Inhabitants of Ebersbach an der Fils are being evacuated at 10:04.
In the heavily flooded neighborhood of Ebersbach south of Stuttgart, residents of various streets are being evacuated for their own safety. At the moment, the city spokesperson can't give an exact number of people affected. Earlier, the city had advised residents to gather important documents and essential items. All schools and municipal daycare centers in the city are closed today, as the city announced on its Facebook page.
At 9:41 a.m., rescuers in Schrobenhausen are continuing their hunt for a 43-year-old woman. The police in Schrobenhausen in the Pfaffenhofen district have been using a helicopter and divers to search for the woman. However, Bavarian Television corrected earlier reports that she had been found. The search is still ongoing because divers couldn't enter the flooded basement of the house the day before. Now, pumps are being used to drain the basement in hopes of finding the missing woman.
At 9:12 a.m., Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder anticipates that the flooding will continue to occupy disaster control authorities in the state for several more days. "It's getting a little better, but we can't give a total warning," he said on Monday morning on Deutschlandfunk. He pointed out that even if the rain stops, the water levels of the larger rivers will still rise due to the inflows. "Most people say it will last until Wednesday or Thursday."
At 8:41 a.m., the dam of the Paar River in the Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen district has broken at three points. A spokeswoman for the district administration requested that residents in the affected areas of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments and move to higher floors. Up to 800 people were evacuated in Baar-Ebenhausen. Around 250 affected people were relocated to the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen. The Paar is a tributary of the Danube. In Vohburg, officials are closely monitoring the Danube, implementing safety measures. The A9 motorway remains closed in both directions between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck, according to the latest updates.
At 8:21 a.m., there was a dam break in Manching-Pichl in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are instructed to leave the ground floor of their homes immediately and seek safety in higher floors, as well as to pay attention to announcements from the fire department. Affected streets include Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
At 8:01 a.m., firefighters in Rudersberg in the Rems-Murr-Kreis are trapped by water. Firefighters trying to save residents had to abandon their efforts when the water levels rose too rapidly. The firefighters were forced to climb up into the upper floors of houses and remained there for hours. The fire station was also reported to be under water. Vehicles were driven onto a raised area, which was also soon inundated. Two vehicles couldn't be safely moved.
At 7:39 a.m., Regensburg has declared a disaster. The water level of the Danube has risen further - now Regensburg is reporting a disaster. The water level at the Eiserne Brücke gauge was measured at 5.90 meters, according to the Bavarian flood warning service. On Tuesday of last week, the average level was around 2.70 meters. Based on historical data, the experts determined that the water level reached 6.82 meters during the previous major flood on June 4, 2013.
At 7:20 a.m., specialists from the Wasserwacht rescued twelve people from balconies and rooftops in Günzburg using a police helicopter, as Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR) reports. In one scenario, a family with three children, one only a week old, was successfully saved. Due to the rising water masses, rescue by boat was no longer possible.
At 6:50 a.m., rescue services warn of the potential risk of a dam break in Manching. The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt cautions residents to remain in the upper floors and stay away from cellars and underground garages. In nearby Baar-Ebenhausen, a dam broke on Sunday.
6:16 People in Uhingen, south of Stuttgart, must leave their homes due to flooding
Floods in the Filstal area have caused residents of Uhingen, a town in the Göppingen district, to leave their homes. The police have reported that evacuations have taken place in the town, with nobody injured so far. The district administration in Göppingen has warned that many people are in danger in Ebersbach, which is east of Uhingen. The floods have affected a residential neighborhood, and an extraordinary emergency situation has been declared.
5:33 Evacuations in Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen due to possible flooding
The Ostalbkreis region in Baden-Württemberg is also facing a serious situation due to the floods. Residents of parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen were evacuated during the night, according to a crisis staff spokeswoman. The whole town of Täferrot was expected to be evacuated as well. Flooding had already begun in Täferrot by Monday morning, and around 250 to 300 people were taken to safer locations.
5:13 Baden-Württemberg aids Bavaria with deployment of emergency personnel
Baden-Württemberg is providing assistance to their neighboring state, Bavaria, by sending emergency responders to the neighboring Günzburg district. Three "Sanitation and Care" units and a water rescue vehicle from Ulm have been sent to support those who had to leave their homes and houses due to the floods, according to the Baden-Württemberg Interior Ministry.
4:30 Emergency measures in Esslingen to stop flooding
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is building a provisional dam to prevent parts of the city from flooding. A peak is expected in the early morning, which could lead to flooding of the canals in the inner city area. One and a half thousand tons of stone and sand will be piled up to create the dam. Traffic disruptions are expected near the construction site. Esslingen had previously warned against entering basements and underground garages in the inner city and Oberesslingen due to the difficult flood situation.
3:26 Some residents in Ebersbach an der Fils prepare for evacuation
The heavily flooded community of Ebersbach an der Fils, located south of Stuttgart, is preparing some residents for evacuation. People in certain streets should pack important documents and essential items to spend the night away from home. The fire department Ebersbach will be assisting these residents.
3:11 Weather warnings have been lifted - heavy rain possible
The German Weather Service (DWD) has removed all severe weather warnings for heavy rain throughout Germany. However, there are still rain showers with a potential for heavy rain in the southern regions. From noon onwards, areas south of the Danube and the Bavarian Forest are expected to be afflicted. Small-scale thunderstorms are also not unimaginable.
2:04 Flood visitors cause problems in Landkreis Augsburg
Flood tourists are causing difficulties for the helpers in Landkreis Augsburg. Rescue teams are increasingly having to rescue people who defied all warnings and went to dikes, underpasses, and into or into bodies of water. To alleviate the pressure on the rescue teams, people should avoid these areas. "Flood waves can take you by surprise and the banks can collapse." In addition, drivers and pedestrians should avoid flooded roads, as well as flooded underpasses. Manhole covers could be lifted by the pressure in the sewer and drag in people.
1:14 Kretschmann and Strobl to visit affected areas
Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl are planning to visit two flood-affected regions in the state on Monday. They are expected to visit Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning, and later they will visit Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis, according to a spokesperson for the state government. Kretschmann had previously decided not to visit the affected areas on Sunday, wanting to focus on keeping himself informed about the situation. "I myself have decided that in this critical situation, where every pair of hands is needed and every burlap sack can make a difference," he said on Sunday afternoon. The emergency services are at their limits.
In the town of Ebersbach an der Fils, situated next to Stuttgart, a full alert was announced on Sunday night due to flooding. This means that all firefighters are now on duty. A barrage of water has breached a noise barrier on the B10 road, causing the road to be flooded. A video shot by a local resident and posted on the town's Facebook page demonstrates this. The city issued an urgent warning to the public: "Please stay at home and avoid going to the emergency sites. There's a potential danger to life, which you can observe in the video. Please refrain from entering the water since there might be undetectable manhole covers!" Residents were also urged not to go to their basements and to remain on the higher floors.
Around 23:16, a 43-year-old person who had been reported missing was found dead in a basement.
According to Bayerischer Rundfunk, the storm hitting Southern Germany has resulted in another fatality. A 43-year-old person who was missing was later found deceased in a basement.
Correction: Earlier it was misreported that the woman had passed away. Bayerischer Rundfunk has now corrected the status, informing that the individual is still being looked for.
At 22:16, train traffic was disrupted around Dresden due to a signaling post being struck by lightning.
A lightning strike impacted the signaling post in Radeberg, just east of the capital, at 17:10. The post was fixed by the evening. After about two hours, the trains were running again, stated a spokesperson from the railway.
A nursing home near the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated due to the flood. The city aims to guarantee the well-being of the residents. The individuals were all housed and cared for in a training center.
21:30: Dam burst leads to evacuation of specific areas between the Danube and Schmutter.
Several communities bordering the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries must be evacuated. The reason given by the Donauwörth district administration is the severe breach of a dam. The villages of Auchsesheim and Heißesheim, as well as parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof, are being affected. The authority requests that people stay calm, assemble their essentials, and obey the instructions given by the emergency services. Moreover, emergency shelters are being provided.
21:03: Interior Minister Faeser to visit the flooded area in Bavaria alongside Chancellor Scholz.
Besides Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the flooded region in Bavaria on Monday. Both want to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation alongside Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen, in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The head of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is expected to be present at the meeting.
20:30: Many schools will not function in person on Monday.
At least 40 schools in eight districts in Bavaria will not provide in-person instruction in the new week due to the flooding. As stated by the Bavarian Ministry of Education, this includes the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. At one point in Aichach-Friedberg, all Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschools, local Gymnasiums, vocational and special schools, and kindergartens will not have in-person classes. In Wertingen in the Dillingen district, all schools will be closed. Furthermore, some kindergartens in the Pfaffenhofen district will not open on Monday. In addition, schooling at Grund-, Mittel-, and Realschools in Schrobenhausen, as well as the vocational school, the special school, and the Gymnasium, will be canceled on Monday and Tuesday.
19:49: Power outages in about 30 communities in Swabia
Approximately 30 communities in Swabia are affected by power outages. This information was provided by the power supplier LEW. Additionally, there are outages within the local grids (low voltage) in individual streets and homes. The outages are mainly situated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "The emergency teams are striving to maintain the power supply by switching to other lines wherever feasible in this situation," says the power supplier. The length of the individual outages relies on the conditions on the ground.
19:11: Over a thousand residents from Günzburg taken to gymnasiums and Legoland.
In Swabia, about 1,000 people from Günzburg were taken to gymnasiums and Legoland as their temporary dwellings.
In Günzburg, approximately 1,000 people have been rescued, according to a report by the Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart to the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. These individuals are being housed in halls and partially at Legoland. The need for further evacuation measures arose because the level of the Günz had considerably risen in the past few hours.
18:42 Met Office warns of more intense downpours in the south
The German Met Office (DWD) has issued a warning for more intense rainfall, particularly in the southern parts of Germany. Meteorologists in Offenbach state that heavy rain is expected on early Sunday evening, especially in the Stuttgart area. There's a likelihood of severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall in the Alps, as well as from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and towards Berlin. The Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foothills to the Bavarian Forest may experience strong thunderstorms, leading to heavy rainfall of up to 40 liters per square meter per hour. On Monday morning, meteorologists in the Alpine Foothills south of the Danube project showers from the early hours, with thunderstorms becoming more frequent from noon, accompanied by further heavy rainfall, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
18:07 Flood warning declared in Straubing
Due to the deteriorating flood situation along the Danube, Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr has announced a flood warning. The cause is the extensive scope and complexity of the requirements and associated personnel, as stated by a spokesperson. The Danube's water level in Straubing has reached more than six meters. The city anticipates reaching level 4, which could see built-up areas flooded to a significant extent. The flood alert service issues four levels of warning: Level 1 involves minor flooding with mandatory evacuations, while level 4 denotes potential flooding to a large extent. The rescue efforts are progressing smoothly and will continue. Several roads have already been closed due to the flood.
17:34 Flooded Meckenbeuren community cautions against tourist attractions
The partly flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren cautions against visiting tourist spots. According to the community in Friedrichshafen, visitors would hinder rescue workers and put themselves and others in danger. "Despite the reduced rainfall or even a cessation of rain on Sunday, pedestrians are requested to avoid the flood zone, respect road and bridge closures," says a spokeswoman. Police and firefighters have repeatedly reminded adults and children of the life-threatening current. The Schussen river burst its banks on Saturday evening, flooding streets and residences in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
17:11 DWD issues a warning for heavy thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district
The German Met Office (DWD) has issued an alert for heavy thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there's a potential for lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts, and falling objects at the second-highest warning level. Damage to houses is also expected, as well as landslides and hail.
16:53 More districts declare disaster status
Due to the flooding, Dachau and Kelheim districts in Bavaria have also declared a state of disaster. Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer explains that the present situation, combined with forecasted water levels, remains worrying. By declaring a disaster, relief efforts can be properly coordinated and resourced. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl echoes these sentiments, noting that local resources are insufficient to manage the numerous emergency sites in the near future. This measure enables additional relief efforts to be dispatched to these districts.
16:25 Train passenger disruptions expected on Monday
Train passengers should also brace for disruptions on Monday due to the weather situation in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn is extending its lenience regulation to Monday, allowing passengers who purchased tickets for the period from Sunday to this Monday to reschedule their trips. The ticket validity is being relaxed for these tickets. The extent of the traffic disruptions is yet to be determined. Several long-distance routes in the south are affected, including the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. The railway advises against traveling in areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg impacted by flooding.
16:08 Around 3,000 people in Bavaria affected by evacuations
Approximately 3,000 individuals in Bavaria have been displaced due to flooding evacuations. This information comes from a Bavarian Interior Ministry spokeswoman in Munich. Currently, approximately 20,000 forces are mobilized for the relief efforts, with a total of 40,000 emergency personnel having been deployed since the inception of the incident.
A meteorologist named Bernd Fuchs warns that the ongoing flood situation in the south won't improve slowly. He says, "Every drop counts," highlighted by the ntv weather expert. When asked about any relation to the climate crisis, he sees the present scenario as an indication of what's ahead.
15:22: A horrific accident involving a man who was severely injured due to electrocution while working in the floods occurred in the town of Freising, located in Upper Bavaria. An official from the Upper Bavaria North police department reports that the victim, a 27-year-old employee at an energy company, was working in a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen. He was airlifted to a hospital by a rescue helicopter after getting shocked. It's believed that his job was connected to the flood situation.
15:02: The Upper Rhine has stopped river navigation due to the heavy rainfall experienced in South Germany. The water levels along the Rhine have risen, temporarily ceasing river traffic. In a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, no ships have been allowed to sail since Saturday, according to the High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate. According to their report, the water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping watermark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. By Sunday early afternoon, it had increased to 8.20 meters, and was predicted to decrease at night. Yet, more rising water levels are anticipated downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, excessive water levels are also expected in the next few days, potentially affecting shipping on the vital waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, it's anticipated a level of around 6.10 meters on Tuesday, with no ships able to sail there. On Wednesday, the highest levels are likely to occur in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
14:38: The Autobahn A9 is shut down in Pfaffenhofen for almost fifty kilometers due to a dam failure. The section affected is between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. The Upper Bavaria North Police Presidium confirmed that this region is flooded. There's also a power outage. A large number of people are affected. Their efforts to rectify the issue are underway. The district administration demanded people living in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate the basement and ground floor floors of their houses and relocate to the higher levels.
Update 15:23 p.m.: Autobahn GmbH's report confirms that a section comprising Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. This also applies to the stretch between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn. A wide detour is recommended for navigating across the area.
13:59: Germany's Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, argues for more climate protection efforts in the wake of the flood disaster in South Germany. At a visit to flooded Reichertshofen, he comments, "The reduction of CO2 emissions, so we have ample time to adapt, should not be taken lightly or suppressed, but is the top priority." Regarding the rising frequency of natural disasters, he notes it as "a clear sign that nature and climate are changing." Century-old floods have now become "every few years" occurrences.
13:34: Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to tour the flood-stricken area on Monday to better understand the situation. Information from the government circles indicates this.
13:21: The whereabouts of a 22-year-old firefighter are unknown, following an attempted rescue operation in Offingen, located in the Günzburg district. A representative of the Schwaben Süd-West police station confirmed the missing rescue worker. The man was accompanied by a fellow firefighter and three lifeguards from the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), plus a boat, around 2:50 am, when the vessel capsized. They managed to rescue four of the helpers, but the 22-year-old remains missing. Their continuous search and rescue endeavor has already involved two helicopters. A 42-year-old firefighter has lost his life in the flood relief operations.
13:11: The new week did not bring any respite for the flood-stricken regions of southern Germany. As per ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander, "the extensive and continuous heavy rain is still present." However, multiple thunderstorm center clusters have emerged.
12:52: A looming danger of a dam collapsing exists in the Paar. Residents of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen district are instructed to relocate to higher floors. They must avoid the basement and ground floor. In case of life-threatening emergencies, residents are advised to contact the fire department on the emergency number 112.
The state of Bavaria's emergency response team, led by its president Markus Söder, has mobilized nearly 40,000 personnel to tackle the ongoing flood crisis. While speaking in Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, Söder emphasized the importance of efficient relief organization. Those who have worked for long hours in the field should be replaced to minimize the risks of errors and exhaustion.
The water levels are continuing to rise in Straubing, and authorities plan to install dam guards from 3 p.m. today. Firefighters will monitor the dam and report any damage or changes in water levels. More sandbags are also being filled up.
A dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district, leaving the municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching vulnerable. The area's residents are being asked to evacuate the ground floor of their homes immediately due to the high water risk.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shown his support for the rescue workers and helpers in flood-stricken areas, especially after a firefighter died during a rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen on Saturday night. "Their steadfast commitment and dedication to their fellow humans will never be forgotten," Scholz wrote on Twitter.
Catholic Day in Erfurt saw the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, extend a special thought to those impacted by the flooding. We pray for the protection and preservation of human lives, he said.
The areas in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, have been hit, with the waters of the Schussen surpassing its usual depth and entering 4.86 meters. Approximately 1300 people had already voluntarily chosen to leave their homes and seek refuge. Some residents, however, might have stayed inside their upper floors.
In response to the floods, Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder honored the firefighter who lost his life during the nighttime rescue operation near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
The Ukrainian football team, scheduled to play against the German national team on Monday, had to adjust its training plans due to heavy rainfall. They decided to move their training session from Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadion to Erlangen in order to avoid damaging the lawn.
The effects of heavy rainfall have also been felt in Munich, with more than 290 firefighter interventions necessary since 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. Most of the interventions were related to pumping excess water from cellars and underground garages. Many trees were uprooted due to the wet ground, and some roads were promptly closed.
The flood warning level of the Isar has been surpassed on Saturday evening, with the water level in Munich still being critical. The flood situation in Anhausen is slowly improving; evacuated residents are gradually returning to their homes.
Other areas are still grappling with the aftermath of the flooding, with water levels remaining critical in various other places.
The THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief) has deployed additional personnel to help manage the disaster.
In Ukraine, the national football team is relocating their training grounds from Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadium to Erlangen, sparing the lawn from further damage. They will be playing against the German national team on Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD).
In Munich, over 290 interventions by emergency personnel have been made by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, most of which involved pumping out cellars filled with water or rescuing uprooted trees. The flood warning for the Isar exceeded the usual levels on Saturday evening. Five kilometers away from Anhausen, a dam broke, resulting in the quickest flood in the region. Residents are gradually returning, cautiously checking their surroundings for any potential dangers. The flooding situation in Bavaria has drawn the attention and support of the THW, with more personnel being assigned to help handle the crisis.
The Technical Aid Organization (THW) is deploying more staff to the flood-hit areas in southern Germany. Over 1800 individuals are already on the scene, as reported by a spokesman. These workers are securing dams, assisting in filling sandbags, and aiding in the evacuation of residents in flooded zones. Simultaneously, the fire department and other emergency services are also on site aiding in the situation.
8:47 Landslide near Baden-Württemberg impacts train and automobile
The flood circumstances in some German regions continue to unnerve the populace, particularly in the south. The region in eastern Baden-Württemberg is experiencing a potential century-old flood, adding to the difficulties for the rescue services and volunteers.
8:30 Landslide-impacted ICE to be recuperated in the morning
In Baden-Württemberg's Schwäbisch Gmünd, efforts are ongoing to retrieve the landslide-affected ICE. A railway spokeswoman indicates that this process will take place in the morning. The second track of the line is currently occupied by a rescue locomotive intended to help with the recovery. The duration of the disruption remains unclear.
In the meantime, the regional transport has been able to travel past the ICE. A train accident occurred in the evening of Saturday, when two wagons of an ICE, carrying 185 passengers, derailed following an earthslide.
8:16 Missing person in Schrobenhausen
A person is unaccounted for in Schrobenhausen. It is believed that this person was in the cellar of a home when the flood arrived. The cellar and part of the upper floor are now immersed in water, revealed a spokesman for the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. Unfortunately, rescue teams can't access the house.
7:44 Firefighter perishes in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm
In Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter lost his life. He was helping three colleagues with a rescue boat and it overturned, leading to his unfortunate demise. A spokesman for the district office communicated the news early in the morning.
7:29 Floods recede downstream - more warning level 4 in Bavaria
In Bavaria, there are still flood warnings at extensive levels in various gauges, specifically on the Donau tributaries of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The peaks in water levels were attained overnight. With the river surge, the focus is moving downstream, from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Regions that could be inundated include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. However, peaks from this wave aren't expected to reach them until early next week. Additionally, the water levels are projected to rise further on Sunday in Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district, primarily in Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and in Abensberg in the Kelheim district.
6:54 Weather service predicts more heavy rain in the south
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) anticipates more intense rainstorms with heavy downpours in parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The DWD morning forecast foresees thunderstorms between noon and Monday night. Consequently, streets and basements could be flooded again. There's also a likely chance of lightning damage.
5:39 Augsburg district expands evacuations
In the Augsburg district of Bavaria, officials are broadening evacuation requests in the flooded areas. Augsburg's Integrated Control Center urges citizens to leave the communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen promptly in the morning. Safety buses will be provided for those unable to evacuate themselves. Furthermore, on Saturday evening and into the night, people were instructed to leave their homes and apartments in other parts of the district. Mostly affected were communities bordering the Schmutter River, a tributary leading into the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden prepares for potential rising water levels
Authorities in Wiesbaden are initiating precautionary measures to counteract potential increases in water levels on the Rhine and Main. In the district of Kostheim, a flood wall has been assembled in the pre-dawn hours, reported the fire department. A siphon has also been installed in the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein. Parking lots adjacent to the river are being discouraged for the foreseeable future. At this juncture, it is uncertain whether additional measures will be necessary.
4:04 Passenger train traffic halted between Stuttgart and Munich
Due to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, there is presently no long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. A train spokesman cannot currently anticipate when the tracks will reopen. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as the track between Ulm and Augsburg is already closed as a result of the flooding in southern Germany, forcing long-distance trains to be diverted.
At 3:13 AM, THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags for the flooded and flood-endangered areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The Technical Relief Organization in Ulm is performing a nighttime operation, with 30,000 sandbags set to be delivered. During this operation, 400 sandbags are being filled per hour. Bishop Urban, head of the THW Logistics Center, confirmed this. Requests for sandbags are pouring in from multiple places in southwest Germany and bordering regions in the neighboring state.
At 2:25 AM, the Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescuers from Unterfranken to the flood relief effort in Swabia. The water rescue unit is expected to be deployed in the severely affected district of Günzburg, as the Red Cross stated in the evening. The water rescue teams from Unterfranken are highly trained for flood rescue missions, including two boat and diving teams. Günzburg experienced a flood that sits at the level of a hundred-year flood, meaning it occurs or surpasses the statistical average every 100 years.
At 1:27 AM, two carriages of a high-speed train (ICE) derailed in Schwaebisch Gmuend, a Baden-Württemberg town. The train, carrying 185 passengers, ran into a landslide. The train passengers sustained no injuries and are being evacuated from the train. The railway spokesman indicated that the first two carriages derailed at around 11:20 PM, but did not overturn. The landslide spanned approximately 30 meters wide. Passengers are being taken to a nearby kindergarten first and then transported to Plüderhausen by bus.
At 00:59 AM, a landslide struck a car in the Württemberg town, Schwaebisch Gmuend. As per the initial police report in the night, the driver of the car avoided injury. The landslide occurred at a spot where the road and the railway converge. Schwaebisch Gmuend is situated about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, widespread rainfall has been recorded in Baden-Württemberg.
At 00:14 AM, Neu-Ulm has managed to surpass the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, as per an estimate by the city administration. The town has successfully averted the dreaded 100-year flood. The city's mayor, Katrin Albsteiger, remarked in the evening, "We'll only see once the situation has settled down how much damage has been done." Two streets, the Donau promenades, and the bike paths along the Danube and Iller are currently closed.
At 23:44 AM, the Munich Fire Department cautioned people of the Isar River's bank due to flooding. In addition, they shut down two popular walking paths along the river. The river has reached level 2, which includes flooding on unbuilt spaces or traffic interruptions on roads due to high water levels.
At 23:23 AM, approximately 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria, will be evacuated. Firefighters and rescue teams are readying for this evacuation. Bulldozers and boats are being used in Mühldorf and a street along the Weilach River. The district administration opened a citizen hotline for emergencies. The municipality had earlier declared a disaster. The state's southern area has been the focus of concern, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
At 22:45 AM, continuous rain in eastern Thuringia is leading to various fire department interventions. The Gera control center reported these activities. The area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is being significantly affected. Flooded streets, fields, and flooded basements were reported. In the Gera district, a small creek is also overflowing.
In some flooded or at-risk areas of South Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates lighter rainfall. According to a DWD meteorologist, we won't see the heavy rainfall we experienced last night. He added, "Tonight, we won't have the massive rainfall amounts we had last night." However, more showers and thunderstorms are heading towards us from the north, which could lead to an increased risk of local flooding this Sunday afternoon. These storms are predicted to be powerful and could linger for a long time. "If they touch the already soaked ground, there'll be more flooding again," mentions the meteorologist. The most likely areas to experience these storms are the Swabian Alb, a region slightly above it, and the areas around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Disaster status in Freising
Freising has also declared a disaster given the rising waters of rivers and creeks. The district administration in this Upper Bavarian town is bracing for record-breaking water levels, particularly in Amper and Glonn regions, as mentioned in their announcement. They're concerned about major flooding in Hohenkammer as well as all towns along the Amper. Residents are being told to prepare for such an extreme event and even empty their basement. Ten Bavarian districts have announced disasters at this point.
21:50 Dillingen District declares disaster emergency
Due to continuous rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has also proclaimed a state of emergency. The Zusam, a Danube tributary, is in severe distress in the evening, as per the authority. The local crisis team has appealed for help from the Bundeswehr. Experts believe a 100-year flood is imminent on the small river, which could pose a risk to neighboring towns Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While local authorities are prepared to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of that river, they're also requesting Bavarian farmers to keep their livestock in safe stables.
21:09 Eighth Bavarian municipality declares disaster emergency
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen is the eighth municipality in Bavaria to declare a disaster emergency. This action is in response to the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries, as stated by the district administration. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt expects a level 4 alert at the Neuburg gauge for the evening. The situation is even bleaker at the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. In the Schrobenhausen district's Mühldorf, the Weilach has already overflowed and inundated a residential area. Emergency personnel are anticipating evacuating residents from there, as conveyed by Landrat Peter von der Grün. The circumstances are particularly alarming, especially in the southern portion of the district. Von der Grün highlighted that securing roads, bridges, and paths is paramount. "Only then can the fire department continue carrying out rescue operations."
20:34 Emergency rescue: Red Cross assists two people using a helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has used a helicopter to rescue two people from their house in Babenhausen, which was at the risk of collapsing due to the large water masses. A BRK spokesperson confirmed that these individuals were in a life-threatening situation. Additionally, other people were saved using inflatable boats. The rescue teams have helped more than a hundred people get to safety, including many children.
20:13 Residents in some Augsburg-area districts are urged to leave their homes
Rescue teams had to extract individuals from their vehicles whose doors had been blocked by the water masses. If not taken care of quickly, this could endanger lives due to the current and the rising water in the car.
The Augsburg district's residents are being asked to vacate their homes and apartments due to the worsening flood situation. The Augsburg district administration reports the situation will worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district. Affected areas include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. To keep residents safe, an emergency shelter has been set up at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr aids flood-affected regions in Bavaria
German soldiers are aiding flood-prone regions in Bavaria. Per a Bavarian Bundeswehr command spokeswoman, "The Bundeswehr is supporting the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, after both districts filed official requests." Around Günzburg, supplies such as blankets and mattresses are being delivered. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, around 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers are due to arrive as 'helpful hands,' in addition to two Bundeswehr vehicles being utilized there.
19:20 Faeser promises additional assistance
Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser has pledged more assistance for Bavaria's flood-stricken regions. Faeser stated, "We are fully aware of the challenges caused by the floods. I would like to thank everyone involved in the relief efforts. Together, we'll find a solution." She promised continued aid for those most affected by the rising water levels.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser promises to provide more help to the areas hit by the floods in southern Germany. "With the ongoing heavy rain and impending floods, the THW is ready to mobilize extra resources," says the SPD politician in Berlin. She's referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW). "We'll keep aiding the affected states with all the resources we have." As of 6 pm, Faeser reports that there are 520 THW rescue workers active. They've been rescuing people, constructing dikes, and pumping out water. Faeser also expresses her gratitude to everyone assisting in the battle against the water masses. "I'd like to thank all of you so much who are currently working tirelessly to save lives," she says. People living in the inundated regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should be carefully following the instructions of the authorities, Faeser cautions. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
6:58 PM - 29 climbers rescued from Zugspitze
The trapped climbers at Zugspitze ( see the Live Ticker entry from 3:15) have been saved. A total of 29 people were escorted by mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin on the Zugspitzplatt. Multiple groups had sent SOS signals, says a representative from the mountain rescue service. They were unable to continue due to weather conditions and new snow at around 2500 meters above sea level, 900 meters before Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service was en route. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also on their way with snow plows to search for the climbers, says a spokesperson for the Zugspitzbahn.
6:42 PM - Storm warning for sections of Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is also cautioning parts of Brandenburg for the implications of heavy storms. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second-highest warning level is active until evening. There may be lightning strikes, uprooted trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
6:11 PM - Water on the highway - partial closure of A3
The A3 highway in Bavaria near Regensburg has been partly closed for about ten kilometers between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The road surface is flooded, says the police presidium Upper Palatinate. "The water is pushing towards the motorway from the fields," says a spokesperson. According to the traffic police in Regensburg, the road maintenance, fire department, and police are all present. The traffic will be detoured, a spokesperson says.
5:51 PM - City in Memmingen is being evacuated
Due to the danger of flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. This news has been reported by the Nonstopnews agency. The up to 150 captives will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The river Memminger Ach, which runs right in front of the prison, has become a raging torrent and poses a flood risk. Parts of the courtyard are already underwater. This could lead to a power outage, resulting in the prison's evacuation. Police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to conduct the evacuation. The process had to be completed through flooded streets as the access road was already submerged. The fire department was also involved, using pumps to empty the water from the facility.
5:35 PM - Rain raises water levels to stage 4
The intense rain is elevating water levels to stage 4 at several gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are rising more and more. The gauges Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach reported this to the flood warning service (HND). In Dasing (Paar), a stage 4 is also anticipated. The same applies to the Regen river in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Centennial floods are announced in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach its peak in level 3 on Saturday-Sunday, while the water levels in the lower Iller are already receding. In the north Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are individual gauges with Meldestufe 1 and 2 overflowing, with an increasing trend. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are supposed to hit level 3 throughout the day, for example in Gunzburg, Donauwörth and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim is predicted to follow at night. In the further Donau segment towards Passau, rises to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are expected.
17:23 The showers at Munich Airport are handling it well
In spite of the torrential downpours in numerous regions of Bavaria, flights at Munich Airport can proceed regularly. No flights have been called off as of yet. There are several reasons for this. Robert Wilhelm, the airport spokesman, disclosed this information to BR. The airport is also slightly higher in elevation. The runways, on the other hand, have a trench bordering them, allowing rainwater to run off easily. Furthermore, the runways have a grooved surface, which speeds up the drainage. Consequently, there's no immediate risk of hydroplaning, as Wilhelm informed the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport doesn't anticipate any major challenges over the weekend.
17:07 Söder: "The action's just beginning"
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder is surveying the situation in the significantly afflicted area of Swabia. He appreciates the helpers' and authorities' contributions during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg region. Söder remarks that Bavaria has faced crises before, stating, "The situation is a tremendous hardship for the residents." He adds, "This isn't over yet. The action's just beginning." Resources, such as sandbags, are being focused in Swabia due to the storm's focal point in that region. "Without helpers, we'd have no chance," Söder asks the rescue services, including the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Emergency Response Organization. They've displayed excellent dedication. He asks the citizens, "Please follow the instructions." Evacuation orders should be adhered to, not returning to the cellar or driving out of the garage.
16:35 No trains running
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are impeding rail travel. Deutsche Bahn revealed that rail services are disrupted and several trains have been postponed in Southern Germany. Two ICE routes are significantly impacted, a spokesperson notes. Train service between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich won't run all day on Saturday due to the flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also undergoing changes. Details on track closures, delays, and cancellations are available on the Bahn website.
16:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu too - Residents requiring assistance should hang a white flag
The Unterallgäu district in Bavaria has been added to the list of regions facing a disaster situation. In Babenhausen, part of the telecommunication network has malfunctioned. Anyone in need of aid and unable to call for help should hang a white cloth or flag out of their window to attract attention, the district administration advises. Rescue efforts have commenced in Babenhausen employing inflatable boats to retrieve residents from their homes.
15:57 Almost 400 THW forces in action in South Germany
In response to the storms in South Germany, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) has deployed around 400 personnel. The THW in Bonn provided this information. THW personnel are pumping water, safeguarding dams, and preemptively evacuating people. "Considering the persistent and sometimes heavy rain, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW forces," they state. The affected areas have mobile flood gauges that are being checked and monitored. "In light of further weather forecasts and imminent flooding during the upcoming hours, the THW is prepared to dispatch more THW forces," they add. THW units from across the country are on standby. Each relief group consists of roughly 40 THW members, who operate three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can remove up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 All flood warnings collected on a single map
This map illustrates all current flood alerts. The graphic is frequently updated.
15:15 Report: A 26-member mountaineering group stranded below the Zugspitze peak
A group of 26 climbers is apparently trapped several hundred meters below the apex of Zugspitze. According to BR, over 60 centimeters of snow has accumulated on the Zugspitze in a short period, accompanied by continuous rainfall in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is limited to about 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been dispatched in search of the climbers in the blizzard, according to BR, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group appears fatigued and inadequately outfitted. It's unclear why they decided to climb Zugspitze despite the severe weather forecast.
14:52 The Donau-Ries District declares a disaster situation
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation. This step is designed "to bring all resources together and prepare ourselves more effectively and speedily for the impending water levels," explains District Administrator Stefan Rößle in a statement. "It is crucial to remain calm and avoid low-lying regions."
14:20 Levee collapse near Augsburg - Evacuation plans are being set up
There's been a disastrous development in the Swabian town of Augsburg - both a dam and a dike have collapsed, leading to urgent evacuation orders for residents in specific streets of Diedorf. The Landratsamt has confirmed this unfortunate turn of events. Residents from the Anhausen district of Diedorf are being urged to evacuate their homes as well, given the high water levels. Safety precautions aren't just limited to higher floors anymore.
In the neighboring area of Burgwalden, a dam has collapsed and the dike at the Anhauser Weiher has given way. All residents in these affected areas are instructed to leave their homes instantly and independently within the following hour, heading to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities advise avoiding railway underpasses, as there's a potential threat of floods flowing there. The situation poses a severe risk to life.
On Saturday, Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are visiting the flood-stricken region in Augsburg. This decision was made on short notice, as the politicians initially intended to head to the severely impacted town of Fischach. District Administrator Martin Sailer will join them. The flood situation is generally critical in this region. Although it's already been declared a disaster situation by the Landkriese Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg, the situation in Meckenbeuren keeps deteriorating. The water level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren continues to increase in the Bodenseekreis. The river currently stands at 4.72 meters, and authorities are hopeful that the peak will occur soon.
During the previous flood of 2021, the river only reached 4.50 meters. Normally, it only carries 45 centimeters of water. Due to the anticipated flood, around 1,300 people were asked to evacuate their homes as a preventive measure on Friday evening. Most of them stayed with friends or family, while a small percentage used a shelter. These measures were taken to avoid any damage due to flooding. Schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied in advance. With a population of 14,000, Meckenbeuren has closed bridges to safeguard against potential flooding too.
