Heavy downpour leads to extensive flooding in local areas. - In Bavaria, the situation remains dire as two individuals lost their lives due to floods.
Two lives have been claimed by the floods in Bavaria. Despite cleanup efforts in certain areas, the situation remains dire and might not improve significantly on Monday. Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Soeder, described the situation in Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen as "serious, critical, and tense." Dams in the region are at risk of bursting or collapsing, and the worst is yet to come in the east. Soeder stated, "[The flood] is now moving in the direction of Regensburg, and the water levels are expected to rise." Regensburg declared a state of emergency in the morning. Schools in Bavaria will suspend classes on Tuesday.
Second Fatality Confirmed
The confirmed death toll from the floods in Bavaria has increased to two. Rescuers discovered a body in the basement of a flooded home in the heavily impacted Upper Bavarian city of Schrobenhausen. The deceased was a 43-year-old woman, according to the police. This marks the second known fatality caused by the floods. Another individual, a 32-year-old firefighter, died in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in Upper Bavaria while attempting to rescue people during the early hours of Sunday. His three teammates survived the capsizing of their rescue boat.
Second Firefighter Missing
A second firefighter is still unaccounted for in Bavaria. A 22-year-old firefighter was out with a rescue boat from the DLRG water rescue in the Swabian Offingen in the hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The boat, carrying five rescuers, capsized due to strong currents. Four rescue workers aged 24 to 70 managed to reach land without injury. A search-and-rescue operation is underway for the missing individual, involving aid organizations like the voluntary fire brigade, the DLRG water rescue, the water police, the Bundeswehr, and the police.
Cruise Ship Evacuated
Deggendorf, a city in Lower Bavaria, had a cruise ship evacuated due to the flooding. Nearly 140 individuals were taken off the ship. The majority of those evacuated were elderly. A disaster alert was declared in Deggendorf's district on Monday, as Landrat Bernd Sibler (CSU) stated on his Instagram account. This action is aimed at improved organization of the relief efforts.
Over 3000 people are being evacuated, Soeder reported in the afternoon in Reichertshofen. Around 20,000 responders are currently active, with over 50,000 personnel already deployed since the beginning of the weekend.
Scholz Promises Solidarity
Soeder was accompanied by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (both SPD) to flood-ravaged Reichertshofen on Sunday. Scholz expressed sympathy for those affected by the floods in southern Germany. "We must stick together as humans," he said. "We will do everything within the capabilities of the federal government to help things move faster."
Scholz: Prepare for Calamities Resulting from Climate Change
Germans should pay more attention to natural disasters, particularly floods, emphasized Scholz. "This is the fourth time I've visited a specific deployment area this year," he commented, likening it to a "warning signal." Climate change must not be disregarded, and action must be taken, as manifested by this event.
Soeder Describes Previous Nonexistent Events
Soeder reflected on past nonexistent events, stating, "We must dedicate ourselves even more to climate protection and adaptation." No insurance fully covers against climate change.
Söder Plans to Enhance Polder Strategy
Billions have already been invested in flood protection, said the Bavarian Minister President. The Polder Strategy needs to be expanded and continued, despite the resistance to introducing new flood protection measures in affected regions.
The Bavarian cabinet will discuss the flood event and expediting bureaucracy-free assistance on Tuesday, announced Söder. "The water arrives relatively quickly, but the damage is very, very long-lasting."
Faeser Sees Ahrtal Disaster Learning Opportunities
Faeser noted the positive impact of the rescue forces cooperating in this crisis. "After the Ahrtal [disaster], the lessons have been learned, and it appears to work significantly better in coordination," she said.
Faeser was'impressed' by the solidarity in the region and emphasized the significance of voluntary work. The late firefighter had risked his life to save others, she said. "The act of voluntarily helping to save others is of incalculable magnitude." Volunteer efforts don't receive the recognition they deserve. She expressed her "heartfelt condolences" to the family of the deceased firefighter.
Imminent Floods Threatening Eastern Bavaria
As the spotlight moves towards the east, the Danube's waters continue to rise, with the Bavarian Flood Forecasting Service anticipating levels similar to the 2002 flood for areas downstream from Regensburg. Towns like Straubing, Deggendorf, and Passau are readying themselves for the impending surge in floodwater. The Danube, stretching out at 2850 kilometers, is Europe's second longest river.
Despite promises of relief in Swabia, warnings on Monday didn't diminish. The threat of additional dam collapses remains imminent in the Donau-Ries district. Residents of Heißesheim and Auchsesheim were advised to vacate their homes once more, fearing the possibility of damaged dams. The district administration in Donauwörth stated that the entire region may be submerged after a Sunday evening alert. Shelters have been established for the displaced. Unfortunately, no updates were provided for the earlier evacuated regions.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) cautioned Upper Bavaria to be prepared for intense rainfall until Monday evening. For Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, a dire warning was issued for the evening and onward through Tuesday, with severe thunderstorms predicted. According to a spokesperson in Munich, there's potential risk to life, with possible dangers including lightning strikes, falling trees, and objects of considerable size, like rooftop tiles. Swabia could expect rainfall once again that night.
The German Railways revealed that service for Murnau to Garmisch-Partenkirchen was halted due to persistent downpours.
Söder, visiting Reichertshofen, shared his hopes for the coming days: "I'm praying we can survive these next few days." He underscored their current stance: "We're still on the defensive."
