Heavy rainfall causes a disaster situation in Regensburg due to flooding.
Massive amounts of water are still trapped in South Germany, as heavy rainfall is forecasted to continue. The situation is critical in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, with many individuals in imminent danger. In Ebersbach an der Fils, South of Stuttgart, the district office estimates that numerous people are at risk due to the flooding that affected a residential area. An emergency situation was declared by the district office of Göppingen. In Bavaria, Günzburg and Donau-Ries districts are facing further issues, with several locations being evacuated. The beginning of this week is expected to bring powerful thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Regensburg sounded the disaster alert on Monday. The water level at the Eiserne Brücke measuring point reached 5.80 meters in the early morning, the city announced. Bavarian Flood Warning Service reported a level of 5.90 meters at 7:00 am. Just a week ago, the reading was around 2.70 meters. According to experts, 6.82 meters were measured during the severe flood on June 4, 2013.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to visit the flooded area on Monday, accompanied by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. Many other settlements have been hit by flooding over the weekend, including the Upper Bavarian community of Markt. The region experienced heavy, prolonged rain, which caused rivers and streams to overflow in multiple locations. At least one person has lost their life.
Flooding was reported in Rems-Murr-Kreis in Baden-Württemberg on Sunday evening. The area around Rudersberg is particularly tense, said a police spokesperson early Monday morning. "In Rudersberg, the land is flooded, everything is underwater." Residents were rescued by the fire department from their homes, as the situation was still unclear.
A spokeswoman for the crisis staff in Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg, confirmed that people were evacuated from their homes in parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen due to impending floods. The entire community of Täferrot was ordered to evacuate. The first flooding had already reached the town at the Lein River by morning. Two retention basins in the region had reached their maximum capacity and were draining off controlled. Approximately 250 to 300 people were taken to safe places in the night.
In Bavaria, the flooding at the Danube's tributaries is receding according to Bavarian Flood Warning Service information. The peak levels have been mostly reached, and the focus of the flood has shifted to the Danube itself. Additional rain showers could delay further recession.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) lifted all existing severe thunderstorm alerts in Germany overnight. However, there are still potential heavy rain events with local heavy rainfall in Southern Germany. Starting at noon, areas south of the Danube and in the Bavarian Forest are forecasted to be impacted. Smaller-scale thunderstorms are a possibility.
By evening, the thunderstorms may spread towards the south, reaching the Upper Rhine and the northern Alpine foothills. Powerful thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are expected in the Alps. In eastern Germany, the DWD expects thunderstorms with heavy rainfall of 15 to 25 liters per square meter in a short time starting in the afternoon. Locally, thunderstorms with up to 30 liters per square meter are possible.
Due to the weather damage, train traffic is severely restricted in Southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn advised against traveling to the affected flood regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and suggested delaying non-essential journeys. The train network still operating at the time has exceedingly high passenger volume.
Long-distance transportation cannot reach Munich from the north and west at present. Local transport in Bavaria will also face significant constraints. Overnight accommodations have been arranged in Stuttgart, Nuremberg, and Munich for travelers.
The location of the missing firefighter in Swabian Offingen is yet unknown. "We will keep searching," a police representative announced in the morning. At first, the spokesperson didn't share any details. On the night from Sunday to Monday, the 22-year-old went out on a boat from the DLRG water rescue in the district of Günzburg community. The boat with five rescue team members overturned due to strong currents around 2:30 a.m. The four other rescue workers between the ages of 24 and 70 successfully saved themselves and didn't suffer any injuries. After the young man, volunteers from the fire brigade, DLRG water rescue, water police, Bundeswehr, and police started looking.
To stay updated on further events regarding the flood, check our live ticker.
Read also:
- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has expressed concern over the natural disasters affecting Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, offering support to the German government and affected communities.
- In response to the flood situation, French Minister of the Interior Gérard Darmanin announced that France would send aid to Germany, with equipment such as pumps and sandbags to help in the relief efforts.
- As a result of the flooding, German Railways (DB) has released a statement advising passengers to avoid traveling to or through affected areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, with many train lines suspended or severely disrupted.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser have met with leaders from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to discuss the ongoing flood impacts and the government's response plan.
- The European Union has offered financial assistance to Germany in response to the natural disasters, with a pledge of €50 million to support recovery efforts and relief for affected communities in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
