Helicopter aids in rescuing a family in Günzburg at 7:20 a.m.
Emergency workers from the Water Rescue Service in Gunzburg saved 12 individuals from balconies and rooftops with assistance from a police helicopter, as reported by BR. One case involves a family with three children, one of whom is merely a week old. Due to the vast amounts of water, rescue by boat was no longer viable.
6:50 AM: Authorities fear dam break in Manching
The Integrated Control Center in Ingolstadt issues a warning for a potential dam break in Manching, located within the Pfaffenhofen district of Bavaria. Residents should remain in their upper floors and avoid basements and underground garages. A dam burst occurred in the neighboring Baar-Ebenhausen on Sunday.
6:16 AM: Residents evacuated from houses in Uhingen
Due to flooding in the Filstal, some residents in Uhingen, situated south of Stuttgart, have been evacuated from their houses. According to a police spokesperson, evacuations have taken place in the town within the district of Göppingen, with no injuries reported so far. The town of Uhingen is located east of Ebersbach on the Fils, where, according to an estimate by the Göppingen district administration, numerous individuals are in danger. The flooding in the town includes a residential area. An extraordinary emergency situation has been declared.
5:33 AM: Communities in the Ostalbkreis evacuated due to flooding
The situation in the Ostalbkreis region of Baden-Württemberg is worsening, with people being evacuated from parts of the communities of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen throughout the night to Monday. A spokeswoman for the crisis team confirms that the entire community of Täferrot should be evacuated. The first floods have already reached the town in the morning. Approximately 250 to 300 individuals have been brought to safe locations.
5:13 AM: Baden-Württemberg dispatches emergency personnel to support Bavaria
In response to the ongoing high water situation, Baden-Württemberg sends emergency personnel to the neighboring Bavarian district of Gunzburg. Three "Sanitation and Care" units have been dispatched to the district at the request of the Free State of Bavaria. The emergency personnel will take care of and supply individuals who had to leave their homes and houses due to the flooding. Additionally, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will be deployed in the Gunzburg district to support the evacuation of residents.
4:30 AM: Esslingen constructs makeshift dam to prevent flooding
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is constructing a temporary dam to prevent flooding of the city center. The critical point is expected in the early morning, causing possible flooding of the canals in the city center. Around 1,500 tons of stones and sand were piled up at a canal near the so-called Water House. Traffic disruptions will occur near the construction site, the city informs. The city in the Stuttgart region had issued warnings against entering basements and underground garages in the city center and Oberesslingen due to the tense high water situation.
3:26 AM: Ebersbach an der Fils prepares select residents for evacuation
The heavily affected community of Ebersbach an der Fils, south of Stuttgart, has prepared some residents of specific streets for evacuation. Residents should gather necessary documents and essential belongings for overnight stays away from home, the city announced early Monday via Facebook. It is crucial to wait on upper floors of houses. "The fire department of Ebersbach is coming to the residents."
3:11 AM: Weather warnings lifted - however, heavy rain remains possible
The German Weather Service (DWD) has withdrawn all significant storm warnings with heavy rain for Germany, but localized heavy rain showers with the potential for severe rainfall persist in southern Germany. The DWD forecasts that areas south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest will be impacted from noon onwards. Small-scale thunderstorms may also occur.
2:04 AM: Augsburg district complains about flood tourists
Flood tourists are causing difficulties for helpers in the Augsburg district. Rescuers must deal with an increasing number of individuals rescued after disregarding all warnings and entering dams, ditches, and the water. To alleviate the burden on the rescue teams, authorities urge people to avoid these areas. "Flood waves can catch you off guard and the bank could collapse," they caution. Motorists and pedestrians should stay clear of flooded roads and flooded ditches, as manhole covers could be lifted by the pressure in the sewer and pull people in.
Baden-Württemberg's head of government, Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl will pay a visit to two flood-hit areas in the state tomorrow. The duo plans to make an appearance in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis in the morning, and later visit Erbach, Alb-Donau-Kreis. Kretschmann had deliberately chose not to visit the site on Sunday. "I myself have decided not to go to the site in the critical situation where every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference," said Kretschmann. The state of emergency services is at its limit, as stated by him on Sunday afternoon.
23:50 - City of Ebersbach an der Fils on full alert - noise barrier breachedA full alert has been announced in the city of Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart due to flooding. This means that all firefighters are on duty. The water masses have broken through a noise barrier on the Bundesstrasse 10, flooding the street, as evident in a video shared on the city's Facebook page. The population was warned against going to emergency sites. "Please stay home (sic!) and do not go to the emergency sites. There is a partial danger of life, as you can see on the video," the city administration said. People were advised not to enter their basements and stay on upper floors.
23:16 - 48-year-old missing person found dead in the cellarThe storm in Southern Germany has led to another fatality. A 48-year-old was found dead in a cellar, reported Bayerischer Rundfunk.
22:16 - Lightning hits signaling box - train traffic disrupted near Dresden for some timeA signaling box failure caused by a lightning strike interrupted regional train traffic in Dresden in the evening. The railway spokeswoman stated that it was primarily the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz that was affected. The lightning strike hit the signaling box in Radeberg east of the state capital at 17:10. It was repaired in the evening. After about two hours, the trains were running habitually again, the spokeswoman added.
22:00 - Nursing home in Lauingen is evacuated due to floodingA nursing home next to the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated due to flooding. The city explained on its website that they want to ensure continuous care for the residents. The people were arranged to be accommodated and taken care of in a school building.
21:30 - Dam burst: Evacuations required between the Danube and SchmutterA dam burst has resulted in evacuations being required in several settlements near the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries. The Donauwörth district administration reasons that the situation is critical due to the breach of the dam. Affected areas include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The authority is calling for calm and advice to follow the instructions of the emergency services. Moreover, emergency shelters were underway.
21:03 - Scholz and Faeser will visit Bavarian flood areaAfter further flooding in South Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser will travel to the Bavarian flood area on Monday. They plan to take stock of the situation with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, and the president of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
20:30 - Many schools closed on Monday citing the flood situation. At least 40 schools across eight districts in Bavaria will not have in-person classes in the upcoming week. The districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. The Aichach-Friedberg district alone has no classes scheduled at all elementary, middle, and high schools. In Wertingen, Dillingen region, all schools will remain closed. Several schools in the Pfaffenhofen district are also shut. According to the Pfaffenhofen district administration, some kindergartens will remain closed on Monday. In-person classes at elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as vocational and professional schools, special education centers, and some kindergartens in Schrobenhausen will not be held on Monday and Tuesday.
Power Outages Affecting 30 Towns in SwabiaIn Swabia, around 30 towns are experiencing power outages to some extent. The local energy company, LEW, has reported this situation. Furthermore, there are power supply disruptions in some low-voltage areas, specifically in certain streets and individual households. These outages seem to be mainly concentrated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. According to LEW, "emergency crews are working to maintain power supply using alternative lines, depending on the current situation." The duration of each outage varies depending on the conditions on the ground.
Over 1,000 People in Günzburg Relocated to SafetyIn Günzburg, Bavaria, more than a thousand people are being relocated to safety, as per an announcement made by the district administrator, Hans Reichart on Bavarian Radio. The evacuated individuals are being housed in sports halls and, in certain cases, at Legoland. The decision for the further evacuation was taken because the water level of the Günz River had risen significantly in the last few hours.
The German Weather Service Warns of More Heavy RainThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across the southern region of Germany. Later in the evening on Sunday, intense downpour is expected, especially in the Stuttgart area. In addition, heavy rain is expected in the areas of the Swabian Alb, the Black Forest, and the Alpine foothills south of the Danube. On Monday morning, showers are expected in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube, and then in the Bavarian Forest. The potential for heavy rain, with up to 40 liters per square meter per hour, is a cause for concern. For Monday afternoon, the DWD anticipates thunderstorms in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube, with possible heavy rain, once again up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
Disaster Declared in StraubingThe mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a disaster due to the increasingly difficult flood situation along the Danube. The reason is the immense scale of the problem and the labor-intensive measures that will be required. The Danube's water level in Straubing has reached above six meters. The city believes the disaster level will exceed four in the near future. The flood warning service assigns disaster levels from one to four. The first level indicates minor overflows. In comparison, level four suggests significant flooding of built-up areas. Despite this, protective measures are progressing well, and they will continue. Some roads have already been closed as a result of the floods.
Partly Flooded Community Urges Against "Flood Tourism"The partly flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren has issued a warning against flood tourism, urging against curiosity-seekers to avoid this quirky activity. According to the Friedrichshafen community, these visitors would hinder rescue efforts and risk endangering themselves and others. "Even if it's not raining or the rain has stopped, we strongly advise avoiding the flood area and obeying the bridge and road closures," a spokeswoman emphasized. Adults and children were frequently warned about the hazardous current. On Saturday evening, the Schussen hastily broke its banks, quickly flooding streets and homes in the Kehlen and Brochenzell districts.
Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Brandenburg Oder-Spree DistrictThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued warnings of heavy thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. From now until Sunday afternoon, the danger of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, strong winds, or falling objects has been detailed. Damage to houses is also a possible outcome, as is the likelihood of landslides and hail.
Disaster Declared in Dachau and KelheimBoth Dachau and Kelheim districts have declared disasters due to the escalating flood situation. In Kelheim, District Administrator Martin Neumeyer asserted that the current circumstances, combined with forecasted water levels, make coordination and equipping relief efforts critical. Dachau's District Administrator Stefan Löwl echoed these sentiments, explaining that local resources could no longer handle the multitude of emergency sites in the coming hours. With this measure, outside relief efforts can now be dispatched to Dachau and Kelheim.
German Railways Anticipate Restrictions on MondayPassengers should expect train restrictions on Monday as a result of the lousy weather in southern Germany. German Railways intends to extend its leniency policy to Monday: Those who purchased tickets between Sunday and Monday and wish to postpone their journey due to weather damage can travel later. The train connection for such tickets has been cancelled, according to the company. The extent of the traffic disruptions is not yet known, according to a spokeswoman, though several long-distance routes in the south are known to be impacted. Some trains have been canceled, like on the routes Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advises against traveling in affected areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
In the Bavarian region of Germany, roughly 3,000 individuals have experienced the necessity of evacuations due to the damaging effects of floods as per announcements by a representative of the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. The ongoing evacuations have resulted in the mobilization of nearly 20,000 personnel to assist in this effort according to the same spokesperson. This is in addition to the 40,000 personnel who have been involved in addressing the situation since its onset.
German weather expert, Bernd Fuchs, offered his insights on the current conditions in southern regions, stating that relief from the ongoing flood situation might not be on the horizon, despite some improvement being an option. He underscored the severity of the situation, exclaiming, "Every drop is too much!" In response to a question concerning potential connections between the flood crisis and the climate crisis, he expressed concern, opining that the current disaster is "a clear sign of where the journey is going."
Unfortunately, a 27-year-old employee of an energy company sustained a serious electric shock while working in flood-stricken Freising, located in Upper Bavaria. A representative from the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters provided details regarding the incident, stating that the injured man was recovered from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen by rescue helicopter and transported to a hospital. It is presumed that the labor coincided with flood-related efforts.
On the Upper Rhine, shipping has temporarily ceased due to the surging water levels that resulted from heavy rain in the region. The High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate reported a ban on shipping on a segment of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The water level in Maximiliansau had surpassed the critical shipping high water mark II, which measures 7.50 meters, on Saturday evening, and reached 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon.
Autobahn A9, a significant thoroughfare, has been closed on a 50-kilometer stretch in the Pfaffenhofen district due to a dam break. A representative from the Upper Bavaria North police department elaborated that the section between Allershausen and Ingolstadt is impacted, resulting in flooded sections of the road. This scenario marks an unprecedented development for local authorities in this area. Additionally, power outages have been reported. Residents in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are asked by the district administration to leave the ground-floor levels of their homes and apartments and relocate to higher floors.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck sought to highlight the urgency of climate change measures during a tour of affected regions. "The containment of CO2 emissions, so that we have enough time to adapt, should not be ridiculed or dismissed, but is the highest priority," he asserted during his visit to Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, he observed, is a "clear indicator that nature and climate are changing." Century floods are currently occurring "every few years."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declared his plans to travel to the flood-affected areas to obtain a first-hand view of the situation on Monday.
In a tragic turn of events, a 22-year-old firefighter went missing during flood-mitigation efforts in Offingen, a municipality in the Günzburg district. His absence was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Schwaben Süd-West police headquarters. He was reportedly accompanying a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three lifeguards from the DLRG in a boat for a rescue operation when the boat overturned around 2:50 a.m. Four of the rescuers, who had previously been recovered from the water, and the young firefighter were unable to escape the capsized boat. Two helicopters are currently being employed in search efforts for the missing individual. A firefighter aged 42 had previously lost his life during efforts to contain the flood disaster.
The new week isn't granting the southern German flood regions any reprieve. As per ntv meteorologist Bjoern Alexander, "the large and widespread continuous rain is indeed coming to an end, but new and local thunderstorm centers are forming."
12:52 Potential dam break warnings in the Paar district
In the Paar region, there's an imminent threat of a dam collapse. It impacts the areas of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf within the Pfaffenhofen district. Authorities suggest residents immediately seek refuge on upper floors. Avoiding basements and cellars is critical during this period. Should inhabitants face any urgent circumstances, they're asked to contact the fire department via the emergency number 112.
12:39 Thousands of emergency personnel deployed in Bavaria for flood relief efforts
Almost 40,000 emergency personnel are being mobilized in Bavaria to manage the flood situation, as per Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder. Addressing this issue in Oberbayern's Reichertshofen, Soeder shares, "Our top priority is to manage relief efforts properly in the subsequent hours." Long-serving professionals are being eased out, as per Soeder. "The risk of error or exhaustion increases with uninterrupted service, Soeder continued, "endangering life and limb further."
12:29 Dam monitoring set up in Straubing
The Donaupegel level in Straubing continues to rise. Instruction by the Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND) Bayern indicates it will reach an alert level four this day. The city intends to establish dam guards at 3 p.m. Firefighters will monitor the dam and provide updates on water levels as well as any potential damage. Simultaneously, more sandbags are being filled.
12:03 Dam failure near Baar-Ebenhausen
In the Pfaffenhofen region, a dam has ruptured in the Baar-Ebenhausen area. Accordind to a hazard alert, communities like Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are now at risk. It's requested that people vacate their ground floors and relocate to higher floors.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz appreciates flood-relief rescue workers
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognizes and respects rescue workers and volunteers in flood-stricken areas across Germany. Breaking his thoughts via Twitter, Scholz recalls the passing of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen, saying, "This has deeply impacted me." Scholz also acknowledges their sacrifices, writing, "I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the firefighting fraternity. We are all saddened." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter lost his life rescuing people during the flood in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
11:25 Floods are addressed at the Catholic Day in Erfurt
Georg Baetzinger, the head of the German Bishops' Conference, offers a special salute to those affected by the flooding at the close of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We hope that human lives are secured and safeguarded," Baetzinger conveys from the Erfurt Cathedral's grounds.
10:59 Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is inundated
Kehlen and Brochenzell zones in Meckenbeuren—Bodenseekreis suffer flooding. The Schussen has overflowed, submerging streets as per a community spokesperson. Following Saturday's evacuation of approximately 1,300 individuals, some residents stay in their homes, opting for upper-story living. Saturday evening's water level reading for the Schussen reached over 4.86 meters. Levels have since decreased.
10:34 Minister President Söder mourns fallen firefighter
Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder honors the firefighter who died performing a rescue act in Bavaria's flood zones: "He rendered exemplary service and was dedicated to helping others—a memory we'll cherish." Soeder also expresses his sorrowful thoughts to the firefighter's deceased relatives and comrades on Twitter. The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter suffered fatal injuries when a rescue boat capsized near Unterbersbach and Uttenhofen due to submerged properties.
10:09 Ukrainian training session rescheduled to avoid damaging lawn due to rain showers
Following heavy rain showers, the Ukrainian national football squad has postponed their last training before facing Germany's national team for the EM match on Monday at 8:45 p.m. (ARD). The team will conduct their final practice in Erlangen instead of at the Max-Morlock-Stadium in Nuremberg to prevent lawn damage. The spokesperson for the Ukrainian team discloses this information. Ukraine is preparing to face the German national football team on Monday.
The area near Munich is experiencing heavy rainfall for hours now, starting at 6 am on Saturday. The fire department has been dispatched to over 290 missions in the last few hours, as reported by the local fire department. Most of their work involves pumping out basements and underground garages. Additionally, there have been several trees uprooted due to the wet soil, which has led to road closures. On Saturday evening, the second-highest flood warning level for the Isar River was exceeded.
9:24: Water surges through after dam break in Anhausen
The situation in Anhausen is slowly improving following the dam breach that occurred around 5 kilometers away. The floodwaters that inundated the area in a short time frame have subsided. However, critical water levels persist in other locations.
9:08: More THW personnel to be deployed in flood-stricken regions of South Germany
The Technical Aid Organization (THW) is sending additional personnel to the affected areas in South Germany. So far, more than 1800 individuals have been mobilized to assist in theoperations. THW members are tasked with securing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding in evacuations. Other emergency services are also taking part in the rescue efforts.
8:47: Landslide in Baden-Württemberg disrupts train and car traffic
The flood situation in certain areas of Germany continues to cause alarm. The southern part of the country has been particularly affected, with a potential for a 100-year flood imminent. The rescue teams are struggling to keep up with the situation.
8:30: Landslide in Baden-Württemberg halts train traffic; car train to be recovered in the morning
The ongoing flood situation in Germany is causing disruptions. In Baden-Württemberg, a landslide has affected railway traffic. An ICE train experienced a derailment due to the earthquake. The second track is being used to assist in the recovery operation.
8:16: Missing person reported in Schrobenhausen; flood waters cover basement and upper floor
In Schrobenhausen, a person has gone missing. It is reported that the individual was in the basement of a house when the flooding occurred. Currently, rescue teams cannot access the house.
7:44: Firefighter dies in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, during flood response
Tragedy struck in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. A firefighter died during a flood response mission, after capsizing in a rescue boat with three colleagues. Their bodies were discovered the next morning.
7:29: Multiple level 4 flood warnings in Bavaria as flood peaks shift downstream
Significant flooding, with a level 4 warning, is being reported in Bavaria at various gauges. The focus is on the southern Danube tributaries of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, and Abens, as well as the upper Danube. The peak levels were reached overnight. The flooding is now shifting southwards, moving from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Possible affected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. In particular, Mühldorf (Schrobenhausen district), Manching and Geisenfeld (Upper Bavaria), and Abensberg (Kelheim district) may be affected by the rising water levels on Sunday.
6:54: DWD anticipates more heavy rain in the southern regions
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) predicts further severe thunderstorms with heavy rain in many parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The DWD morning forecast indicates that thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected from noon until Monday night. Streets and cellars may be flooded again, and there is a possibility of damage from lightning strikes.
05:05 Wiesbaden Taking Steps to Address Rising Water LevelsOfficials in Wiesbaden are implementing measures in response to the increasing water level of the Rhine and Main Rivers. In Kostheim, a flood barrier has been built, as reported by the local fire department early in the morning. Additionally, a pump has been installed in Schierstein, a district on the Rhine. Parking lots near the river are advised against using in the coming days, as warned by the fire department. Currently, it is anticipated that no additional measures will be needed.
04:04 Train Traffic Disrupted Between Stuttgart and MunichDue to a landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has been halted. A train representative is uncertain of how long the line will remain closed at this time. The blocked bypass is between Aalen and Stuttgart, and the line between Ulm and Augsburg was already closed due to flooding in southern Germany, causing long-distance trains to be re-routed.
03:13 THW in Ulm Fills 30,000 SandbagsIn an overnight operation, personnel from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm are filling thousands of sandbags for flooded or flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. 30,000 sandbags are expected to be delivered by Sunday night, according to Bernd Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center. The workers can currently fill 400 sandbags per hour. They have received requests for sandbags from various areas in the southwest and other regions in nearby states. Sustained rainfall has led to heightened water levels at several locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
02:25 Red Cross Deploys Water Rescuers to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist in the aid mission in Swabia. The team is expected to be deployed in the heavily affected district of Günzburg, as announced by the Red Cross in the evening. The water rescue teams from Unterfranken are specially trained for flood operations, including two boat and diving teams. The water in Günzburg's affected district has reached the levels of a hundred-year flood - a flood occurring or surpassing the statistical average once in 100 years.
01:27 Two Wagons Derail in Schwäbisch Gmünd After LandslideTwo cars of an ICE (InterCity Express) with 185 passengers on board derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide late in the evening. The train's passengers were uninjured and have since been evacuated from the train. According to a railroad spokesperson, the first two wagons came off the tracks around 11:20 p.m., but did not overturn. The landslide was approximately 30 meters wide. The passengers of the train are to stay at a nearby kindergarten and then travel to Plöderhausen by bus.
00:59 Landslide Damages Car in Schwäbisch GmündA landslide in the Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd damages a car. As per initial police reports, the car's driver remains unharmed. The landslide occurred at the intersection of the impacted road and the railway line. Schwäbisch Gmünd is about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, there have been heavy rainfall in many regions of Baden-Württemberg.
00:14 Neu-Ulm Dodges 100-Year FloodThe city of Neu-Ulm has surpassed the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, as estimated by the city administration. Thus, the feared 100-year flood was averted. "The extent of the damage is something we will only know once the situation returns to normal," says Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Donau promenades, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will remain closed in the meantime.
23:44 Munich: Danger at the Isar River BanksThe Munich Fire Department has issued a warning due to flooding at the Isar River banks. Additionally, two popular walking paths alongside the Isar River have been closed. The river has reached Alert Level 2 in Munich, which means flooding in uninhabited areas or traffic disruptions because of high water levels on roads.
23:23 Emergency Evacuations Planned in Schrobenhausen, Upper BavariaFirefighters and rescue teams are preparing for the evacuation of 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. Bulldozers and boats are in use in the Muhlried district and a street adjacent to the Weilach River, as reported by the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration. The authority has also instituted a citizen hotline for emergencies. The municipality had previously declared a disaster situation. The situation is particularly alarming in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
9:03: Numerous fire department interventions in Eastern ThuringiaHeavy rain and thunderstorms are causing many fire department interventions in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera reports this. The area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is especially affected. There are streets flooded, fields, and flooded cellars. In the Gera district, a small stream has also overflowed.
21:45: Prolonged rain in the south - no cancellation of warningAt the flooded or endangered areas in south Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) reports a slight decrease in rainfall. A DWD meteorologist says that the heavy rain will not be as strong as it was last night. "Tonight, we won't have the massive rainfall amounts we had last night," he says. However, new showers and thunderstorms from the north are approaching, which could again increase the risk of local flooding on Sunday afternoon. These storms could be extremely strong and will subside only slowly. "If they hit the already saturated ground, then there will be flooding again," says the meteorologist. Particularly in danger from these storms and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, areas a little further north, and the region around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
21:25: Disaster situation also in FreisingThe Freising district also declares a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and streams. The District administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality announced this in the evening. The danger exists, in particular, by the Amper and the Glonn, which are threatened with record-breaking water levels. The authority fears a large-scale flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all settlements along the Amper. Citizens should prepare early on for such an extreme situation and, for example, also empty their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster situation.
20:50: Dillingen District declares disaster emergencyDue to the continuous rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has now also declared a disaster emergency. The situation at the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, worsened in the evening, as the authority reports. The local crisis team is asking for help from the Bundeswehr. Experts expect a 100-year flood on the small river, which could affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, the authorities are preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the river. The district administration urges local farmers to keep their grazing animals in secure stables.
20:09: Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares disaster emergencyThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster emergency as the eighth municipality in Bavaria. The reason is the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries, as the district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality reports. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt expects level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation is even more extreme at the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and at the Weilach, which in turn flows into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen district of Mühlried, the Weilach has already overflowed its banks and flooded a residential area. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents there, as Landrat Peter von der Grün reports. The situation is alarming, especially in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün emphasizes that the protection of roads, bridges, and roads is a top priority. "Only then can the fire department continue to respond to emergencies."
19:34: Life-threatening situation: Red Cross rescues people from the roof of a house with helicopterThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen with a helicopter. The two were in a life-threatening situation, says a spokesman for the BRK. The house in the district of Unterallgäu was at risk of collapsing due to the large water masses. Other people were also taken from their homes by inflatable boats. The rescue teams brought more than 100 people to safety - including many children.
19:13: People in several places near Augsburg are asked to leave their homesWater rescuers also had to free people from their cars, which could not open their doors themselves due to the water masses. According to the spokesman, such a situation can quickly become life-threatening due to the current and the rising water in the car.
In several municipalities of the Landkreis Augsburg, people are being asked to leave their homes due to the acute flood situation. The situation is expected to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district, reports a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Areas of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf are affected. The government of Swabia has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
18:48: Bundeswehr assists in flooded areas in Bavaria
German military personnel are assisting in the battle against the floods in Bavaria. The spokeswoman for the Bavarian Land Command informed Antenne Bayern that the armed forces are aiding the districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both regions filed official requests. In Gunzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed, while in Aichach-Friedberg, around 50 soldiers from the Bundeswehr are due to appear as extra help in the ensuing hours. Moreover, two Bundeswehr vehicles are being utilized in the area.
At 19:20, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser vowed to provide additional support to the regions ravaged by floods in southern Germany. The Social-Democrat politician in Berlin stressed that the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is prepared to deploy more forces as heavy, persistent rainfall and looming floods are imminent. Faeser assured that the federal states would receive all the assistance available. She added that the THW currently has 520 rescuers and helpers in action, who are saving lives, securing dikes, and draining water. Faeser also commended all first responders for their dedication in combating the water surges. She implored residents in the flooded regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the warnings and instructions of the authorities, emphasizing that they must take these cautions very seriously.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=17dYZk-cw1I0Z01012hQY408mH0183R0q37R4ZSZH1
In a related development, 29 stranded climbers were rescued at the Zugspitze, as described in a Live Ticker entry back at 15:15 p.m. The mountain rescue service led these individuals to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. Climbers from various groups reportedly made distress calls due to the treacherous weather conditions and snowfall at roughly 2500 meters above sea level, some 900 meters prior to the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue squad and employees of the Zugspitzbahn were dispatched to locate the climbers, with the latter planning to use snow groomers to search for them.
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a warning about the dangers of intense thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg, where the second-highest alert level remains in effect until evening. The DWD warns of potential lightning strikes, downed trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid inundation of roads, landslides, and hail.
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, located between the towns of Parsberg and Beratzhausen, is currently closed for roughly ten kilometers in both directions. The police presidium of Upper Palatinate stated that the motorway's surface is completely submerged. A police spokesman explained that the water is seeping from the fields onto the motorway. The traffic police Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, and fire department have dispatched personnel to handle the situation. Traffic will be diverted, the spokesman confirmed.
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to a potential flooding hazard. Up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ach, which flows directly in front of the prison, has become a torrential stream, threatening to flood the facility. The prison grounds are already partially under water, leading to a possible power outage. As a result, the prison management opted for the evacuation. The police arrived with an assortment of emergency vehicles to facilitate the evacuation. The fire department employed pumps to drain water out of the prison.
The downpour has led to water levels rising to level 4 at various points in Swabia. The Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND) reports that the pegs Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and the Regen in Cham in the Upper Palatinate have all reached level 4. The HND also indicated that the rivers Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) have attained 100-year flood levels.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is forecasted to attain its peak in Meldestufe 3 on Saturday and Sunday, with water levels in the lower Iller already receding. In the northerly Donauzuflüsse such as Woërnitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are individual pegs with Meldestufe 1 and 2 overspill, exhibiting increasing trends. The water levels in the region spanning Neu-Ulm to Kelheim are anticipated to reach Meldestufe 3 throughout the day, while the Pegel Kelheim is to follow at night. Additionally, increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are expected in the downstream Donau course to Passau.
In the face of such impending torrential rainstorms, Munich Airport has declared uninterrupted operations as no flights have been canceled due to the wet weather. Robert Wilhelm, the airport spokesperson, offered BR insights into the sturdy features of this facility, indicating that it is elevated, possesses sunken runways with provision for water drainage, and features grooved runways to facilitate water run-off. The likelihood of aquaplaning is zero, he assures.
Despite the havoc wreaked by the storm, flights are expected to run as per schedule for the remainder of the weekend with no major impediments. Gustav Söder, the state leader, is observing the gravity of the situation impacting the Swabia region. He commended the response teams, comprised of the Fire Department, Bavarian Red Cross, Police, and Technical Relief Organization, for their commendable efforts. He also acknowledged the strain faced by the locals, assuring them that the current circumstances are not the end of this ordeal. The magnitudes of the storm's focus were predominantly on Swabia, hence resources like sandbags are being mobilized there. Alongside, Söder welcomed the assiduous participation of the rescue services and extolled their actions. To the general populace, he advised adhering to the prescribed guidelines, including compliance with evacuation orders and forgoing efforts to venture out of their cellars or garages.
Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are experiencing manifest disruptions in transport networks, especially in railways. Deutsche Bahn (DB), in response, warns of potential train cancellations and delays. ICE lines linking Munich to Bregenz and Zurich are experiencing the brunt of these disruptions as no trains are scheduled to operate on Saturday. The Ulm-Augsburg line is also subject to disruption. For detailed information on the aforementioned cancellations, delays, and tracks under closure, DB's official website should be consulted.
The Bavarian district of Unterallgäu is embroiled in a situation of catastrophe, with sections of the mobile network experiencing failures. Residents short on assistance and incapable of communicating via telephone should consider putting up a white sheet or cloth at their window to signal their predicament. Some residents in Babenhausen are already being evacuated by inflatable boats.
Over 400 THW members are currently operating in South German regions, undertaking tasks such as pumping water, securing diversion systems, and arranging evacuations in anticipation of flooding. The THW situated in Bonn released this intelligence, signaling their readiness to deploy more personnel. Moreover, the THW plans to set up mobile flood gauges for monitoring purposes and expects to mobilize additional resources given the predicted severity of flooding in the upcoming hours.
This interactive map offers a consolidated overview of current flood alerts, charting the geographical distribution in real-time. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=17dYZk-cw1I0Z01012hQY408mH0183R0q37R4ZSZH1
A team of 26 mountain climbers is said to be stranded almost at the peak of the Zugspitze. Broadcaster BR reports that nearly 60cm of fresh snow has accumulated on the Zugspitze in just a few hours, while relentless rain pours down in the valley. Temperatures are significantly below freezing and visibility is estimated to be around 100m. Several rescue teams have been sent to locate the climbers in the blizzard, according to the BR, with reference to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is believed to be exhausted and may not be well-equipped. It's curious as to why they opted to scale the Zugspitze in spite of the severe weather forecast.
14:52 Donau-Ries district declares a state of emergency
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency. This action is aimed at "bringing all available resources together and preparing ourselves more quickly and effectively for the expected water levels," remarked District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It is crucial to remain calm and avoid areas that are prone to flooding as much as possible at this time," Roßle added.
14:20 Dam breach near Augsburg - Evacuation readied
A dike and a dam have collapsed in the district of Augsburg. The local authorities report on this. In certain streets in the town of Diedorf, residents are asked to leave their homes. Preparations are being made for an evacuation in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Leaving to higher floors is not an adequate measure anymore." A dam has burst in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher reservoir has collapsed. All residents in the affected areas are instructed to leave their homes promptly and independently within the next hour and seek shelter in the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities also advise against visiting railway underpasses, as floodwaters could potentially flow into them. There is a real risk to life.
Söder and Herrmann visit the flood-hit region
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are traveling to the flood region near Augsburg on Saturday. The two CSU politicians aim to gain firsthand knowledge of the flood situation in Diedorf. The visit was moved forward due to the changing scenario. Earlier, Söder and Herrmann had intended to visit the heavily afflicted Fischach. In Diedorf, evacuations of residents are currently being prepared. The flood situation is particularly critical in Swabia. In addition to the district of Augsburg, the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now also declared a state of emergency.
The flood crisis in Meckenbeuren continues to be tense. The Schussen river level in Meckenbeuren, in the Bodenseekreis, keeps rising. According to a municipal spokesperson, the level was 4.72 meters, as of the afternoon. It is expected that the maximum level will be reached soon. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached a height of 4.50 meters. Normally, it only contains 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the municipality advised roughly 1300 residents to leave their homes as a precaution. The majority went to stay with family or friends. A very small number of people sought shelter. To avert possible damage caused by flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied in advance. In the 14,000-resident community, bridges were also closed as a precaution.
