Discovered: Missing Female's Body in Inundated Basement at 11:27 AM

Found: Female Corpse in Inundated Basement (11:27)

Emergency services made a gruesome discovery in the lowered town of Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria - a body was found in the cellar of a house. This woman, age 43, went missing last Sunday and has been searched for relentlessly since then, police spokespersons confirmed.

On the Rems and Murr rivers, water levels remain dangerously high despite the subsiding rain. In Remseck, the peak of the Rems has yet to be reached, resulting in a critical situation. The District Administrator, Dietmar Allgaier, emphasizes the on-going risks, saying, "Although there's no heavy rainfall at the moment, we anticipate an increase in the water levels of the Rems and Murr." While the command center keeps a close eye on proceedings, coordinating emergency crews, about 250 men and women from the fire department are on-duty. Over the course of Monday morning, a nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was relocated. The residents were evenly distributed amongst other homes.

Germany's most significant waterway, the Rhine, now partially closed for inland shipping, as the WSA confirmed. "Shipping on the Upper Rhine has been suspended," their spokesperson revealed. "Critical levels have been surpassed at the pegs." Maxau near Karlsruhe, along with Mannheim and Worms, area affected, with predictions of closures along the Middle Rhine - between Mainz and Bonn - coming in the next 48 hours. These aren't expected to last, according to the spokesperson. The closures aim to prevent harm to the banks caused by the ships - their large waves can overflow the banks and inundate cellars.

Rescue teams and boats are being sent to the flood-hit area near Landau an der Isar, Bavaria as North Rhine-Westphalia heeds the call for aid. The free state of Bavaria emphatically accepted this assistance only recently, with North Rhine-Westphalian rescuers currently sweeping through Ebersbach an der Fils to provide much-needed help. Ebersbach residents of several streets are being evacuated due to safety concerns. The numbers of those affected are uncertain, but a city spokesperson assured us that a warning was given to residents. Documentation and essentials were asked to be gathered by terrified locals.

09:41 Rescuers continue frantic search for the 43-year-old in Schrobenhausen

Police in Schrobenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district, remain undeterred in their efforts to find a missing woman. They're employing a helicopter and divers to their task. Alas, the cries proclaiming her death the previous night couldn't be more false. The Bayerischer Rundfunk soon set the record straight, continuing the search efforts. Due to difficulties with entering the flooded basement where she was last seen, pumps have been deployed in the house to help with finding the missing woman.

As of 09:12 am, Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, stated that the flooding situation would dominate the province's disaster relief efforts for many more days, "It's improving but we can't give total assurance." He further reiterates that the gigantic rivers' water levels will still rise due to the inflows, even if the rain subsides. Markus Söder predicts this could last until Wednesday, Thursday.

The Paar River dam in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district has suffered a critical blow. The district administration has confirmed the calamity- three points of the dam are ominsky. In the Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching areas, residents of the ground floor are asked for safety reasons to abandon their homes and relocate to higher regions. Scores of people were evacuated in these areas.

08:21 There's another dam break in the Pfaffenhofen district.

In Manching-Pichl to be precise. Multiple news outlets are reporting that the district administration is alerting residents to leave the ground floors of their homes and head for safer, higher areas, like rooms on higher floors. Three streets, namely Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße, are stipulated as the affected ones.

Bloody hellfire! At 08:01 am, firefighters in Rudersberg were caught in the burgeoning tidal wave of water. Talk about 'getting out just in time to save lives, but maybe not yourselves'!

All in all, it's a precarious situation, and we pray for those who find themselves in the grasp of these waters. Let's hope the relief aids and rescue units mobilized do their best to mitigate the horrifying repercussions of flooding. Coming days promise to bring more clarity and safe passage. For now, kindly heed warnings, grab your essentials, and take the necessary precautions. That's all she wrote, folks.

Closings:

Ebersbach an der Fils: Residents evacuated from several streets for their own safety.

Pfaffenhofen district: Third dam breaks on the Paar River. All residents on the ground floor asked to procure refuge in higher floors. Worst affected streets: Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.

Rhine: Partially closed for inland shipping to prevent further damage to banks.

Schrobenhausen: Still searching for a missing 43-year-old woman.

Unnamed location: Emergency services rescued firefighters trapped.

Ludwigsburg district: Continued warning of acute danger for rising water levels on the Rems and Murr.

In Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg, local firefighters were taken aback by the rapidly increasing water levels, as reported by an ntv reporter at the scene. During a rescue attempt for residents, the firefighters had to retreat, leaving them no choice but to climb to the upper stories of houses and wait for hours. The fire department's building was also flooded, according to their own statements. Attempts to drive vehicles to a higher ground failed as they were waterlogged within minutes. Two vehicles were lost to the rising floodwaters.

Emergency situation announced in RegensburgThe water level of the Danube is rising dangerously - Regensburg has declared a state of emergency as the Danube reached a height of 5.90 meters at Eisernen Brücke, a measure taken by the Bavarian flood alert service. On Tuesday, the average value was about 2.70 meters. The record of 6.82 meters was set during the major flood on June 4, 2013, according to professionals.

The Danube had already burst its banks on Sunday.

Helicopter rescue in GünzburgTwelve people were rescued from balconies and roofs in Günzburg using a police helicopter, as reported by the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR). A family with three children, one just a week old, were among them. It was impossible to save them using a boat as the water was getting too high.

Fear of dam break in ManchingThe Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt warns of a potential dam break in Manching, Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen. People are advised to avoid cellars and underground garages and remain in upper floors. A dam break was previously reported in the neighboring town of Baar-Ebenhausen.

Evacuations in Uhingen due to floodingEmergency evacuations were carried out in Uhingen, due to flooding in the Filstal. The district of Göppingen saw some people taken out of their houses and police cordoned off the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Uhingen is near Ebersbach an der Fils, where the Göppingen district administration has assessed numerous residents to be in immediate danger. The entire township is threatened by flooding. An emergency situation has been declared.

Ostalbkreis communities evacuatedThe flooding situation continues to deteriorate in the Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg. People were evacuated from parts of the communities of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen through the night to Monday. According to a spokeswoman for the crisis management, the entire community of Täferrot will be evacuated as well. Evacuations were already taking place in the morning while the town was threatened for the first time. Over 250 to 300 people were moved to safety.

Baden-Württemberg sending rescue teams to BavariaThe worsening flood situation has prompted Baden-Württemberg to send rescue teams to Günzburg, Bavaria. At the request of the Free State of Bavaria, three "Sanitation and Care" units have been sent to the district. The rescue teams will provide care and supplies for those who had to leave their homes and apartments due to flooding. Also, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will support the evacuation of people in the district of Günzburg.

Esslingen builds makeshift damThe heavily flooded city of Esslingen am Neckar has already began constructing a provisional dam to prevent an expected flooding of parts of the city center. The situation is predicted to worsen early in the morning with a possibility of flooding the city's canals. The provisional dam will consist of 1,500 tons of sand and stone. Traffic disruptions will result from the construction site.

Ebersbach an der Fils issues evacuation warningsSome residents of specific streets in the heavily flooded community of Ebersbach an der Fils were advised to prepare for evacuation. Individuals were requested to pack essential documents and items to spend the night away from home. They were also instructed to remain in the upper floors of their houses. "The fire department in Ebersbach is coming to take the residents," the city declared.

Weather warnings lifted - still heavy rain possibilityThe German Weather Service (DWD) has withdrawn all critical thunderstorm warnings with heavy rain in Germany. However, some localized stormy rain showers with the potential for heavy downpours are expected particularly in southern Germany. From noon on, areas south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest could experience these heavy rains. Small-scale thunderstorms are a distinct possibility.

02:04 Flood visitors interrupt rescue efforts in Landkreis Augsburg

Helpful volunteers are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate through Landkreis Augsburg due to an influx of tourism resulting from recent flooding. The rescue squad is drawing attention away from their main focus due to people ignoring warnings and visiting the dikes, underpasses, and bodies of water. The district administration asks for the public's cooperation in avoiding these areas, stating that flood waves can be unpredictable and banks may collapse. They also issue a warning to pedestrians and drivers to stay away from flooded roads and underpasses, where manhole covers could be blown off or submerged.

01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl assess flood damage in two areas

Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl will investigate flood-damaged areas in their state on Monday. Their first stop will be in Meckenbeuren of the Bodenseekreis, followed by a visit to Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. A government spokesperson confirmed that Schetchmann opted against visiting the site on Sunday, stating that he intended to gather comprehensive information through continuous and thorough research instead. Sunday, Kretschmann had conveyed that the rescue teams were stretched thin.

23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils under full alert - A broken noise barrier causing havoc

Ebersbach an der Fils, a city near Stuttgart, declared a full alarm on Sunday due to flooding, as all available firefighters were deployed. A video captured the moment that a massive flood overpowered a noise barrier on the federal highway 10, inundating the road. The city issuing stern warnings to its citizens, urging them to remain indoors and not visit the affected areas. Due to the flowing water, there was a potential danger to life, making it important for residents to avoid entrance to their basements and remaining on the upper floors.

23:16 Unfortunate discovery in Ebersbach an der Fils - A dead body found in a basement

Following the severe storms in Southern Germany, a devastating fatality was unfortunately reported. A 43-year-old missing individual was tragically discovered in a basement, according to information shared by Bayerischer Rundfunk. They had incorrectly reported a woman as having been found dead during their initial brief.

22:16 Severe thunderstorms strike near Dresden, temporarily disrupting train services

At approximately 17:10, a signal box was hit by lightning in the district of Radeberg, disrupting the train traffic around Dresden. The regional train service between Dresden, Bautzen, and Görlitz was affected by this issue. By nightfall, the signal box had been repaired, allowing trains to resume normal services.

22:00 Evacuation of a nursing home in Lauingen necessary

In Lauingen near the Danube, a nursing home was emptied due to flooding. The city's website announced that the evacuation was designed to ensure continued care for the residents. People were moved to an educational center, providing their required care.

This is what Meckenbeuren currently looks like from above.

21:30 Settlements between the Danube and Schmutter required evacuation

Due to significant damage caused by a dam breach, inhabitants of several settlements between the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries must evacuate. The areas affected are Auchsesheim and Heißesheim, as well as portions of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The district office of Donauwörth strongly advises residents to remain composed, gather essential items, and follow the instructions of emergency services, who were also handed notebooks.

21:03 Chancellor Scholz and Interior Minister Faeser to visit the Bavarian flood region

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the Bavarian flood area on Monday to assess the current situation. They will join Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in a meeting in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The president of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is anticipated to join them at the event.

7:30 PM Many schools will be shut down on Monday because of the widespread flooding. At least 40 schools in eight districts of Bavaria will not have in-person classes next week. The Ministry of Education in Bavaria has informed that affected districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On Monday, all primary, middle, and high schools in the Aichach-Friedberg district, along with grammar schools, vocational and professional high schools, and special education centers, will be closed. In Wertingen, a town in the Dillingen district, every school will be closed. Moreover, several schools in the Pfaffenhofen district will not have classes on Monday. According to the Pfaffenhofen district administration, some kindergartens will also be closed on Monday. On Monday and Tuesday, all primary, middle, and high schools in Schrobenhausen, along with the vocational school, special education center, and grammar school, will not have in-person classes.

7:15 PM There are power outages in approximately 30 towns in Swabia. LEW, the power supplier, has reported this incident. There are also local power outages in certain streets and households, concentrated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The company states its teams are working tirelessly to restore electricity wherever possible in the current circumstances. The duration of each outage depends on the specific location.

6:42 PM Over 1,000 people from Günzburg have been evacuated to gyms and Legoland. The mayor of Günzburg, Hans Reichart, provided information on this to Bayerischer Rundfunk. They sheltered at gyms and, in some cases, Legoland. The decision for further evacuation was made due to the significant increase in the water level of the Günz River in the last few hours.

6:11 PM The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of more heavy rainfall, mainly in the southern regions of Germany. Extreme rain is anticipated during Sunday evening, particularly in the Stuttgart area. Additionally, the Alps may experience violent thunderstorms coupled with heavy rain from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. As of Monday morning, the Alpine foothills south of the Danube are predicted to encounter showers, while thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rain may occur from Monday afternoon onwards, predominantly in the Bavarian Forest.

5:42 PM Due to the worsening flood situation in Straubing, it has been declared a disaster. Mayor Markus Pannermayr made this announcement. The magnitude and complexity of the needs, along with the necessary workforce, prompted the decision. Straubing's water level at the Danube has reached over six meters. The disaster warning service divides warning types into levels, with Level 1 to expect minor overflows, and Level 4 indicating that extensive areas can be flooded. The safety measures are going well and will continue, as per reports. Some roads have already been shut down because of the flood.

5:11 PM The partially flooded community of Meckenbeuren, in Friedrichshafen, discourages flood tourism. Onlookers could obstruct emergency services, putting themselves and others at risk, according to a spokeswoman. "Even if it's not raining at the moment or currently less so, hikers are requested to avoid the flood-prone areas, observe closures on bridges and roads," she advised. Police and firefighters have repeatedly reminded adults and children of the hazardous current. The Schussen River overwhelmed its banks and inundated streets and buildings in the Kehlen and Brochenzell districts on Saturday night.

5:00 PM Severe thunderstorms could affect Brandenburg's Oder-Spree district. The DWD has issued a warning, expressing concerns about lightning strikes, uprooted trees, fallen power lines or objects, and house damage. Landslides and hail can also occur. Until Sunday afternoon, such storms are predicted.

16:53 More districts declare emergencies

Due to the heavy flooding, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared emergencies. The local authorities are concerned about the current situation and the predicted water levels. They want to make sure that relief efforts can be effectively managed and staffed accordingly. Both district administrators, Martin Neumeyer from Kelheim and Stefan Löwl from Dachau, have voiced their concerns. Dachau's district administrator believes that local forces will not be able to handle the large number of emergency situations in the coming hours, so they're allowing reinforcements from other areas.

16:25 Train travel may be limited on Monday

Passengers should be prepared for possible disruptions to train travel on Monday due to the bad weather in southern Germany. The German Railways has extended its leniency policy to cover Monday for anyone who bought tickets for Sunday to Monday. These passengers will be able to postpone their journeys if they're affected by the weather. The extent of the disruptions is still unclear, but several long-distance routes have already been impacted. Trains have been canceled on some routes, such as Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advises against traveling in areas affected by flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

16:08 Around 3,000 people in Bavaria affected by evacuations

Approximately 3,000 people in Bavaria have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the flooding. A spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich confirmed this. Over 20,000 personnel are currently dealing with the flood situations, with 40,000 people having been involved since the beginning.

15:51 "This is an extreme situation," says weather expert

The flooding in southern Germany is not expected to improve, according to ntv weather expert Bernd Fuchs. He commented, "Every drop counts," emphasizing the severity of the situation. When asked about a potential connection to the climate crisis, he stated, "This is clear evidence of where we're headed."

15:22 Worker severely injured by electric shock

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

While working on flood-related tasks in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising, a man received serious electric shock injuries. A spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North Police Presidium revealed that a 27-year-old employee of an energy company was shocked in a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen. He was airlifted to a hospital by rescue helicopter. The nature of his work is believed to be related to the floods.

15:02 River navigation on the Upper Rhine halted

Heavy rainfall in southern Germany has led to rising water levels on the Rhine, causing partial suspension of river navigation. In the section near Karlsruhe, no ships can sail since Saturday due to the water level reaching 7.50 meters. By Sunday afternoon, it had risen to 8.20 meters, with it expected to fall again at night. However, further rises are anticipated in areas like Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz in the coming days. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels may endanger navigation at various locations, such as Koblenz, where levels of about 6.10 meters are expected on Tuesday.

14:38 Autobahn A9 closes for 50 kilometers

A 50-kilometer section of the Autobahn A9 in the Pfaffenhofen district of Bavaria is closed due to a dam break. This stretch is between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where the road is flooded. A spokesman for the Upper Bavaria North Police Headquarters reported this new situation. Additionally, there are power outages in the area, affecting hundreds of people. District administrators have asked residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to move to higher floors in their homes and apartments.

Update 15:23 pm: The Autobahn GmbH has stated that the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is shut down in both directions, while the area between Pfaffenhofen and Neufahrn is severely restricted. It is advised to bypass the entire area.

5:59 PM: Economic Minister Habeck views heavy rain as a product of climate changeEconomic Minister Robert Habeck requests more dedication towards climate change mitigation when Germany's South stabilizes from recent flooding events. "The constraint of CO2 emissions, enabling enough time for adaptation, should not be downplayed or hidden, but is the top priority," claims Habeck at Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The recurrence of natural catastrophes serves as a "clear indicator" that nature and climate are transforming. Centennial floods now occur "every few years."

10:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz intends to visit flood zone on MondayChancellor Olaf Scholz intends to visit the flood-stricken area on Monday to obtain first-hand knowledge. [Sources: dpa, SWR, n-tv, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Bild, Spiegel Online]

10:21: Missing 22-year-old firefighter after project in OffingenA 22-year-old fireman is missing following an evacuation operation in Offingen in the Landkreis Günzburg. Police press office spokesperson confirmed that he was joined by a volunteer fire department colleague and three DLRG auxiliaries in a boat for an evacuation around 2:50 am, when the boat overturned. The boat salvaged four of the volunteers, but the 22-year-old is still missing. Intensive searches initiated since morning hours. Two helicopters started operations. A 42-year-old fireman lost his life in a flood operation.

10:11 Unaffected by respite: Extreme torrential rains continueThe new week doesn't provide a reprieve from persistent downpours in southern German flood zones. Following NTV meteorologist Björn Alexander's statement, "This vast rain continues, but local thunderstorm centers now form."

10:52 Menace of Paar Dam failure for Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, and neighboring communitiesThe Paar river poses a higher risk of dam failure. Affected districts comprise Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Landkreis Pfaffenhofen. Authorities issue instructions to evacuate ground floors. Residents have been urged to shift to higher floors. Directorates urge dialing the emergency number 112 in case of emergency.

10:39 Söder: Around 40,000 response personnel for the Bavarian floods in actionAccording to the Bavarian premier, Markus Söder, there are circa 40,000 response personnel active for flood mitigation in Bavaria. Söderexpressed concern surrounding deployment coordination: "The next few hours will be imperative in efficient relief allocation." Those enduring lengthy deployment should be relieved, he stated. "Fatigue poses greater risks of calamities, errors, and personal jeopardy."

10:29 Straubing loads up dam guardsThe Donaupegel in Straubing is on course to reach the highest alert level four, HND Bavaria acknowledges. According to the city, dam guards will begin monitoring the dam site from 3 PM. Firefighters will report the drift status and any resulting damages to the dam. Simultaneously, more sandbags are prepared.

10:03 Dam failure in Baar-Ebenhausen regionIn Landkreis Pfaffenhofen, a dam has collapsed in Baar-Ebenhausen. Acekkordinatgvid dispatch, "The communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are in danger." Residents are instructed to evacuate their ground floors immediately.

10:37 Chancellor Scholz commends rescue personnel in flood regions to BavariaRelieved remarks from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz targets rescue workers and surrogate carers in flood-affected areas. "I extend deepest appreciation and admiration towards the rescue workers and volunteers in flood-stricken zones," remarks SPD luminary on X. "Sympathy overtook me upon hearing the death of a fireman in Pfaffenhofen." In Upper Bavarian district Pfaffenhofen auf der Ilm, a fireman fell during a rescue mission.

10:25 Catholic Day in Erfurt discusses floodsCatholic Day's supervisor, Georg Bätzing, provides a special address directing faith towards flood-stricken regions. "We hope for human lives' protection and preservation," Bätzing utters in Erfurt's Katherinedom.

Two territories in Meckenbeuren's municipality, Kehlen and Brochenzell, are currently submerged underwater. The Schussen river has overflowed its banks, causing the streets to be flooded. The town's spokesperson has informed that around 1300 residents have been automatically evacuated Saturday to move to safety. However, some individuals have chosen to remain in their houses and have taken refuge in the upper floors. The water level in the Schussen rose to above 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, which is far from the usual depth of 45 centimeters. Since then, the water level has been decreasing.

10:34 Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, pays homage to a deceased firefighter

The Bavarian Minister President, Markus Söder, honours the fallen firefighter who lost his life in a rescue operation in disaster-stricken Bavaria by means of a post on Twitter. "We will always remember his dedication and commitment towards his fellow men", Söder's post read. "Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his colleagues. We grieve." As per police reports, the 42-year-old firefighter, a volunteer, lost his life when a rescue boat overturned near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen, clashing with a flooded house.

10:09 Ukraine's football team re-arranges training venue for EM match vs. DFB team

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

Ukraine's national football team has been forced to relocate its final training session ahead of the EM match against the German national football team, which was initially set for 6:00pm at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg. Instead, the training will take place in Erlangen since it is an attempt to preserve the ground that might get damaged due to the heavy rainfall, communicated a Ukrainian team's spokesperson. The match between Ukraine and the German team is set to be played in Nuremberg on Monday night.

09:52 Munich has already faced 290 firefighter deployments as a consequence of flooding

The continuous heavy rainfall has been causing issues in Munich for several hours. Since Saturday at 6:00 am, the fire department has been mobilised more than 290 times, as per the Munich Fire Department. The principal activities of the firefighters have been pumping water out of cellars and underground garages. Besides, numerous trees have been uprooted due to the moist soil, and multiple roads have been closed. The Isar's flood warning level 2 was surpassed on Saturday evening.

09:24 Anhausen is experiencing a slight easing of conditions after dam violation

Anhausen is observing a slight improvement in its flood situation after a dam five kilometers away burst open, filling Anhausen with water in a pricey manner. Following this occurrence, the evacuated residents are starting to return. Despite this, the water levels are still precarious elsewhere.

09:08 THW deploys many more workers in flooded regions

Technical Relief Organization (THW) is dispatching more individuals to assist in the beleaguered areas of southern Germany. Presently, over 1800 personnel are posted, shared a THW spokesperson. The relief workers are involved in tasks such as repairing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding local evacuations. Additionally, fire department and emergency forces are contributing their services.

08:47 Baden-Württemberg is stressed by persistent water masses and anticipates a one-century-old flood

The flood predicament is heightening anxiety in specific parts of Germany, especially the southern regions. Baden-Württemberg currently is reeling under the menace of intense moisture. Rescue teams and other helpers are strained from overuse.

08:30 Train recovery activities to be undertaken in the morning after landslide in Baden-Württemberg

A railway line in Baden-Württemberg has been made inoperable due to a landslide. An ICE train had been stranded after the landslide took place. According to an announcement, the recovery process will be commenced in the morning while a rescue locomotive on the second track will offer backup. The duration of the disruption remains ambiguous. In the meantime, regional trains have managed to skirt the stricken area. On Saturday evening, two ICE carriages, transporting 185 passengers, were derailed after an incident involving a landslide.

08:16 Untraced individual in Schrobenhausen

A person is currently missing in Schrobenhausen. The missing individual is said to have been conversant with the cellar of a house when the flooding occurred. The cellar and parts of the upstairs section are now flooded, informed a spokesperson from Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office. Rescue teams at the moment are unable to investigate the premises.

7:30 Shifting floods to lower regions in Bavaria - Persistent Melt Level 4Some areas in Bavaria still have Melt Level 4 floods, and authorities are watchful of the lowering Donau tributaries such as Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. These areas reported overnight flood peaks, which means the floods are moving downstream towards Swabia, Lower Bavaria, and Upper Palatinate. Places like Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing are likely to be affected, with the most significant wave anticipated to arrive early in the week. Sunday could see significant rises in outlets like Mühlried in Schrobenhausen, Manching, and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district.

6:55 Thunderstorms with heavy rains again forecast for South GermanyThe German Weather Service (DWD) predicts more heavy rains and dangerous thunderstorms in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The DWD forecast suggests thunderstorms with heavy rains will occur from noon to Monday night. The streets and basements could flood again, and there might be more lightning damages, too.

5:40 Augsburg region advises evacuation for Kühlenthal and AllmannshofenIn Augsburg's flood-affected district, authorities are informing residents of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen to leave their communities right away. The integrated command center suggested that buses are ready to assist those who can't leave without help. Satisfaction is also being urged to evacuate in other parts of the district, particularly those by the Schmutter tributary. Calls for evacuation were already given in the evening before.

5:05 Wiesbaden braces for water level increases on Rhine and MainWiesbaden officials are making preparations for potential increases in water levels on the Rhine and Main. The authorities erected a flood protection wall in Kostheim district and installed a pump in the Schierstein district. Parking places near the river are advised to be avoided in the coming days. No further actions are necessary, at least for now.

4:04 Train service between Stuttgart and Munich suspendedThe landslide in Baden-Württemberg's Schwäbisch Gmünd halted long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. It is unclear when the line will be reopened, a railway spokesperson said early in the morning. The landslide closes the bypass from Aalen to Stuttgart, making long-distance trains reroute.

4:01 Thirty thousand sandbags to be prepared by THW in UlmThe Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm has been working through the night, creating sandbags for the affected parts of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Up to 30,000 sandbags were sent to the flood- and flood-endangered areas in the southwest; more continues to be requested. The THW can fill 400 sandbags per hour, with 30,000 bags due to be ready on Sunday.

1:27 Red Cross deploys water rescuers from Unterfranken to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross is mobilizing water rescue teams from Unterfranken to aid in the efforts in Swabia. The team will most likely be sent to help in Günzburg district, the Red Cross plans to send them during the night. The Unterfranken water rescuers are trained in high water rescue operations, including two boat and diving teams. In Swabia, nearly all bodies of water have reached hundred-year flood levels, or those that only occur once every 100 years on average.

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

1:22 Landslide close to ICE train at Schwäbisch GmündAn ICE carrying 185 passengers derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the passengers are now being evacuated. Two wagons separated from the train around 23:20, but remained upright after derailing. The landslide was about 30 meters wide. The passengers are to be relocated to a nearby kindergarten before being transported to Plüderhausen via bus.

A car in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Württemberg, is struck by a landslide. Fortunately, the driver escapes harm. The landslide occurred near where the country road and railway intersect. Schwäbisch Gmünd is approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rainfall has lashed Baden-Württemberg.

At Neu-Ulm, the city has succumbed to the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, according to city officials. Even though the water levels are very high, the 100-year flood has not taken place. For the time being, two streets, the Donau promenades, and cycle paths along the Danube and Iller are supposed to remain closed. Mayor Katrin Albsteiger said, "We'll only know the extent of the damage once the situation returns to normal."

The Munich Fire Department cautions about potential hazards at the Isar River bank due to flooding. In addition, the city administration has shut down two popular footpaths along the river. The Isar River has hit flood level 2 in the state capital, according to the Fire Department. Flood level 2 refers to flooding on unconstructed areas or traffic disruptions due to high water on roads.

In Upper Bavaria, 670 individuals are set to be evacuated from the town of Schrobenhausen. Tractors and boats are being utilized by the fire department and rescue teams, as per the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. The authority has set up a hotline for emergencies. The district had previously declared a disaster. District Administrator Peter von der Grün claims that the southern part of Upper Bavaria is particularly precarious.

Eastern Thuringia has experienced numerous fire department interventions due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Gera control center confirmed this. Ronneburg in the Greiz district is particularly affected, with flooded streets, fields, and flooded cellars. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a small stream has overflowed.

In Southern Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) reports a slight lessening in rainfall. According to a DWD meteorologist, "Tonight we won't have the massive rainfall amounts we had last night." However, fresh showers and thunderstorms from the north will pose the threat of local flooding again on Sunday afternoon. These showers could be very strong and will only gradually diminish. "If they hit the already saturated ground, then there will be flooding again," warns the meteorologist. The areas most at risk from these showers and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, regions slightly north of it, and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.

The city of Freising has also declared a disaster due to overflows in the rivers and creeks. In particular, the Amper and Glonn rivers pose a threat to unprecedented water levels, as the Freising district announced in the evening. The authorities fear a major flood in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all settlements along the Amper. Citizens are advised to prepare for this extreme scenario and, for instance, clear their cellars. Currently, ten Bavarian districts have declared a disaster.

Due to continuous rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation. The local crisis team reports that the high water level on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has deteriorated. The district administration is asking for assistance from the Bundeswehr. Experts predict a 100-year flood on this small river, which could affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. As authorities prepare to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river, the district administration is appealing to farmers to keep their livestock in safe stables.

21:09 Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares a disaster situation

The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has announced a disaster situation due to the rising levels of the Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the district administration. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt is expecting a level 4 alert at the Neuburg gauge. The situation is particularly dire at the Paar, a tributary of the Danube, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen district, the Weilach has already overflowed and flooded a residential area. Residents there are being prepared for evacuation according to Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation is particularly concerning in the southern part of the district. von der Grün emphasized that protecting roads, bridges, and pathways is a top priority to ensure the fire department can continue to respond to emergencies.

20:34 Life-threatening situation: Red Cross rescues people from rooftops with helicopter

The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has successfully rescued two individuals from the roof of their home in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The two were in a life-threatening condition as the house was at risk of collapsing due to the massive water accumulation. Other people were also rescued from their homes using inflatable boats. Over 100 individuals, including multiple children, have been saved by the rescue teams.

20:13 Residents in several Augsburg-area communities are asked to leave their homes

Rescue teams have had to free people from their cars as they could not open the doors due to water build up. Such situations can become life-threatening due to the powerful currents and the rising water levels inside the vehicle. In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, residents have been instructed to evacuate their homes due to the imminent flood threat. The situation is expected to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district, according to a spokesperson for the Augsburg district administration. Affected areas include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian government has established a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.

19:48 Bundeswehr aids flood-stricken regions in Bavaria

German military forces are being deployed to assist with the flood relief efforts in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is assisting the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg after they submitted requests," says a spokesperson for the Bavarian Bundeswehr command to Antenne Bayern. Approximately 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive in the Aichach-Friedberg district in the coming hours, in addition to two Bundeswehr trucks. In Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are being distributed.

19:20 Faeser promises more support

SPD politician Nancy Faeser, the Federal Interior Minister, has pledged further aid to the flood-impacted regions in southern Germany. "The THW is ready to deploy even more resources," Faeser said in Berlin, referring to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief forces. "We will do our best to help the affected states with all our power." As of Saturday evening, 520 THW personnel and helpers have been mobilized. They have been involved in rescuing people, securing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser also thanked all those working to combat the flooding: "Thank you very much to everyone who is currently fighting against the water masses and working tirelessly to save lives," she added. Faeser reminded residents in affected regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to take warnings and instructions from the authorities seriously.

18:58 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze

The climbers in need at the Zugspitze (review previous Live Ticker entry at 15:15) have been safely retrieved by the mountain rescue service. 29 people were guided to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue team. Several groups had made distress calls and could no longer continue due to the inclement weather and fresh snowfall at around 2500 meters above sea level, about 900 meters from the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service had been en route. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also on their way with snow groomers to search for the climbers, according to a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.

18:42 Severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Brandenburg

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for parts of Brandenburg about the potential dangers of severe thunderstorms. The second-highest warning level is in effect until the evening for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree. Lightning strikes, uprooted trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail are possible.

The A3 highway in Bavaria near Regensburg is partially shut down for around ten kilometers between the exits of Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. Parts of the road are submerged, according to the police headquarters in Upper Palatinate. As a spokesperson says, "The water is pushing from the fields onto the motorway." The traffic police in Regensburg, known as Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all attending the scene. They plan to divert the traffic, the spokesperson adds.

At 17:51, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. This news comes from the Nonstopnews agency. Up to 150 inmates will be moved to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach, a small river in front of the prison, has turned into a raging current and threatens to flood the prison. Parts of the courtyard are already underwater. This could cause a power outage, leading to the evacuation decision by the prison administration. The police arrived with emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. They had to do it through flooded streets as the approach was already inundated. The fire department was also present with pumps to remove water from the prison.

At 17:35, the heavy rain is causing water levels to reach level 4 at various gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are expanding. The gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and many more have reported this. Level 4 will also be reached in Dasing (Paar). This is also the case for the Regen in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Hundred-year floods are predicted in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) by the flood warning service (HND).

The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach peak Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday. In the lower Iller, water levels are already decreasing. In the northern Danube tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, several gauges have level 1 and 2 overflows with an increasing trend. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 throughout the day, for example in Günzburg, Donauwörth and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is anticipated to follow at night. In the further Donau section to Passau, increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are predicted.

Although the heavy rain affects many regions of Bavaria, Munich Airport can continue operating normally. No flights have been cancelled so far. Airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm explains to BR why, "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways." The airport is built slightly higher, with runways sloping downwards on the sides, allowing water to drain off. The runways are also "grooved," having grooves that accelerate water's runoff. This means there is currently no risk of aquaplaning, adds Wilhelm to the Bavarian broadcaster. There are no major complications expected for the rest of the weekend.

At 17:07, Minister President Markus Söder assesses the situation in the hard-hit region of Swabia. He thanks rescuers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Söder affirms that Bavaria is prepared for crises, saying the situation is an "extreme burden" for citizens. He adds, "This is not over yet. Things are really getting started." The focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, so resources, such as sandbags, are being collected there. "Without the helpers, we wouldn't have a chance," Söder stresses to rescue services like the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, and police.

At 16:35, there are no more trains running.

As for trains, they no longer operate.

Heavy storms and floods in the regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have also disrupted rail services in South Germany. As per Deutsche Bahn, there are disturbances and train cancellations occurring in this area. Two ICE lines, in particular, have been affected, according to a spokesperson; there will be no trains operating between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also impacted. The railway's website provides further details on track closures, cancellations, and delays.

In another piece of news, Unterallgäu in Bavaria has also experienced a disaster situation. In the town of Babenhausen, certain sections of the mobile network have failed. People seeking aid who cannot make an emergency call should display a white sheet or cloth at their window to signal their need for assistance, suggests the district administration. In Babenhausen, residents have already been rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.

As of now, approximately 400 THW (Technical Relief Organization) forces are actively engaged to address the situation in South Germany. These efforts include draining water, securing dams, and evacuating residents. The THW in Bonn announced this development. They anticipate deploying additional forces if necessary in response to continuous heavy rainfall. In the affected regions, mobile flood gauges will be set up to monitor water levels as more floods are predicted in the coming hours. Consequentially, THW forces are on standby across the nation.

In its latest update, a 26-person mountain climbing group was said to be stranded several hundred meters below the peak of the Zugspitze. The new snow accumulated in the previous hours, the continual rain in the valley, freezing temperatures, and low visibility led to a situation where the group is worn out and likely without adequate equipment. Search and rescue crews are working to locate them in the blizzard, as reported by BR news.

The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria declared a disaster situation to coordinate more expedient and efficient responses to the expected water levels. The district administrator, Stefan Roßle, shared this information in a statement. The key message is to stay calm and avoid low-lying areas if possible.

In Augsburg's Swabian district, a ditch and a dam have broken. The district administration disclosed this news. Residents in specific streets located in Diedorf must leave their homes. There are preparations underway for an evacuation in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. It is now impractical to move to higher floors. A dam has given way in Burgwalden, while a dike in Anhauser Weiher has collapsed. The district requests that residents of the affected areas depart their homes independently within the next hour and take refuge at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Additionally, officials advise steering clear of railway underpasses, as the possibility of flooding exists in these locations. The situation holds grave implications for lives.

Minister-President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann of Bavaria are on their way to the flood-prone region in Augsburg's Swabian district. The two CSU politicians are eager to evaluate the flood conditions in Diedorf firsthand. The visit is also attended by district administrator Martin Sailer. The meeting spot was altered because of the changing situation. Evacuation arrangements for locals are being made in Diedorf. The flood situation presents a severe challenge in the Swabian area. In addition to the Günzburg district, Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now both declared disaster situations.

In Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, the flood scenario is getting more intense. Today, the Schussen river's height was measured at 4.72 meters in the afternoon, according to an official spokesperson. We're hoping the peak will arrive soon. During the last flood in 2021, the level peaked at 4.50 meters. Regularly, the river only has 45 centimeters of water in it. On Friday night, over 1,300 people were asked to leave their homes as a precaution. Most found shelter with family or friends. Just a handful of individuals visited the shelter. To prevent potential damage from the flooding, all schools, kindergartens, and halls were already emptied. This town with 14,000 residents took preventive measures by closing bridges as well.