Habeck, the economics minister, predicts that climate change will result in increased rainfall.
Economic Minister Robert Habeck urges greater climate protection measures following the devastating floods in southern Germany. "The containment of carbon emissions to allow adaptation time is crucial, rather than being mocked or downplayed," he emphasizes during a visit to severely affected Reichertshofen, Bavaria. Natural disasters, according to Habeck, are a clear sign that nature and climate are changing. "Century floods now occur every few years," he adds.
13:34: Chancellor Scholz tours flood-stricken areas on MondayGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to survey the damage caused by the floods on Monday, with government authorities confirming the visit.
13:21: 22-year-old firefighter missing after Offingen operationDuring a rescue operation in Offingen, Günzburg district, a 22-year-old firefighter is reported missing. The police spokesperson for Schwaben South-West confirmed this. The four other firefighters and a DLRG assistant in his party were rescued from the water, but the 22-year-old remains unaccounted for. Since early morning, intensive efforts have been underway to locate him, with two helicopters deployed for the search. A 42-year-old firefighter had already lost his life in the flood relief operations.
13:11: Unabated rain from storms persists in flood-hit areasThe new week brings no reduction in rain for flooded regions in southern Germany, explains ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander. New, localized thunderstorm centres have formed, adding to the persistent rain.
12:52: Possible dam failure on the Paar, authorities warn residentsAuthorities have warned residents of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen district to evacuate their homes as there's a threat of a dam failure on the Paar. The ground floor and basement should be avoided, and in case of emergency, fire departments should be reached via 112.
12:39: Over 40,000 emergency personnel deployed in BavariaAs per Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, 40,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist in the flood relief operations across the region. Focus will now be on coordinating federal and state support, Söder explains during a visit to Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen.
12:29: Straubing braces for dam failure, establishes guard postsWith the water level in Straubing predicted to reach its highest alert level four, authorities in the Bavarian city are preparing for a potential dam failure. Guard posts will be set up by firefighters, who'll monitor the dam's status and report any damage to the authorities. Extra sandbags are also being prepared.
12:03: Dam collapse occurs in Baar-EbenhausenA dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district. The affected communities include Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are urged to leave their ground floors and process to higher levels.
11:37: Chancellor Scholz commends rescue workers for their effortsGermany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz praises the rescue workers and volunteers in the flood-stricken areas. Addressing the loss of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen, Scholz tweets, "His death deeply affects me...my thoughts are with his loved ones and colleagues."
11:25: Catholic Day in Erfurt includes flood victims in closing prayersGeorg Bätsching, the German Bishops' Conference chairman, pays a tribute to those impacted by the storms during closing ceremony of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. He prays for the safety of all, believing that lives should be preserved and protected.
10:59: Meckenbeuren districts inundated by Schussen's floodwatersDue to overflowing Schussen, parts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are submerged in floodwaters. On Saturday, around 1300 people were evacuated willingly, seeking safety by moving to upper floors. Some residents chose to stay and shelter in their upper floors. The water level of the Schussen reached 4.86 meters on Saturday night, surpassing its normal depth of 45 centimeters. Since then, it has been receding.
10:34 Bavarian Minster President Markus Söder pays tribute to firefighter: "His commitment and dedication to fellow humans will always be remembered."
The 42-year-old member of a volunteer fire department tragically died after a rescue boat capsized near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen due to flooding.
10:09 Ukrainian football team delays training: Rain showers interfere with final session before match against German team.
The Ukrainian team was set to hold their last training on Sunday before their EM test match against Germany, but because of the rain, they will have to train in Erlangen instead.
09:52 Munich already faced 290 fire department interventions due to flooding.
Flooding has wreaked havoc in the Munich area, with the fire department dealing with over 290 incidents, including pumping out cellars and basements, uprooting trees, and closing streets. Saturday evening saw a flood warning level 2 on the Isar be surpassed.
09:40 Anhausen flooding slows down after dam break.
The town of Anhausen was suddenly inundated when a dam broke approximately 5km away. However, people are cautiously returning to their homes as floodwaters continue to create critical conditions.
09:16 THW deploys more relief workers to flood-stricken areas.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has sent additional support to the areas in Germany that have been heavily impacted by rising waters. Over 1800 workers are currently active, with assistance ranging from securing dams to evacuating residents.
08:53 Baden-Württemberg landslide affects ICE train and car.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in certain areas of Germany, as evidenced by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg that stranded an ICE train and a car.
08:40 Person missing in cellar in Schrobenhausen.
In Schrobenhausen, a person is missing, presumably because they were in the cellar of a house when it flooded. Rescue workers have yet to gain access to the residence.
08:21 Firefighter dies in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
Firefighters in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, were involved in a rescue, but tragically, one of them, 42, had died after capsizing in the water along with three colleagues.
07:56 Highest flood alert level 4 persists in Bavaria.
For many places in Bavaria, a flood alert level of 4 continues, with the heaviest focus remaining on the southern tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, in addition to the Upper Danube.
07:22 Weather service anticipates further heavy rain in the south.
The weather service has issued a warning for more heavy rain to fall in the southern parts of Germany, where flood limitations have already surpassed capacity, causing a shift in focus from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Notable places are expected to be affected, such as Neuburg, Kelheim, and Straubing. Rising water levels in Mühlried of the Schrobenhausen district, Manching, and Geisenfeld (both in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm), as well as Abensberg in the Kelheim district, are anticipated for Sunday.
06:50 Munich already faced more than 290 fire department interventions due to flooding.
Munich has been severely impacted by flooding, with the fire department being called to more than 290 interventions since Saturday morning, suggesting that this isn't the first time they've had to deal with water-related issues. These incidents involve pumping out cellars, uprooting trees, and closing streets. Saturday evening reached a flood warning level 2 on the Isar, indicating a serious situation.
09:10 Defunct fireboat claims firefighter's life in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria.
A deceased firefighter, aged 42, was working on a rescue mission near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen when the fireboat he was in capsized, tragically claiming his life.
08:52 Ukrainian football team postpones training thanks to rain showers.
Pouring rain has forced Ukraine's football team to change the location of their final training session before the match against the German football team on Monday, November 15 at 8:05 pm on ArD. Instead of Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, the training will take place in Erlangen to protect the field.
08:28 A flexible approach is needed as floods move downstream.
Flood levels in southern Germany have reached their peak, and the situation is expected to worsen for places such as Neuburg, Kelheim, and Regensburg. The highest alert level 4 still affects areas like the southern Donau tributaries as well as the Upper Danube. The water masses are expected to travel downstream, potentially impacting Neuburg, Kelheim, Straubing, Manching, and Geisenfeld.
Across parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the German Weather Service (DWD) warns of more heavy thunderstorms with torrential rain on Sunday. The DWD's morning forecast predicts thunderstorms with rain from noon until late Monday night, potentially resulting in street and cellar flooding. Thunderstorms could also result in damage from lightning strikes, they add.
5:39 Augsburg authorities expand evacuations
In flooded areas of Augsburg's Bavarian district, officials are increasing the calls for evacuation. Residents in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are told to leave their homes immediately. Buses are available for those unable to leave themselves. In other areas of the district, people received instructions to leave their homes and apartments on Sunday night. Mostly affected are communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary that flows into the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden prepares for rising water levels
Wiesbaden authorities are taking precautions against rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. In the Kostheim district, a flood barrier has been erected, according to the fire department in the early morning. In Schierstein, a pump has also been installed. The public is advised to steer clear of parking lots near the river in the coming days. No further measures are expected for now.
4:04 Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich suspended
Due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has ceased. A train spokesman couldn't determine the length of the closure in the early morning. The landslide blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, while the Ulm-Augsburg line was already closed due to the floods in southern Germany.
3:13 THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm filled thousands of sandbags for flooded and flood-prone areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in a night-time operation. Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center, estimates they poured 400 sandbags per hour. The sandbags were requested from various areas in the southwest and nearby federal states. Continuous rainfall has led to significantly increased water levels at several locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
2:25 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to support the relief effort in Schwaben. They are likely to be deployed in the particularly affected district of Günzburg, as the Red Cross announced in the evening. The Unterfranken water rescue units are trained for flood operations, including two boat and diving teams. In the Schwabian district of Günzburg, several bodies of water have reached the levels of a hundred-year flood. This corresponds to a flood that is reached or exceeded statistically every 100 years.
1:27 Schwaebisch Gmuend: ICE wagons derail after landslide
Two wagons of an ICE train with 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend due to a landslide. Passengers stayed unharmed, and they are currently being evacuated from the train. The landslide was approximately 30 meters wide. Travelers are to stay at a nearby kindergarten and then be transported to Ploerdhausen via bus.
00:59 Landslide damages car in Schwaebisch Gmuend
A car was hit by a landslide in the Württemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend, as reported by the police in the night. The driver of the car didn't receive any injuries. The landslide happened on the route parallel to the affected county road and the railway line in Schwaebisch Gmuend, about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has struck Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
00:14 Neu-Ulm overcomes high water mark - extent of damage unclear
The city of Neu-Ulm has reached the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, as estimated by the city administration. To prevent a 100-year flood, emergency measures proved effective. "The extent of the damage is still unknown until the situation stabilizes," comments Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. As such, two streets, the Donau promenades, and bike paths along the Danube and Iller will be closed for the time being.
11:14 PM Munich: Hazard at Isar River EdgeThe Munich Fire Department cautions about danger near the Isar River edge due to flooding. In addition, the city council has closed two widespread walking paths along the river. The river has heightened to warning level 2 in the state capital, as per the Fire Department updates on system X. Alert level 2 indicates flooding on non-structured areas or transportation hindrances because of substantial water on the roads.
10:51 PM Upper Bavaria: 670 Residents to be QuarantinedThe fire department and rescue personnel are prepped to remove 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. Within the Muhlried district and a stream beside the Weilach River, excavators and boats are in operation, as per the lower Bavaria district administrator informs. The district authority has also started a citizen helpline for emergencies. The township had previously enforced a disaster situation. The scenario is mainly distressing in the southern portion of Upper Bavaria's district, based on District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
10:31 PM Swift fire department interventions in Eastern ThuringiaThick rain and thunderstorms are prompting numerous fire department operations in Eastern Thuringia. This is being reported through the control center in Gera. The location around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is heavily affected. There are streets immersed in water, saturated fields, and basements flooded. The process of thinning in the Gera district is overflowing.
10:15 PM Relaxation in prolonged rain in the south - no warning terminationAt the flooded or jeopardized sectors in Southern Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) publicizes lessening rainfall. A DWD meteorologist claims that the profuse rainfall will not be as strong tonight as it was the preceding night. "We won't experience the major rainfall amounts we had yesterday," he says. Although, new downpours and thunder showers from the north are nearing, which might trigger further local flooding on Sunday afternoon. These showers may be extremely robust and will take an extended period to cease. "If they affect the wet land, a flooding would recur," adds the meteorologist. The territories anticipated to be obstructed by the showers and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, territories marginally to the north, and the region around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
10:00 PM Disaster situation in Freising alsoThe Freising area also portrays a disaster situation as a consequence of overflowing rivers and brooks. In particular, the Amper and Glonn watercourses are endangered by peak water levels, as the district administration of the Upper Bavarian city discerned in the night. The district administration prognosticates a broad flooding in the community of Hohenkammer, along with all locations weltering alongside the Amper. Residents are advised to be ready for a substantial crisis precipitously and, for example, also empty their basements. In all, ten Bavarian districts have now proclaimed a disaster situation.
9:40 PM District Dillingen declares disaster situationThe Dillingen district in Bavaria has categorized a disaster situation due to continual rainfall. The situation in the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened in the night, as the authority notifies. The local emergency team has begged for assistance from the Bundeswehr. Professionals anticipate a 100-year flood on the minuscule river, which would potentially rupture the nearby villages of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Yet, authorities intend to release more water from the distended Danube into the Riedstrom, the past blue floodplain of the river. The district management requests neighborhood farmers to safeguard their livestock in fortified enclosures.
9:20 PM Eighth Municality in Bavaria declares disaster situationDue to the lingering downpour, the Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has classified the disaster situation as the eighth municipality in Bavaria. The cause is the rising Danube and its tributaries, as per the Upper Bavarian district administration's statistics. The Water Administration Office Ingolstadt predicts level 4 at the peg in Neuburg for the night. The scenario is additionally dire at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and at the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. In Schrobenhausen's Mühlried area, the Weilach has already transgressed its boundaries and flooded a residential community. Emergency crews are gearing up to evacuate residents there, as Landrat Peter von der Grün denotes. The situation is tumultuous, specifically in the southern section of the area. Von der Grün clarified that the defense of routes, bridges, and walkways is the priority. "Only then can the firefighters to proceed with rescue missions."
8:46 PM Rescuing from the rooftop by life-endangered Red Cross with a helicopterThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has retrieved 2 humans from their home's rooftop in Babenhausen through a helicopter. They were in a life-risking circumstance, clarifies a Red Cross representative. The structure in the district of Unterallgäu was at the verge of collapsing due to the mammoth water masses. Diversions were also taken out of their housing with inflatable boats. Rescuers brought over a hundred persons to manifestation - including dozens of juveniles.
6:13 Residents in nearby towns to Augsburg are instructed to leave their homes
Emergency responders also had to free individuals from their vehicles, who were unable to open their doors themselves due to the mass of water. The situation could swiftly turn fatal because of the current and the increasing water in the car, the spokesperson continued.
In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, inhabitants are being urged to vacate their homes and apartments due to the looming flood threat. The situation is anticipated to worsen in the evening in the northern section of the district, as reported by a representative of the Augsburg district administration. The communities impacted include pieces of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The regional government of Swabia has established a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
18:13 German military assists in flooded areas in Bavaria
German military soldiers are taking action against the floods in Bavaria. "The military is aiding the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, after both districts submitted a formal request," says a spokesperson for the Bavarian military command to Antenne Bayern. "In Günzburg, blankets and field beds are being circulated. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, about 50 military soldiers and support personnel are expected to arrive in the coming hours. Additionally, two military trucks are in use there."
18:50 Faeser pledges more support
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has committed to further support for the regions affected by the floods in South Germany. "Due to the constant heavy rain and imminent floods, the THW is set to deploy additional resources," the SPD politician in Berlin said, referring to the technical relief organization (THW). "We will continue to provide assistance to the affected states with all of our available resources." According to Faeser, there are currently 520 THW helpers and assistants on duty. They have rescued individuals, reinforced dikes, and evacuated water. Faeser also congratulated all of those engaged in rescue efforts: "I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in battling the water masses and tirelessly striving to save lives!" People in the flooded regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should heed the warnings and advice of the authorities, Faeser advised. "Please take these warnings seriously!"
17:28 29 climbers rescued from Zugspitze
The climbers who were in a predicament on the Zugspitze (refer to the Live Ticker entry at 3:15 p.m.) have been rescued. 29 individuals were escorted to safety at the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue service. Multiple groups had reported emergencies. They couldn't proceed any further due to weather conditions and new snow at an elevation of roughly 2500 meters, about 900 meters below the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was en route. Employees from the Zugspitzbahn were also on their way with snow tractors to locate the climbers, stated a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
18:28 Storm warning for parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for hazardous thunderstorms in certain sections of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second highest warning level is in effect until the evening. There may be lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, severe flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
17:38 Transit on the A3--partially blocked
The A3 highway in Bavaria between Parsberg and Beratzhausen, near Regensburg, is partially blocked for nearly ten kilometers in both directions. The road is submerged, reports the Regensburg police headquarters. "The water is being pushed onto the motorway from the fields," says a spokesperson. According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are on site. The automobiles will be diverted, says a spokesperson.
17:15 Prison in Memmingen evacuated
Due to the flood danger, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being abandoned. This was reported by the news agency Nonstopnews. The up to 150 detainees will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach - a little river that has now turned into a ferocious torrent and threatens to flood the prison - flows directly in front of the prison. Portions of the courtyard are already submerged. This might lead to power outages, prompting the prison administration to authorize the evacuation. The police arrived with numerous rescue vehicles to facilitate the evacuation. This ultimately required them to travel through flooded streets because the access road was already flooded. The fire department was also in operation with pumps to extricate water from the prison.
5:35 PM: Heavy rain increases water levels up to level 4 in various Swabian areas
The ongoing heavy rainfall has resulted in water levels rising to level 4 in multiple gauges across Swabia. This includes locations such as Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Nattenhausen (Günz). Reports also suggest that level 4 will be reached in Dasing (Paar). Furthermore, the Regen River in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is subject to centennial flood levels. The Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND) predicts this. The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach Meldestufe 3 between Saturday and Sunday. Inother regions, such as the lower Iller, water levels are starting to drop. Areas including Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, are dealing with individual gauges experiencing Meldestufe 1 and 2 overflows. By Saturday, Meldestufe 3 is expected for locations like Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is anticipated to observe this later on. The Donau course towards Passau is experiencing incrementing Meldestufen 1 and 2 levels as well.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Og77v-08N84Tv7QXC1qyb00-k1Yt-ZfS2T-6U2qH
5:23 PM: Flight operations at Munich Airport continue uninterrupted
In spite of the adverse weather conditions across Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport proceed without any hindrance. Not a single flight has been canceled till now. The airport's Robert Wilhelm explained to BR the reasons for their smooth functioning: "The water is visible in the meadows adjoining the runways," he said. The airport was constructed at a slightly elevated altitude. Additionally, the runways have sunken sides that facilitate water drain-off. Lastly, the runways are 'grooved', which aid rapid water runoffs and eliminate aquaplaning danger. The airport anticipates facing no significant complications over the weekend.
5:07 PM: Söder: "Now the real action begins"
Bavarian Minister President, Markus Söder, observed the prevailing conditions in Swabia's heavily impacted zones. Söder praised the helpers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf, Augsburg district. He described Bavaria as "crisis-tested" and identified the situation as an "extreme strain" for the state's residents, stressing, "This is just the beginning." The storm's focus is currently on Swabia, which is why relief items, like sandbags, are being channeled towards this region. "Without your assistance, we wouldn't stand a chance," Söder appreciated the rescue services including fire departments, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. According to Söder, their dedication sets an example. Meanwhile, Söder requested one thing from the citizens: "Please adhere to the rules." Residents are urged to follow any evacuation orders, and were warned not to return to their basements or attempt driving their car out of the garage.
4:45 PM: Railway operations disrupted
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have led to disruptions and canceled trains in South Germany. A spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn revealed that two ICE lines, particularly in the region, are severely impacted. Train services between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich won't operate all day Saturday, and the line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. More details on track closures, cancellations, and delays can be found on the Bhahn website.
4:22 PM: Disaster situation declared in Unterallgäu - Residents who need help should show a white cloth from the window
The disaster situation now extends to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. Due to failed mobile phone networks, people in the Babenhausen area should display a sheet, cloth, or anything visibly white towards their windows or front doors to signal their need for assistance. In Babenhausen, fire brigade members are rescuing inhabitants from their houses using inflatable boats.
4:07 PM: Storm-hit areas expect rising water levels by Saturday evening
Various areas in the southern regions, specifically the Donauzuflusswörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, are dealing with increasing Meldestufen 1 and 2 overflow and anticipate peaking at Meldestufe 3 by Saturday evening. This forecast applies to places such as Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim also expects this later in the day. Meldestufen 1 and 2 levels are expected to rise further in the Donaufeld.
During the recent storms in southern Germany, approximately 400 members of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) have been actively working. According to the THW stationed in Bonn, they've been busy pumping water, securing dams, and assisting with premature evacuations. They're even preparing to send even more THW forces as needed. In the affected areas, they're installing mobile flood gauge devices and monitoring their readings. The THW's statement also mentions the potential for increased deployments due to potential flooding in the near future. Each group of about 40 THW members possesses three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Together, these groups can pump an astounding 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 - Obtain a visual representation of all present flood warnings
This map displays all current flood warnings. The map is regularly updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Og77v-08N84Tv7QXC1qyb00-k1Yt-ZfS2T-6U2qH
15:15 - 26-person mountain climbing group stranded below Zugspitze
Reports indicate that a group of 26 mountain climbers is currently stranded several hundred meters below the Zugspitze's peak. The Bavarian news outlet, BR, shares that over 60 centimeters of snow has accumulated on the Zugspitze in the past few hours, while it's been raining non-stop in the valley. The temperatures are freezing, and the visibility is a mere 100 meters. Several rescue teams have been dispatched to find the climbers in the ongoing blizzard conditions. Reports suggest the climbers have no energy left and are likely ill-equipped to face the dangerous weather. It's unknown why they'd try to climb Zugspitze under such severe weather conditions.
14:52 - Donau-Ries District announces disaster status
The government of the Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has granted official disaster status. This measure aims to 'quickly gather all resources and organize ourselves more effectively while preparing for the expected water levels,' explained District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. 'We need to maintain calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible,' Roßle suggests.
14:20 - Dike collapse near Augsburg prompts evacuation orders
Both a dam and a dike have cracked in Augsburg's Swabian district. The local district administration issued this report. Residents in some streets of Diedorf must evacuate their houses. Evacuation preparations are underway in the Anhausen neighborhood of Diedorf. The district office warns against complacency, stating that going to higher floors is no longer sufficient. A breakdown occurred in Burgwalden, and the Anhauser Weiher's dike has failed. All inhabitants of the affected zones are urged to exit their homes within the next hour and seek refuge at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Augsburg's officials also suggest preventing contact with railway underpasses since floodwater could flood these sites.
Soeder and Herrmann visit flood-stricken Augsburg
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Soeder, and Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, decided to visit Augsburg's flooded area on Saturday. The Interior Ministry announced their plan. District Administrator Martin Sailer is set to accompany them. After some changes due to the fast-evolving situation, the meeting was relocated from the flooded Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuation preparations for residents are presently underway. The floods in Bavaria, most notably in Swabia, are turning more severe due to continuous rainfall. The districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Aichach-Friedberg have already declared disasters.
Meckenbeuren's flood situation remains volatile. The Schussen River's level in Meckenbeuren (Bodenseekreis) keeps increasing. As of noon, the river stood at 4.72 meters, indicated a municipal spokesperson. It's believed that the crest will break soon. When the 2021 flood occurred, the river had reached 4.50 meters. Ordinarily, it carries a mere 45 centimeters of water. The municipality, which consists of 14,000 inhabitants, advised 1300 people to temporarily vacate their homes on Friday night. The majority relocated to stay with family or friends, but only a small percentage opted for the emergency shelter. To minimize potential damage, schools, kindergartens, and halls had been emptied in advance. The local government also closed bridges preemptively.
