their primary tasks including securing dams, aiding in sandbag distribution, and offering support during evacuations. Additionally, the fire department and other emergency services are actively engaged in the rescue efforts.

08:47 Baden-Württemberg suffers from landslide, disrupting both train and car

The flood situation in certain areas of Germany continues to be a source of concern. The south of the country seems to be the most severely affected, and a timeframe of over a century could potentially be surpassed with ongoing floodwaters in the east. The rescue and relief services are reaching their capacity.

08:30 Schwäbisch Gmünd's landslide-stricken ICE to be recovered in the morning

A landslide in Baden-Württemberg caused the derailment of an ICE passenger train in Schwäbisch Gmünd. The affected railway is currently unpassable by any train. However, a rescue locomotive has been sent to aid in the recovery process. The time it will take for operations to conclude, as well as the status of the regional train that circumvented the ICE, remains undefined as of the morning. The incident took place over the weekend, resulting in two ICE carriages being detached from the main train and carrying 185 passengers.

08:16 Schrobenhausen local goes missing during flooding

A resident of Schrobenhausen is still missing following a flood event in the municipality. Eyewitnesses reported they were in the basement of their home when the waters rose. The cellar and upper floor of the house are now submerged. Rescue teams are unable to reach the location at present.

07:44 Firefighter dies during rescue mission in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria

Tragically, a firefighter has perished in the course of a flood-related rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He drowned with three of his colleagues who were helping to transport a stricken individual via a rescue boat. A spokesperson for the district administration provided the news in the morning.

07:29 Alerts reveal imminent danger in multiple southern rivers

Multiple regions in Bavaria still have level 4 alerts in place as a result of flooding. The main focus remains on the southern tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, in addition to the upper Danube. Flood levels peaked overnight. The threat has shifted downstream, moving from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Places such as Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing could soon experience flooding, with the peak wave expected to reach these areas at the beginning of the week. Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria are also at risk, as well as Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.

06:54 DWD predicts further thunderstorms in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg

The German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates the possibility of regular heavy rainstorms in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday, suggesting that streets and basements could once again be flooded. Additionally, there is a potential for further damage caused by lightning.

05:39 Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen residents ordered to evacuate immediately in the Augsburg district

Augsburg district authorities have issued evacuation orders for the communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen due to the ongoing flooding situation. The integrated control center advises those residents to leave their homes or apartments immediately, with buses available to transport those unable to do so. The majority of the affected regions are along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.

05:05 Wiesbaden takes steps to protect against rising water levels

In anticipation of potential flooding along the Rhine and Main rivers, Wiesbaden authorities have put into place a number of preventative measures. A flood protection wall has been constructed in the Kostheim district, and a pump has been installed in the Rhine-facing Schierstein area. Drivers have been discouraged from frequenting river-facing parking lots over the coming days.

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

04:04 The route between Stuttgart and Munich is renderer clogged by landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Landslides have led to the suspension of long-distance rail traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway spokesperson has not been able to specify a timeframe for reopening the line east of Aalen. The bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart is obstructed due to flooding throughout southern Germany since Saturday, meaning that long-distance bus routes have been rerouted in lieu of train service.

03:13 Ulm THW workers fill 30,000 sandbags in response to flooding

In a covert operation, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm assembled multitudes of sandbags for the submerged and potentially flooded locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. As disclosed by Bernd Urban, chief of the THW Logistics Center, 30,000 sandbags were destined to be provided rapidly. With the capacity of creating 400 sandbags per hour, the workforce could maintain a respectable pace. Inquiries for the sandbags have surfaced from various areas in the southwest region, as well as neighboring areas within the neighboring federal state. The recurring rainfall has resulted in drastically elevated water levels at numerous locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

02:25: Red Cross despatches water rescuers to Günzburg

The Bavarian Red Cross is shipping water rescuers from Unterfranken to the relief mission in Swabia. The water rescue squad is set to lend a hand in the particularly swamped district of Günzburg. The Red Cross disclosed this in the evening. Boasting two rescue teams of boats and divers, the water rescue units from Unterfranken specialize in flood relief operations. Günzburg has witnessed several bodies of water swelling up to levels that align with a hundred-year flood. Such circumstances denote a flood which emerges or surpasses the statistical expectation of once within a century.

01:27 Schwäbisch Gmünd: ICE train wagons derail due to landslide

Two wagons on an ICE train load-bearing 185 passengers endured derailment in the Baden-Württemberg settlement of Schwäbisch Gmünd in the wee hours due to a landslide. Fortunately, no injuries were reported amongst the passengers. Presently, evacuation measures are being executed from the train. A railway spokesperson conveyed that the first two wagons veered off the rails at approximately 23:20, though they remained upright. A landslide measuring around 30 meters wide delivered the derailment. The passengers are scheduled to reside in a nearby kindergarten, whereupon they will be transported to Plüderhausen by bus.

00:59 Schwäbisch Gmünd: Vehicle struck by landslide

A landslide struck a vehicle in the Württemberg municipality of Schwäbisch Gmünd. As per initial police records, the car's driver persevered unscathed. The landslide occurred adjacent to a road and a railway line that parallel each other. Schwäbisch Gmünd positions itself approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rain has lambasted extensive regions of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.

00:14 Neu-Ulm evades 100-year floodmark - damages unclear

The city of Neu-Ulm escaped the 100-year floodmark of the Danube and Iller rivers, according to estimates by the administrative body. Averted from the looming 100-year flood, the town surprisingly dodged the high water stemming from the environmental upheaval. "The degree of damage remains uncertain, as we can determine it only when circumstances normalize again," Union Mayor Katrin Albsteiger announced in the evening. Rivals Donau promenades and cycle paths by the Danube and Iller will likely stay shuttered.

23:44 Munich: Issues at the Isar River Bank

The Munich Fire Department issues a warning regarding hazards along the Isar River bank because of the flooding. In addition, city hall shuttered two popular walking paths lengthwise the river. The river's alert status reached level 2 in the state capital, with flooding on unwrought domains or transport hindrances thanks to superfloods along the streets.

23:23 Upper Bavaria: 670 individuals to be evacuated

Firefighters and rescue crews are organizing evacuations for 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. At Mühlried and a street close to the Weilach River, bulldozers and boats secure active application. The district authority launched a citizen hotline for emergencies. Schrobenhausen designated an emergency, asalthought the situation prompts heightened concern in the southern part of Upper Bavarian district, per District Administrator Peter von der Grün.

23:03 Eastern Thuringia: Persistent rain sparks numerous fire brigade interventions

Heavy rain and thunderstorms elicited an influx of fire brigade interventions in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera corroborated the events. Chiefly, the area encompassing Ronneburg in the Greiz district was affected. There are submerged streets, fields, and flooded cellars. In the Gera district, a smaller stream has overflowed.

22:45 Rain gradually lessens in southern Germany - danger of flooding not over yetThe flooded or vulnerable areas in southern Germany have experienced a slight improvement in the heavy rain, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). A meteorologist from the DWD remarks that the heavy rain won't be as intense tonight as it was last night. "We won't see the massive rainfall amounts we experienced last night," he states. However, incoming showers and thunderstorms from the north could cause flooding again on Sunday afternoon. These storms are predicted to be powerful and could take a while to subside. "If these storms hit the already saturated soils, there'll be more flooding," explains the meteorologist. The areas most at risk are the Swabian Alb, regions to its north, and the areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.

22:25 Disaster in Freising: Floods threaten record levels in Amper and GlonnThe Freising municipality has declared a disaster due to overflowing rivers and creeks. Particularly dangerous for the region are the Amper and the Glonn, which are facing record-breaking water levels, as announced by the district authority. The district fears major flooding in Hohenkammer and all other areas along the Amper. Citizens are urged to prepare for this severe situation and take measures, such as emptying their cellars. So far, ten districts in Bavaria have declared a disaster.

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

21:50 Dillingen District declares disaster situationDue to prolonged rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has now been placed under a disaster situation. The situation with the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened in the evening, as the authority reported. The local crisis team has requested military assistance from the Bundeswehr. Experts are anticipating a 100-year flood on the Zusam, which could impact the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While authorities are planning to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former Danube floodplain, the district is asking farmers to secure their livestock in stables.

21:09 Eighth Bavarian district in disaster situation: Neuburg-SchrobenhausenThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen is the eighth Bavarian district to declare a disaster situation. This decision was made due to the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt expects level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation with the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which empties into the Paar, is very critical. The Schrobenhausen district's Mühlried area has already been flooded due to the Weilach's overflow. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents in this district, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün. The situation is already alarming in the southern part of town. Von der Grün stressed that the protection of roads, bridges, and roadways is a top priority. "Only then can the fire department continue to operate for rescue missions."

20:34 Emergency rescue: Red Cross saves people from flooded house roofThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two individuals from the roof of their Babenhausen house with a helicopter. The spokesperson reported that the two were in a life-threatening situation due to the water masses swamping their house. Other residents were also brought to safety with inflatable boats. The rescue teams have rescued over 100 people, including many children.

20:13 People in several locations near Augsburg instructed to evacuate their homesIn the Augsburg district, rescue teams have had to free people who were unable to open their car doors due to the water masses. This could prove fatal due to the rising and current water levels inside the vehicle. In several communities of the Augsburg district, residents are being asked to leave their homes and apartments due to the flood crisis. The situation is expected to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district. At risk are parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. A temporary shelter has been established at the Augsburg fairgrounds by the government of Swabia.

20:00 Bundeswehr provides aid in flooded regions of BavariaThe Bundeswehr is assisting with flood relief efforts in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is lending a hand in the districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as these districts have requested aid," says a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Bundeswehr command. "In the Gunzburg district, blankets and field beds are being provided. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, about 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive soon to assist as 'helpful hands.' Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are being used there."

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser vows more assistance for flood-stricken regions in southern Germany. Spurred by nonstop rain and potential flooding, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is on standby to deploy additional forces, she states. Faeser emphasizes continued support for affected federal states. Fifty-two-hundred THW volunteers and hands-on personnel are currently in action, rescuing people, reinforcing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser praises all responders tackling the water deluge. "I'd like to express my gratitude to those striving against the water masses, working around the clock to save lives." Amid warnings and instructions distributed by authorities, Faeser urges flood-plagued locals in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed them sternly.

At 18:58, 29 stranded climbers are saved near the Zugspitze. The mountain rescue service transports the distressed mountaineers to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin on the Zugspitzplatt. Due to inclement weather and fresh snowfall, reaching the restaurant required tenacity at around 2,500 meters above sea level. The zig zag route was a substantial lift for these individuals who couldn't continue their journey. The Zugspitzbahn and their team of snow groomers helped in the search for displaced climbers.

A massive rainstorm turned ominous for parts of Brandenburg at 18:42. The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a warning for this region, ranking it one tier below the highest danger level. Brace for lightning strikes, falling trees or high-voltage lines, falling objects, sudden road flooding, landslides, or hail, alerts DWD.

Worsening rainfall has flooded a stretch of the A3 motorway in Bavaria between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions, throwing a wrench in transportation and causing its closure. The police presidium in Upper Palatinate shares the news and details that the road is inundated. To manage the situation, officials from the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police have arrived. Detours are being implemented to accommodate motorists.

Following a flooding scare, the Memmingen detention center was forcibly evacuated at 17:51. Reportedly housing up to 150 inmates, these individuals must temporarily relocate to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Authorities fear a toppling prison amid the excess ebb of the Memminger Ach which flows directly in front of the prison, threatening floodwaters that could result in power outages. Police swiftly act while firefighters deploy their pumps to suck water from the institution.

Swabia gages have swollen due to persistent rainfall, with overflows of level 4 in five gauges. The following regions witness expansion in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, where rivers have ballooned. According to the flood alert service (HND), the gauges Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fugen (Lech) have reached level 4. The gauge in Dasing (Paar) is also predicted to reach level 4. Hundred-year floods are in the making at Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar). The gauge Wiblingen (Iller) might be nearing its peak in Meldestufe 3. By Sunday at earliest, the gauges in the northern Danube tributaries like Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab will boast Meldestufe 1 and 2, potentially increasing. Anticipate Meldestufe 3 levels in the lower Iller. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are sliding towards Meldestufe 3 over the course of the day. Kelheim gauge will eventually reach this level, with further Donau sections from Passau experiencing low-to-moderate Meldestufe increases.

At 17:35, flight operations resume steadily at Munich Airport, undeterred by exorbitant rain in Swabia which swelled overflows to level 4 at several provincial gauges. On the whole, at least five Swabian gauges have hit the max. Concurrently, Hundred-year floods are on the horizon for Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar). As a precaution, prepare for a Meldestufe 4 swell in the gauge of Wiblingen (Iller) and a high-water climb in gauges in the lower Iller. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, expand Meldestufe 3 stages within the day. Despite raised levels, expect a trailing increase in the remaining Donau section towards Passau. Notably, in Nattenhausen and Dasing, you'll witness an approaching hundred-year deluge, reinforcing the importance of spreading alerts.

Amidst the torrential rain across Bavaria, Munich Airport's operations remain unaffected. No flights have faced cancellation. Airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm shared the reasons behind this, "Noticing water lying in the meadows near the runways", the airport's location is slightly elevated. Also, the runway's sides sink down, facilitating water drainage. Additionally, the runways are "grooved", promoting faster water flow. There's no danger of aquaplaning, as per Wilhelm's statement to BR. The airport expects no significant issues over the rest of the weekend.

Markus Söder, Minister President, views the situation in the heavily damaged Swabia region. Thanking helpers and officials during his visit to Diedorf in Augsburg district, he labeled Bavaria "crisis-ready". The citizens' current predicament poses "an extreme burden". "This is just the beginning," said Söder in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. Focusing on Swabia's flood crisis, resources, like sandbags, are being redirected there. Söder praised the dedicated role of rescuers like fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police and Technical Relief Organization. To the public, the Premier urged adherence to safety rules.

As the storms and floods impact rail traffic in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Deutsche Bahn notes that services in South Germany have disruptions and cancellations. Two ICE lines experience severe disruption, rendering them inoperative. A day-long train shutdown between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich is confirmed, as well as the line between Ulm and Augsburg. More information on track closures, cancellations, and delays can be found on the official Bahn website.

In the flood-stricken Unterallgäu district of Bavaria, the disaster situation extends to Babenhausen. To notify helpers of those in need of rescue, the district administration suggests hanging a white cloth or sheet from windows. Babenhausen already saw residents evacuated using inflatable boats.

400 THW (Technical Relief Organization) forces are currently engaged in activities across South Germany. Their tasks include pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating people. The THW in Bonn predicts more force deployment due to persistent heavy rain and potential flooding in the coming hours. Each THW team, consisting of 40 members, carries three sewage pumps, a power generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command post. These teams can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.

A map displaying all active flood warnings can be accessed here: link.

A 26-member mountain climbing group remains trapped several hundred meters from Zugspitze's summit. Despite a 60+ centimeter snowfall and persistent rain in the valley, their position at the Zugspitze has hindered rescue efforts due to zero visibility in a blizzard. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service has already dispatched planes to search for the climbers, citing inadequate equipment and exhaustion as major concerns.

The Donau-Ries County in Bavaria officially declared a disaster situation to "collapse all forces rapidly and prepare for the expected water levels more swiftly". Addressing the public, District Administrator Stefan Roßle requested calm and avoiding low-lying areas.

A flood crisis has hit the region of Augsburg in Swabia, Germany. The local administration, Landratsamt, has confirmed that a dam and a dike in two different locations have malfunctioned. This has forced the evacuation of residents in certain areas surrounding the towns of Diedorf and Anhausen. The people living in these regions are asked to leave their homes within the next hour and find shelter in the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Residents must no longer seek refuge by merely moving to higher floors, as the situation is critical. The damage has occurred at the Burgwalden dam and the Anhauser Weiher reservoir dike. It has been advised by the authorities to avoid railway underpasses as they may be flooded. There is clearly a risk to life.

In response to this crisis, Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are making an urgent visit to the affected region on Saturday. They are accompanied by District Administrator Martin Sailer, and the location of their visit has been swiftly altered because of the escalating circumstances. The politicians had initially planned to tour the nearby Fischach area, but the situation in Diedorf now requires their immediate attention. The evacuation of Diedorf's residents is underway, and the flood situation in Bavaria, particularly in Swabia, is dangerously close to a crisis. Other regions, including Landkreis Günzburg, have already declared a disaster.

The pumping station in Meckenbeuren near Lake Constance is experiencing increasing pressure, with the level of the Schussen River surpassing 4.72 meters in the afternoon. The last time it reached this height was during the flood of 2021. Typically, this river carries only 45 centimeters of water. Due to these high waters, the city has asked around 1300 locals to vacate their homes as a safety measure. A small percentage of people opted for shelters, while the larger majority chose to stay with friends or relatives. To minimize potential destruction from flooding, local schools, daycare centers, and sports halls were emptied beforehand. The municipality also shut down bridges as a preventative measure. With a population of 14,000, the community of Meckenbeuren is taking rapid action to prepare for the impending floods.