Increased number of individuals saved from water-submerged residences
Heavy rain, overflowing rivers, and flooded areas: The grim situation in South Germany is escalating. More people are being evacuated as the floods continue. "This is getting serious now," warns Bavaria's Prime Minister Söder.
In certain regions of the Augsburg district, residents are being asked to stay put due to the rising floodwaters. The situation will worsen in the night, said an officer from the Augsburg district administration. Communities like Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the whole town of Nordendorf are at risk. It's not clear how many people will need to be rescued in total. There are around 2,500 inhabitants in Nordendorf alone, the officer added.
Earlier, people in certain streets of the town of Diedorf were ordered to leave their homes as a dike had broken. "It's no longer an option to move to the upper floors," a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration had said. So far, around 70 individuals have been moved to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle.
Germany's southern regions are battling severe floods. The situation might become worse due to the persistent downpour. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued the highest weather alert for several Bavarian districts. Multiple rivers and streams are overflowing. Disaster has been declared in several districts. There are no reports of injuries or major damage by the afternoon. Firefighters are working round the clock.
"It's not over yet," remarked Bavarian Prime Minister Söder during a visit to Diedorf in the afternoon. He thanked the emergency workers and authorities. "This is an extremely stressful situation for the citizens," said the Prime Minister. Furthermore, he emphasized, "Things aren't over yet. This is getting serious now." Resources such as sandbags are being gathered in the Swabian region.
"We wouldn't stand a chance without the helpers," Söder addressed the rescuers like fire departments, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. They have shown remarkable dedication. The residents were also urged, "Please adhere to the regulations." It's crucial to follow evacuation orders, not to walk down to the cellar anymore, or attempt to drive out of the garage.
Despite the absence of massive floods by the afternoon, the situation is perilous in certain areas. In Bruchsal, south of Ulm, rescuers are assisting people in their homes with boats. In Fischach in the Augsburg district, people are being rescued from their homes enveloped by the floods with a helicopter. They can't leave town in another way, said a spokeswoman for the district administration.
Soldiers from the German military are being sent to Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, as both districts have submitted an official request," said a representative for the Bavarian command of the Bundeswehr to the radio station Antenne Bayern. In Memmingen, about 100 prisoners from a prison were brought to safety because of the floods.
Concerns of a 100-year flood
Since Friday morning, torrential rain has fallen predominantly in the south of Germany. In Baden-Württemberg and mainly Bavaria, the highest storm warning level 4 was in effect on Saturday afternoon due to continuous heavy rain. This applied to an extensive area from Pfaffenhofen to Lake Constance.
Fears circulate regarding a 100-year flood. This is a hypothetical measurement and symbolizes a flood that occurs or predominates on average once every century. Numerous weather warnings are initially valid until Sunday, some until Monday. According to meteorologists, 135 liters per square meter have accumulated in Sigmarszell-Zeisertsweiler, Bavaria, since 8:00 am. In Kißlegg, Baden-Württemberg, it's 130 liters. In numerous cities across the two states, rainfall of over 100 liters per square meter has accumulated in the last 24 hours.
In certain areas of Baden-Württemberg, the land is underwater. Impacted regions are found in Upper Swabia. Rivers have burst their banks. However, cities like Ulm and Neu-Ulm will no longer experience a severe flood on Saturday. "However, the level 4 warning will be reached on the Danube, and level 3 on the Iller," the cities announced. As a result, they can provide some cautious warning.
At the Friedrichshafen trade show on Lake Constance, a massive order for sandbags has been issued. According to a fire brigade representative, around 10,000 sandbags are being brought in from a neighboring district there. Fire departments and other volunteers were dispatched frequently due to the weather. Figures on the numbers of calls haven't been released yet. There's also no record of significant damage at present.
References:
- Original story
- German Weather Service
- Bavarian Premier visits Diedorf
- Rescue efforts in Diedorf
In southern Germany, approximately 400 THW (Technical Assistance for the Federal Emergency Situation) personnel are currently working. These responders are pumping water, reinforcing dams, and relocating people as a precautionary measure. According to the THW, additional resources may be dispatched because of the persistent and often heavy downpours.
Baden-Württemberg's Environment Minister, Thekla Walker, provided a preliminary assessment: "Early indications suggest that the state government's recent investment in dams, rain retention basins, and municipal storm preparedness plans has been worthwhile."
Rain and thunderstorm advisories have also been issued for Saxony and Thuringia on Saturday. Numerous events have been canceled in preparation for these conditions. The German Catholic Day is still taking place in the Thuringian state capital until Sunday. In Brandenburg, heavy rain is also expected, and the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree. This warning indicates that lightning strikes, uprooted trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail could occur.
The city of Plauen in Saxony is getting ready for potential flooding. Since 5:00 a.m., the flood and bridge guards have been on duty along the White Elster river. The head of the Plauen Professional Fire Department, René Schreiter, stated that 10,000 sandbags have been filled and approximately 3,000 distributed so far.
Officials in various regions of Germany are advising people to exercise caution due to the weather conditions. The Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture, and Geology urged individuals to prioritize their own safety if faced with flooding and overflowing. This includes staying away from running water, avoiding cellars, garages, and underground parking lots during heavy rains, and not attempting to walk or drive through flooded areas.
The adverse weather also has an impact on German rail services. As a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson confirmed, there were disruptions and cancellations in the south of the country. Two fast trains, in particular, were affected. Between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich, no trains were running all day due to the flood. The rail line between Ulm and Augsburg was also affected.
To stay updated on any further developments in this situation, check out our live ticker on the flooding.
Read also:
- Despite the efforts of international aid organizations, such as the Red Cross, the situation in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg remains critical, with Prime Minister Markus Söder urging residents to follow evacuation orders due to the ongoing storm and flood.
- While the German military is being deployed to assist in flood-stricken areas of Bavaria, including Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, more resources will be needed as the floodwaters continue to rise, particularly in rural communities like Nordendorf that are at risk of a 100-year flood.
- Concerns of a 100-year flood are also felt in Baden-Württemberg, with the city of Ulm announcing that the Danube will reach level 4 warning level on Saturday and level 3 on the Iller, prompting authorities to issue warnings to residents and deploy emergency responders to reinforce dams and pump water.
