01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl tour flood-stricken locations.

Kretschmann and Strobl tour flood zones at 1:14.

Baden-Württemberg's Chief Minister Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl are planning to visit two areas hit by flooding in the state on Monday. They will first visit Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis in the morning, followed by a trip to Erbach in Alb-Donau-Kreis, as confirmed by a government spokesperson. Kretschmann had chosen not to make any on-site visits on Sunday, explaining that every hand and every sandbag could make a difference at a time when resources were scarce. Relief workers are stretched to the limit, the Minister said.

At 23:50, Ebersbach an der Fils declared a full alarm due to the flood. All firefighters were called to duty after water spilled over a noise barrier on B10 road. The city issued a dire warning: "Please stay at home and do not go to the emergency sites. There is a risk to life, as you can see on the video. Please do not go into the water, there may be manhole covers that you cannot see!" The residents were further advised not to venture into their basements and to stay on the upper floors.

Bayerischer Rundfunk reported that the storm in South Germany had led to a fatality - a 48-year-old missing person was found dead in a cellar.

At 22:16, a signal box hit by lightning near Dresden disrupted regional train traffic for a while. The incident affected primarily the trains from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz.

A nursing home near Lauingen along the Danube was evacuated at 21:30. The city was working to ensure the residents had a safe place to stay. The residents were taken to a nearby training center.

After 21:03, authorities in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries urged residents living near the Danube and Schmutter to evacuate. A dam had breached, threatening several communities, including Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The affected people were urged to remain calm, gather essential items, and follow the instructions of the emergency workers. Emergency shelters were being set up as well.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser were set to visit the flood-hit area in Bavaria with Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann on Monday. The meeting was expected to take place in Reichertshofen, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, had been invited as well.

Approximately 40 schools in eight districts in Bavaria would remain closed for in-person classes on Monday due to the flooding. The districts were Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, local Gymnasiums, vocational and professional high schools, and special education centers, were all affected. In Wertingen, all schools would be shut down. Additionally, several schools in the district of Pfaffenhofen would have no classes on Monday. Kindergartens in the district would also be closed on Monday, while in-person classes in Schrobenhausen at Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, as well as the vocational school, the special education center, and the Gymnasium, were expected to be suspended on Monday and Tuesday.

In the region of Swabia, around 30 towns are facing power outages, as reported by the power supplier LEW. Furthermore, some areas within local grids (low voltage) also have power failures in individual streets and households. The outages seem to be predominantly in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The crew is working to restore power by switching to other lines, depending on the current situation. However, the exact duration of the outages is contingent on the circumstances at the site.

19:11 Over 1,000 People in Günzburg Rushed to Safety at Sports Halls and Legoland**

In Günzburg, Bavaria, over 1,000 people have been evacuated to safety, per a report from Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart on the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. They are being housed in sports centers and, in part, at Legoland. This was necessary due to the rapid rise in the Günz River level over the past few hours.

18:42 DWD Meteorological Service Warns of Heavy Rainfall in Southern Germany

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for more heavy rainfall, particularly in southern Germany. On Sunday evening, there's a chance of extreme rainfall, especially in the vicinity of Stuttgart, according to meteorologists in Offenbach. Strong thunderstorms with heavy rain are also expected in the Alps. Additionally, the areas from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and towards Berlin could face these severe weather conditions. The Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine foothills to the Bavarian Forest may experience intense thunderstorms, with 40 liters of rain per square meter per hour. For Monday morning, meteorologists in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube anticipate showers starting early, followed by strong thunderstorms from noon, with more rain showers expected later in the Bavarian Forest. There's a chance of heavy rainfall again, potentially 40 liters per square meter per hour.

18:07 Straubing Declares Disaster Situation

Due to the escalating flood condition along the Danube, the mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a disaster state. This was due to the volume and complexity of the emergency demands and the necessary manpower, says a spokesperson. In Straubing, the Danube level has reached over six meters. The city expects to surpass level 4 (signifying flooding of large built-up areas) in the upcoming hours. The flood warning service issued four alert levels: Level 1 indicates small overflows, with level 4 suggesting large-scale flooding of built-up regions. The safety measures are progressing well and will continue, it was mentioned. The town has already closed roads due to the rush of floodwaters.

17:34 Concern over Flood Tourism in Meckenbeuren

The partly submerged Bodenseekreis municipality of Meckenbeuren appeals for caution against flood tourism. This could hinder rescue efforts and endanger those indulging and others, as stated by the municipality in Friedrichshafen. "Even though the rain may have lessened, or even stopped, on Sunday evening, hikers are urged to stay away from the flood area, respect road closures and bridges," adds a spokesperson. On Saturday night, police and firefighters repeatedly pointed out the life-threatening current, as the Schussen had risen over its banks and flooded streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.

17:11 Meteorological Warnings

Meteorological warnings have been issued for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there's a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, and falling objects at the second highest warning level. This could potentially lead to damage to houses, as well as landslides and hail.

This is what Meckenbeuren currently looks like from above.

16:53 Districts Declare Disaster State

Due to the flooding, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have declared a disaster. Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer, notes that the situation, along with forecasts pertaining to water levels, remains tense. Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, expresses similar sentiments. This decision was taken because the local resources would no longer be sufficient to handle the multiple site deployments in the ensuing hours, per Löwl. Now, aid can be directed more easily to the districts in need.

16:25 Train Restrictions Expected on Monday

Deutsche Bahn, the train company, has extended their leniency policy to Monday due to the southern Germany weather. Passengers with tickets purchased for the period from Sunday to Monday who wish to postpone their journeys due to weather disruptions can travel at a later time. The train connections are canceled for these tickets, as announced by the company. The extent to which train traffic will be affected remains uncertain, says a spokeswoman. Numerous long-distance routes in the southern region are affected. There have been instances of trains derailing on Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. It's advised to avoid traveling in flood-affected regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

In Bavaria, almost 3,000 people have been impacted by evacuations due to the heavy flooding. This information was given by a representative from the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. Currently, roughly around 20,000 forces are actively involved in various tasks related to the flood, and since it all began, there have been 40,000 individuals on the job.

15:51: Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs on the ongoing flood situation

Bernd Fuchs, a meteorological expert on NTV, does not believe the flood situation in the south is going to improve anytime soon. "It's just too much water," he says, emphasizing his point. Asked about any connection to climate change, he refers to the current situation as a "clear indication of where this trend is headed."

15:22: Man critically injured from an electric shock during flood cleanup

A 27-year-old man was severely injured due to an electric shock while working in the floods in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising. The Upper Bavarian Police Headquarters North released a statement, saying that the employee of an energy company unfortunately experienced the shock. The injured individual was retrieved from a flooded area spotted near the town hall in Allershausen and air-lifted to a hospital via rescue helicopter. It is suspected that the accident was caused by work related to the flood.

15:02: Shipments on the Upper Rhine have been delayed due to heavy rainfall

At the Upper Rhine, commercial watercraft have been impeded by heavy rainfall in South Germany. The Rhine High Water Forecast Center in Rhineland-Palatinate has implemented a travel ban on a segment of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe since Saturday. The level at Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping water mark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday night. On the following Sunday, it reached 8.20 meters, but was estimated to fall back down by Monday night. Nevertheless, rising water levels are anticipated further downstream; in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz, and on the Middle and Lower Rhine, shipping could potentially be hampered by high water levels on this significant waterway. At the Pegel Koblenz, about 6.10 meters are anticipated on Tuesday, after which ships are unable to sail. Additionally, the highest water levels are expected in Cologne and Dusseldorf on Wednesday.

14:38: The Upper Bavaria section of the Autobahn A9 has been closed for approximately 50 kilometers

Lower Bavaria's Autobahn A9 is closed for approximately 50 kilometers due to a dam failure in the Pfaffenhofen district. Affected areas are between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, which are experiencing flooding. A spokesman from the Upper Bavaria North Police Presidium notes this is a new situation for the police, mentioning that there are also power outages. Numerous people have been impacted by this. Ongoing efforts are being made to correct the problem. The district administration advised people from the towns of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments, moving to higher floors.

[Update 3:23 p.m.: According to the Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is blocked off in both directions. Furthermore, there is heavy congestion on the segment between Pfaffenhofen and the intersection Neufahrn.]

13:59: Minister for Economics and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, addresses the issue

Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economics and Climate Protection, urges increased efforts to fight climate change during the aftermath of this flood disaster in South Germany. "It's crucial to reduce CO2 emissions to give us enough time to adapt," says Habeck, who is currently visiting the flood-affected areas in Reichertshofen, Bavaria. Habeck deems the frequency of these disasters a "blunt indication that nature and climate are changing."

13:34: German Chancellor to visit the flood-stricken locations on Monday

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit the flood-impacted areas on Monday to evaluate the issue firsthand. This has been confirmed in government circles.

This was reported in government circles.

13:21: Tragic loss: 22-year-old firefighter missing after evacuation operation in Offingen

According to the Police Presidium Schwaben Süd-West, a 22-year-old firefighter went missing following an evacuation operation in Offingen, Landkreis Günzburg. The man was allegedly working with a coworker from the Volunteer Fire Department and three lifeguards from the DLRG in a boat for an evacuation around 2:50 a.m., but the boat tipped over. Four rescuers were successfully extracted from the water, while the 22-year-old remains missing. Over the early morning hours, extensive search efforts have been in progress. Two helicopters have also joined the pursuit. Having already suffered the loss of a 42-year-old firefighter in a flood operation, this further tragedy is a heavy blow for emergency workers.

This week, the heavy flooding in south Germany shows no signs of slowing down. The meteorologist Bjoern Alexander from NTV reported that the extensive and intense rain is still present, with new thunderstorm centers forming.

12:52: Danger of dam break on the Paar

The Paar is facing a greater risk of a dam break. Residents in Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen's Landkreis have been advised to move to higher floors immediately. They are urged to avoid basements and cellars, as instructed by authorities. If there is an emergency, residents should contact the fire department at the number 112.

12:39: 40,000 emergency personnel for Bavarian floods on duty

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder estimates that around 40,000 emergency personnel are working to handle the floods in Bavaria. Söder urged the need for proper organization of relief shifts in the upcoming hours. Relieving those who have been working for a long time is a crucial step to minimize errors and fatigue, which could endanger lives.

12:29: Dam guards set up in Straubing

As the Donaupegel in Straubing continues to rise, a high alert level of four is expected to be reached soon. To monitor the dam, dam guards will be stationed at 3pm. Fire department personnel will observe the dam and report on both the water levels and any damage to the dam. Additionally, more sandbags are being filled.

12:03: Dam breaks in Baar-Ebenhausen

In Pfaffenhofen's Landkreis, a dam has broken in Baar-Ebenhausen. The affected communities include Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are asked to leave the ground floors of their homes and seek safety.

11:37: Chancellor Schultz thanks flood-affected rescuers

German Chancellor Olaf Schultz expressed his gratitude and respect to the rescuers and aid workers in flood-stricken areas. Schultz expressed sorrow over the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen. "My thoughts are with his colleagues and fellow firefighters," Schultz said. A firefighter with the Volunteer Fire Department was killed during a rescue operation at night when a boat capsized due to submerged houses.

11:25: Bätzing, head of the German Bishops' Conference, addresses flood-affected Catholics

Georg Bätzing, the head of the German Bishops' Conference, extended a special message of hope to people affected by the floods at the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We wish to hope that human lives are preserved and protected," Bätzing said, standing in front of the Erfurt Cathedral.

10:59: Parts of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis are submerged

Districts Kehlen and Brochenzell in the city of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis are underwater. The spokeswoman for the municipality reported that the Schussen has overflowed, leading to flooded streets. Around 1300 residents were evacuated on Saturday to avoid their homes. A few people stayed and took refuge in their upstairs rooms. The water level of the Schussen reached 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, significantly higher than the normal depth of 45 centimeters.

10:34: Bavarian Premier pays tribute to the deceased firefighter

Habeck is traveling in the flood area together with Bavaria's Minister President Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann.

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder paid tribute to the firefighter who died during a rescue operation in the Bavarian flood area. "His dedication and efforts for others will always be remembered," Söder wrote. "Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his colleagues and comrades. We all grieve."

10:09: Ukraine adjusts training due to heavy rainfall

The Ukrainian national football team had to change its plans for the final training session before the test match against Germany's national team due to the heavy rainfall. Instead of practicing at Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg at 6pm, they will train in Erlangen. The decision was made to protect the lawn at the stadium. Ukraine will play against Germany on Monday at 8:45pm in Nuremberg.

The Munich area has been hit hard by hours of heavy rain. Since early Saturday morning, the fire department has been called out to over 290 incidents, according to the Munich fire department. The majority of their efforts have been focused on draining cellars and underground garages. Additionally, several trees have been uprooted due to the wet ground, and roads have been closed. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was exceeded on Saturday evening.

Around 9:24 am, a dam break in Anhausen caused water to rush through the town in a short period of time. Residents who were evacuated are now beginning to return, but the water levels remain critical in some areas.

The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more personnel to assist with the crisis in southern Germany. More than 1,800 people are currently on duty, a spokeswoman says. The helpers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and helping evacuate residents in flooded areas. The fire department and other emergency services are also active.

At 8:47 am, a landslide in Baden-Württemberg has impacted both trains and cars. The rescue services and helpers are stretched as they battle the flood situation.

An ICE train affected by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg is set to be recovered later in the morning. The train cannot continue on its route due to damage to the track. A second track with a rescue locomotive will assist the recovery efforts. It's unclear how long the disruption will last.

At 8:16 am, there's a person missing in Schrobenhausen. They were in the cellar of a house when the flood struck, and the lower level and part of the upper floor are now under water. Rescue workers are unable to enter the building.

A firefighter has died in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, after they capsized in a rescue boat during an intervention with three colleagues.

At 7:44 am, several areas in Bavaria are measuring level 4 floods, including the southern Danube tributaries of Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. The highest peaks occurred overnight. The focus is now shifting downstream, moving from Swabia toward Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potentially affected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing, but the peak wave is expected to reach these areas at the beginning of the week.

In particular, rising water levels are expected in Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district, as well as in Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria and in Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.

According to the forecast from the German Weather Service (DWD), there's a risk of further thunderstorms with heavy rain in many parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The risk of flooded streets and basements is possible, as well as damage from lightning strikes.

At 5:39 am, the Augsburg district is expanding its evacuation calls. People in the communities of Kühltal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave their homes immediately. Buses are being provided for those who cannot leave the areas by themselves. Evacuations were also called for in other parts of the district on Saturday evening and night, with a focus on the Schmutter River, a tributary of the Danube.

5:05 Wiesbaden Readies for Rising Water LevelAuthorities in Wiesbaden are making preparations for rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. In the district of Kostheim, a flood protection wall has been constructed, as reported by the fire department early in the morning. In the Rhine-adjacent district of Schierstein, a pump has been installed. Parking areas near the river should be avoided in the coming days, according to the fire department. No additional measures are currently predicted to be necessary.

4:04 Stuttgart-Munich Train Service InterruptedDue to a landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, long-distance train service between Stuttgart and Munich has been halted. A train representative can't predict how long the line will be closed at the moment. The landslide has obstructed the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, after which the line between Ulm and Augsburg had already been shut down due to flooding in southern Germany, and long-distance trains were diverted.

3:13 THW in Ulm Fills 30,000 SandbagsForces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm have been spending the night filling sandbags for flooded and flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. THW Logistics Center director Bernd Urban said a total of 30,000 sandbags will be delivered overnight. The THW can create 400 sandbags per hour. Requests for the sandbags are coming from various regions in southwest Germany and also the neighboring state. Persistent rain has resulted in dramatically elevated water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at many locations.

2:25 Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to aid efforts in Swabia. These teams are expected to be deployed in the heavily affected district of Günzburg, as the Red Cross announced in the evening. The water rescue teams from Unterfranken are particularly trained for flood response and include two boat and diving teams. In the flood-stricken Günzburg district, several bodies of water have reached the levels of a 100-year flood. This refers to a flood occurring or surpassing the statistical average once in a hundred years.

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

1:27 Two ICE Train Wagons Derail Near Günzburg Due to LandslideTwo carriages of an ICE train with 185 passengers on board derailed in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, in the late evening as a result of a landslide. All train passengers remained uninjured, and they are currently being evacuated from the train. A train spokesman said the first two carriages left the tracks around 11:20 p.m. but did not overturn. The landslide was approximately 30 meters wide. The passengers will be staying at a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Plöderhausen by bus.

1:12 Landslide Hits Car in Schwäbisch GmündA landslide hit a vehicle in the Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Initial reports from the police during the night state that the driver of the car was unharmed. The landslide took place where the affected road and the railway run alongside each other. Schwäbisch Gmünd is around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has been occurring across a large portion of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.

12:44 Neu-Ulm Surpasses High Water Mark, Damage Yet UnknownThe city of Neu-Ulm has overcome the crest of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, according to an estimate provided by the city administration. Despite threatening 100-year levels, the feared flood has not occurred. "It remains unclear what the damage will be until the situation has stabilized," said Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Danube embankments, and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller will be closed for the time being.

23:44 Munich: Danger on Isar River BankThe Munich Fire Department has issued a warning about the Isar River bank due to flooding. Additionally, the city administration has shut down two popular walking paths along the river. The river has reached flood stage 2 in Munich, as the Fire Department reports on the X platform. Flood stage 2 indicates flooding on uninhabited areas or transportation interruptions due to high water levels on the streets.

23:23 Upper Bavaria: 670 People to Be EvacuatedFirefighters and rescue services are preparing to evacuate 670 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. In the district of Mühldorf and a street along the Weilach River, excavators and boats are being used, as the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration reports. The authority has also set up an emergency hotline for citizens. The municipality has previously declared a disaster situation. The situation is especially critical in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, according to district administrator Peter von der Grün.

23:03 Numerous Fire Department interventions in Eastern ThuringiaHeavy rain and thunderstorms are leading to multiple fire department interventions in Eastern Thuringia. The control center in Gera reports this. The area around Ronneburg, in the Greiz district, is being hit particularly hard. There are flooded streets, fields, and cellars. A small creek has overflowed in Gera's Liebschwitz district.

22:45 Prolonged rain in the south - no warning yetThe German Weather Service (DWD) states that the persistent rain in the southern part of Germany is beginning to subside. A DWD meteorologist mentions, "Tonight, we won't experience the major rainfall we had last night." However, additional showers and thunderstorms from the north are approaching, raising the risk of local flooding on Sunday afternoon. These showers could be quite intense and gradually die down. "If these hit the already saturated ground, there will be flooding again," the meteorologist says. The Swabian Alb, areas a bit further north, and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are most at risk.

22:25 Disaster scenario in FreisingFreising district declares a disaster scenario due to overflowing rivers and creeks. The district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality announces this in the evening. The Amper and Glonn rivers pose a threat to record-breaking water levels, according to the statement. The district fears a large-scale flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all settlements along the Amper. Citizens are advised to prepare for such an extreme situation early on and, for instance, empty their cellars. A total of ten districts in Bavaria have now declared a disaster situation.

21:50 Disaster scenario also in DillingenThe Dillingen district in Bavaria now also has a disaster scenario because of the ongoing rainfall. The situation at the Zusam river, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened in the evening, as reported by the authority. The local crisis team has requested support from the Bundeswehr. Experts expect a 100-year flood on the small river, which could affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Authorities are preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural overflow area of the river. The district administration asks local farmers to keep their livestock in secure stables.

21:09 Eighth district in Bavaria declares disaster scenarioThe Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster scenario as the eighth district in Bavaria. The reason is the swelling of the Danube and its tributaries, as reported by the district administration of the Upper Bavarian municipality. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt expects a level 4 at the Neuburg gauge. The situation at the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is even more alarming. In the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf, the Weilach has already overflowed and flooded a residential area. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents in the affected area, as Landrat Peter von der Grün says. The situation is particularly concerning in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün notes that the protection of roads, bridges, and paths is a top priority. "Only then can the fire department continue to be deployed for rescue operations."

20:34 Dangerous situation: Red Cross saves people from house roofThe Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has saved two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen with a helicopter. A BRK spokesperson says that the two were in a life-threatening situation. The house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of collapsing due to the massive water masses. Other people have also been evacuated from their homes using inflatable boats. The rescue teams have freed over 100 people from dangerous situations, including many children.

20:13 Urgent evacuation: People in several locations near Augsburg asked to leave their homesWater rescuers have also had to free people trapped in their cars, as they couldn't open the doors themselves due to the water masses. The situation could quickly become life-threatening because of the current and the rising water levels in the cars, the spokesperson adds.

In multiple locations in the Augsburg district, people are being urged to leave their homes and apartments due to the life-threatening flooding. The situation is expected to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district, according to a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. The areas of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf are affected. The Swabian government has set up a refuge at the Augsburg fairgrounds.

German soldiers are helping out in the flood-affected districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg in Bavaria. The army spokesperson tells Antenne Bayern that the two districts requested assistance, so the Bundeswehr is providing them with blankets, field beds, and around 50 soldiers as "assisting hands." Plus, two trucks from the Bundeswehr are being utilized.

At 19:20, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) promises more help for the flood-stricken regions in Southern Germany. Faeser says the THW (Technical Relief Organization) is preparing to deploy additional forces, and they'll continue supporting the affected states with all available personnel. On Saturday evening, she notes that 520 THW workers are in action; they've saved people, secured dikes, and pumped water. Faeser also applauds those fighting the rising waters and stresses the importance of heeding safety instructions from authorities.

At 18:58, all 29 stranded climbers at Zugspitze have been rescued. They were taken to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue team. Several groups had sent distress signals as they reached about 2500 meters above sea level, but severe weather conditions halted their progress. The Zugspitzbahn, meanwhile, was sending snow groomers to locate the climbers.

Storm warnings are now issued for parts of Brandenburg until the evening, as the German Weather Service (DWD) cautions against lightning strikes, toppled trees or power lines, falling objects, fast-growing road flooding, landslides, and hail.

The A3 motorway near Regensburg, Bavaria, is closed for a ten-kilometer stretch between Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions due to floodwater. The police headquarters in Upper Palatinate confirms the water is pushing onto the roadway from the fields. "The water is pressing from the fields onto the motorway," explains a spokesperson.

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

Due to rising flood risks, the Memmingen prison in Bavaria is being evacuated. Nonstopnews reports the 150 inmates will be temporarily sent to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg as the Memminger Ach, a small river right in front of the prison, is turning into a raging torrent and threatening to inundate the building. The prison courtyard is already partially submerged; this could lead to a power outage, prompting the administration to decide on the evacuation. The police arrived with multiple emergency vehicles to facilitate the relocation. The fire department was also on-site, using pumps to drain water from the prison.

Several gauges in Swabia saw their water levels rise to level 4 due to heavy rain. The Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach gauges in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate have all reached level 4. The same goes for the Regen river in Cham, Upper Palatinate. Gauges in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar) are indicating potential one-hundred-year floods.

Germany's army personnel are aiding victims of flooding in Bavaria, with around 50 soldiers and two trucks being deployed to support the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has promised further assistance, as the THW is mobilizing reinforcements for the flood-impacted areas. Twenty-nine climbers stranded at Zugspitze have been safely rescued, and thunderstorm warnings are in place for some areas in Brandenburg. Parts of the A3 motorway near Regensburg have been shut, while the Memmingen prison is evacuating inmates due to potential flooding threats. Multiple gauges are experiencing heightened water levels, with some hinting at potential one-hundred-year floods.

At the Pegel Wiblingen (Iller), a peak in Meldestufe 3 is anticipated from Saturday to Sunday. Water levels in the upper Iller have already started to drop. In several northern Donau tributaries, such as Woernitz, Sulzach, Altmuhl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, individual gauges are displaying levels 1 and 2 overflows with an upward trend. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, water levels are projected to attain Meldestufe 3 during the day, with Pegel Kelheim following nightly. In the farther Donau section to Passau, there will be increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2.

At 17:23, normal flight operations are taking place at Munich Airport. Although parts of Bavaria have experienced heavy rain, no flights have been canceled. Wilhelm, an airport spokesman, explained to BR that the runways are positioned slightly higher than the airport and are slanted toward the sides for efficient drainage. Furthermore, the runways feature grooves that accelerate the draining process. Consequently, there is currently no concern about aquaplaning. The airport anticipates no significant issues for the weekend.

17:07: Soder: "This is truly getting serious now"

Markus Soder, the Bavarian Minister-President, is gaining insights into the situation in the heavily affected Swabia region. During his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district, he acknowledged the assistance given by helpers and authorities. He emphasized that Bavaria is well-prepared for crises. The situation represents an "extreme burden" for citizens, he stated. Furthermore, he added, "This is not over yet. Things are really getting serious now." Relief efforts are focused on Swabia since that is the current focal point of the storm. Resources, such as sandbags, are being allocated there. "Without the helpers," Soder said, "we would have no chance." While addressing rescue services including the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization, he voiced his gratitude for their outstanding commitment. He urged citizens to adhere to specific guidelines: compliance with evacuation orders, avoid entering the cellar anymore, and do not try to drive cars out of the garage.

At 16:35, train services are being disrupted due to the storms and flooding in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. Deutsche Bahn confirmed that there are disruptions and train cancellations in South Germany. ICE lines between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich and the Ulm-Augsburg line are affected. For more information on track closures, cancellations, and delays, consult the Bahn website.

At 16:12, Unterallgaeu is now under a disaster situation. A town in the Augsburg district, Babenhausen, experienced a failure in the mobile network. Residents who need assistance and can't make calls should hang a white sheet or cloth out of their windows to alert others to their needs. In Babenhausen, individuals have been rescue from houses using inflatable boats.

15:57: 400 THW forces in action throughout South Germany

Approximately 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) members are currently working in South Germany. The THW in Bonn made the announcement. They are addressing water levels, safeguarding dams, and evacuating individuals. "Considering the continuous rain and sometimes intense showers, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW forces," it also noted. Mobile water level meters are being installed and monitored in the affected areas. "In light of ongoing weather forecasts and impending floods within the next few hours, the THW is on alert to deploy more THW forces." Each THW relief group consists of approximately 40 people possessing three sewage pumps, a power generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command center. One group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.

15:37: A complete map illustrating all current flood warnings is available.

15:15: Report: A 26-member mountain climbing group remains stranded below Zugspitze peak.

A group of 26 mountain climbers is stranded several hundred meters from the summit of the Zugspitze. Broadcaster BR reports that 60 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen on the mountain in recent hours, while it's raining heavily in the valley below. Temperatures are freezing, with visibility limited to around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been sent to hunt for the climbers in the storm, according to BR's sources at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is tired and may not have the necessary equipment for such conditions. It's unclear why they decided to climb Zugspitze given the severe weather alert.

14:52 Disaster situation declared in Donau-Ries district

The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has announced a disaster situation. The intention behind this measure is to bring all necessary resources together and function more effectively in anticipation of coming water levels. "Stay calm and try to avoid low-lying areas if possible," says District Administrator Stefan Rössle in a statement.

14:20 Dam failure near Augsburg - Evacuation imminent

A dam and a dike have burst in Augsburg's Swabian district. The district administration has been notified of this event. Residents living on certain streets in the town of Diedorf are asked to leave their properties. Evacuation arrangements are being made for those living in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Leaving your home is no longer an option, instead, head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle," the Augsburg District Administration advises. A dam rupture was reported in Burgwalden, and a dike at the Anhauser Weiher reservoir has ruined. All individuals in affected zones are urged to evacuate their homes within the next hour. Authorities also urge residents to steer clear of railway underpasses, as these areas may experience floodwaters.

Söder and Herrmann visit the flood-stricken area

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are en route to the flooding region in the Swabian district of Augsburg. These two CSU politicians aim to see the flood conditions in Diedorf for themselves. The visit was hastily rescheduled beforehand due to evolving circumstances. Their original plan was to visit the nearby town of Fischach, but the situation in Diedorf prompted the change. In Diedorf, preparations are in progress for residents to evacuate. The flood crisis is particularly dire in the Swabian area. Apart from Augsburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have also declared a disaster situation.

The situation in Meckenbeuren worsens

The Schussen river flooding in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is getting worse. At midday, the river's level was 4.72 meters, according to a spokesperson for the municipality. The peak level is expected shortly. During the last flood in 2021, the river reached 4.50 meters in height. Typically, the river only has 45 centimeters of water running through it. On Friday evening, the municipality asked approximately 1300 people to abandon their homes. The majority of these individuals have sought shelter with friends or relatives. A small proportion of the population used a temporary shelter. To minimize potential harm from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and community halls were cleared out prior to the impending flood. In the town of 14,000 residents, bridges have been closed as a precaution.