Meteorologist: "I'm struggling to comprehend the destruction"
Flooding in the south continues to ease, but it's not a guarantee, says ntv meteorologist Bernd Fuchs. "Every single drop matters now," he stresses. When asked about a connection to the climate crisis, he considers the current situation a "clear sign of where things are headed."
3:22 p.m.: Shock from electric current during work in the floods leaves a man seriously injured
During work on electricity in the flooded area of Allershausen in Upper Bavaria's Freising district, a 27-year-old employee of an energy company suffered a life-threatening electric shock. A spokesperson for the Bavarian Police Presidium North confirms that the man had to be rescued from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen and flown to a hospital by rescue helicopter. It is believed that the work was related to the flood.
3:02 p.m.: Shipping on the Upper Rhine temporarily halted
Due to heavy rainfall in southern Germany, water levels along the Rhine have risen, and shipping has been partially suspended. The Rhine High Water Forecast Center Rhineland-Palatinate reports that since Saturday, no ships can sail on a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping water level II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. By Sunday afternoon, the level was 8.20 meters, but it was expected to drop again at night. However, rising water levels are expected in the days to come downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, very high water levels will also occur in the coming days, putting shipping on the vital waterway at risk. In Koblenz, a level of about 6.10 meters is expected on Tuesday, and no ships can sail when the level reaches 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
2:38 p.m.: Autobahn A9 closed for about 50 kilometers
The Autobahn A9 is closed for about 50 kilometers in the Pfaffenhofen district on the Ilm because of a dam break. A spokesperson for the Bavarian Police Presidium North reports that the affected section is between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. The road surface is flooded, with this being a new situation for police in the area. There are also power outages. A large number of people have been affected. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue. The district administration has asked residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments and move to the upper floors.
Update 3:23 p.m.: According to the Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. In addition, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn is severely restricted. It is suggested to bypass the entire area.
1:59 p.m.: Climate Minister sees heavy rainfall as a consequence of climate change
Economic Minister Robert Habeck encourages greater efforts in climate protection after the flood disaster in southern Germany has been addressed. "The limitation of CO2 emissions, so that we have enough time to adapt, should not be ridiculed or dismissed, but is the top priority," says Habeck during a visit to the heavily affected Reichertshofen in Bavaria. He indicates that "the frequency of natural disasters is 'a clear sign that nature and climate are changing.'" Century floods now occur "every few years," says Habeck.
1:34 p.m.: Chancellor Scholz to visit flood-affected areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the flood-impacted areas on Monday to get a firsthand understanding of the situation. This information was shared in government circles.
1:21 p.m.: Firefighter missing after operation in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter is missing after an evacuation operation in Offingen in the district of Günzburg. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the police headquarters Schwaben South-West. The man was with a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three helpers from the DLRG in a boat on their way to an evacuation around 2:50 a.m. when the boat capsized. Four of the helpers could be rescued from the water, while the 22-year-old remains unaccounted for. Intensive searches have been ongoing since the early morning hours. Two helicopters are also in use. A 42-year-old firefighter has already died in the flood disaster.
1:11 p.m.: Relentless rain delays any reprieve
The new week doesn't bring any respite for the flood-affected areas in southern Germany. According to ntv meteorologist Bjoern Alexander, "the widespread continuous and heavy rain has indeed subsided." However, new thunderstorm cells have formed in the area.
12:52 p.m.: Further dam break threatens on the Paar
Another dam in the Paar region is at risk of breaking, potentially impacting the communities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents of these areas are instructed to move to higher floors immediately, and they should avoid basements and cellars. If they encounter any critical emergencies, they can contact the fire department via the emergency number 112.
Soeder: 40,000 emergency personnel on the move in Bavaria
Bavaria's Minister-President, Markus Soeder, shares that around 40,000 emergency personnel are working to handle the flood situation throughout the state. Soeder visited Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen and emphasized the importance of properly organizing the relief efforts in the coming hours. He also mentioned that those who have been working in the field for a long time should be relieved as they could risk making mistakes due to exhaustion, increasing the danger to life and limb.
12:29: Straubing Prepares Dam Guards
The water levels in Straubing continue to rise, reaching the highest alert level four. As a result, dam guards will be deployed starting at 3 pm. Firefighters will monitor the dam on site and report any water level changes or potential damage to the dam. More sandbags are also being filled.
12:03: Dam Break in the Baar-Ebenhausen Area
In the Pfaffenhofen district, a dam has broken near Baar-Ebenhausen. Communities including Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are affected. The residents have been instructed to leave their ground floors and seek shelter on higher levels.
11:37: Chancellor Scholz Pens Tribute to Fallen Firefighter
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his gratitude to the rescue workers and volunteers in the flood-affected areas. He acknowledges the death of a firefighter, saying that it deeply affected him. "My thoughts are with his family and colleagues," Scholz writes on his social media platform. The firefighter lost his life during a rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen, a district in the state of Bavaria.
11:25: Flooding Topic at Catholic Day in Erfurt
The Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Baeting, offers a special greeting to those affected by the floods during the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We hope that human lives are preserved and protected," Baeting says at Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59: Meckenbeuren Underwater in Bodenseekreis
Parts of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis are submerged underwater due to the rising Schussen. A spokeswoman for the municipality reports that over 1,300 people already voluntarily evacuated their homes on Saturday, seeking safer refuge. Some residents, however, are staying in their homes and are residing on the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen reached more than 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, significantly exceeding the normal depth of 45 centimeters.
10:34: Bavaria's Ministry President Soeder Pays Tribute to Firefighter
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Soeder, pays tribute to the firefighter who lost his life in a tragic accident while performing a rescue operation during the Bavarian floods. "His courage and dedication to save others will forever be remembered," writes Soeder on his social media platform. The 42-year-old voluntary firefighter died when a rescue boat capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
10:09: Ukraine Postpones Training in Nuremberg Due to Flooding
Ukraine's football team cannot hold their final training session before the EURO 2024 test match against Germany at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, as a result of the heavy rainfall. Instead, they will train in Erlangen to protect the field surfaces. The football match between Ukraine and Germany is scheduled for Monday (8:45 PM/ARD).
09:52: 290 Emergency Calls in Munich Due to Flooding
Heavy rain has started causing issues in Munich. The municipality has received over 290 calls for emergency assistance since Saturday at 6:00 AM. The fire department is piping out flooded basements and garages. In addition, several trees have been uprooted due to the water-saturated ground, leading to the necessary closure of certain streets. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was surpassed on Saturday evening.
The flood situation in Anhausen is starting to improve as it slowly recovers from a dam break five kilometers away, which caused the town to be flooded in a short span of time. According to ntv reporter Niklas Diemer, people who were evacuated are starting to come back. However, critical water levels are still present in other places.
9:08 THW Sends More Workers to Impacted Areas
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is dispatching additional workers to the affected areas in southern Germany. There are presently more than 1,800 people working, a spokesperson stated. These helpers are securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting residents in flood-affected regions. In addition to the THW, the fire department and other emergency services are also on duty.
9:03 Landslide in Baden-Württemberg Disrupts Train and Road
The flood crisis in Germany continues to cause concerns. In southern parts of the country, the water masses are leading to complications, and in eastern Baden-Württemberg, there could be a risk of a hundred-year flood. Authorities and rescue teams are reaching their limits.
8:57 ICE Rescue from Landslide Scheduled for the Morning
The ICE, which was affected by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg, is anticipated to be recovered in the morning. The regional railroad cannot traverse the influenced portion of the track, a spokesperson said. A rescue locomotive is ready on the second track of the line to aid with the recovery. It's undisclosed how long the disruption will continue. In the meantime, the regional railroad has successfully bypassed the ICE. On Saturday night, two carriages of an ICE with 185 passengers experienced derailment due to erosion.
8:38 Person Missing in Schrobenhausen
There is a missing person in Schrobenhausen. The person was reportedly in the basement of a house when the flood arrived. The basement and sections of the upper floor are now submerged, a spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration stated. Rescue teams are presently unable to access the property.
7:54 Firefighter Dies in the Floods
A firefighter has perished in the floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He is said to have overturned with three coworkers in a firefighting boat and was discovered deceased in the morning, a spokesperson from the district administration informed.
7:32 Flooding Shifts Downstream, Additional Level 4 Alerts
Flooding at the highest Level 4 alert is still being measured in several Bavarian locations. Particular attention is still on southern Donau tributaries like the Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, and Ilm, as well as the upper Danube. The peak levels were attained there overnight. With the wave, the focus shifts downstream—from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Possibly impacted areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing. Nonetheless, the anticipated peak wave is not expected to reach these regions until early next week. According to the reports, rising water levels are anticipated in Mühlried (Schrobenhausen district), Manching and Geisenfeld (Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district) in Upper Bavaria, as well as in Abensberg (Kelheim district) on Sunday.
6:57 DWD Expects More Heavy Rain in the South
In significant regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, according to the German Meteorological Service (DWD), there is still a threat of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain on Sunday. According to the DWD forecast from the morning, thunderstorms will happen between noon and Monday night. Streets and cellars could fill with water once more. There is also a chance of lightning strikes causing damage.
5:56 Augsburg District Extends Evacuation Notices
In the flooded areas of the Augsburg district in Bavaria, authorities are expanding evacuation alerts. Residents of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are being urged to leave right away, the integrated control center notified early in the morning. Buses are provided for individuals who cannot leave on their own. Elsewhere, people were also advised to leave their homes and apartments in the evening and at night on Sunday. Affected communities are situated mostly on the Schmutter River, a tributary.
5:25 Wiesbaden Makes Plans for Rising Water Levels
In Wiesbaden, authorities are taking measures against mounting water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood control wall has been erected in the Kostheim area, reported the fire department early in the morning. In the Rhine-facing Schierstein district, a pump has also been set up. Car parks near the river should be vacated in the following days, cautioned the fire department further. No further measures are anticipated right now.
A landslide near the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has interrupted long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. An unnamed railway spokesman hasn't been able to predict when the line will reopen yet. This landslide obstructed the bypass going from Aalen to Stuttgart, causing a dearth of trains between Ulm and Augsburg since the floods.
30,000 sandbags are being made by workers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm throughout the night. The sandbags are destined to help with floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. THW's Bernd Urban said, "At present, we're able to create 400 sandbags each hour." The sandbags have been requested from various deployment sites across southwest Germany and adjacent regions in the neighboring federal state. Included in this rainy weather are significantly increased water levels at several locations.
The Bavarian Red Cross is deploying water rescuers from Unterfranken to the aid mission in the region of Swabia. The team is being sent to the district of Günzburg, a place that's been particularly affected. These rescue teams, trained for flood assistance, consist of two boat and diving squads each. Günzburg's water levels have reached the heights of floods that occur only once per century, which is a flood that is statistically probable once every 100 years.
Two wagons from an ICE carrying 185 people derailed shortly after 11 p.m. in Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide. Everyone on the ICE avoided injuries, and those affected have now been evacuated from the train. According to a railway source, the first two wagons veered off track due to the landslide, but did not tip over. This landslide was about 30 meters wide. The passengers are expected to be temporarily sheltered in a nearby nursery and then taken to Plöderhausen by bus.
A car was struck by a landslide during the night in the Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The car's driver escaped unharmed. This landslide occurred where the affected road and railway paralleled each other. Schwäbisch Gmünd lies around 50 km east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rainfall has inundated Baden-Württemberg.
Neu-Ulm overcame the highest levels of the flood wave on both the Danube and Iller by the city's administration's estimate. Able to prevent the feared 100-year flood, there's still uncertainty about the extent of the damage. City Mayor Katrin Albsteiger said, "We will only have a better idea once the situation becomes stable again." Two streets, the Danube promenade, and the bike lanes along the Danube and Iller should remain shut for the immediate future.
In Munich, the Fire Department is cautioning about hazards along the Isar River's bank due to water levels rising. Additionally, they've shuttered two pedestrian paths along the Isar. The Isar has reached level 2 of alert status out of 5 in the state capital, meaning flooding on unbuilt areas or traffic disruptions from high water on the roads.
Firefighters and rescue teams are preparing to evacuate a total of 670 people in Schrobenhausen, Upper Bavaria. Several regions in the district of Muhlried and by the Weilach River are experiencing this operation. Utilizing excavators and boats, they're working to remove people. The district administration has also created an emergency hotline. The district's top administrator Peter von der Grün emphasized that the situation in the southern portion of the Upper Bavarian area is the most troubling.
Eastern Thuringia is the sight of numerous fire department operations due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. This is reported by the control center in Gera. Ronneburg in the Greiz district has been the hardest hit. There are submerged roads, fields, and flooded cellars. In the Gera district, a small river has also overflowed.
22:45 Moderate rain in the south - no warning withdrawalThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) states that there's a slight decline in heavy rain in regions that were previously flooded or threatened in Southern Germany. "The intense rain we had last night won't be as strong tonight," says a DWD meteorologist. However, storms approaching from the north might cause local flooding around noon tomorrow. These storms can be especially powerful, and their effects may last a while. "If these storms hit the already saturated ground, there'll be more flooding," the meteorologist warns. At-risk areas include the Swabian Alb, locations north of it, and the regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Emergency situation in FreisingThe district of Freising has officially declared an emergency due to excessive water levels in local rivers. The Upper Bavarian municipality's district administration cautions of potential record-breaking levels in the Amper and Glonn streams. Freising officials advise residents to prepare for possible drastic conditions. "Residents should start preparing for this extreme situation early on," the administration says. Ten districts in Bavaria have declared emergencies.
21:50 Dillingen district declares an emergency situationAs rainfall persists, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has instituted an emergency declaration. The regional crisis team states that the situation with the Zusam river near Buttenwiesen and Wertingen is deteriorating rapidly. The district requests assistance from the German Army. Experts anticipate a once-in-a-century flood on the Zusam, which could impact the aforementioned towns. Authorities are making arrangements to let water from the Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain. Farmers in the area are asked to confine their grazing animals to secure stables.
21:09 Gemeinde Neuburg-Schrobenhausen declares an emergency situationFlooding has led the Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen to announce an emergency situation as the eighth commune in Bavaria to do so. The district details that the Danube and its tributaries are rapidly expanding. The Ingolstadt Water Management Office expects to reach a level-4 alert at the Neuburg gauge during the night. The district is most concerned about levels on the Paar, a tributary that merges with the Danube, and the Weilach, a stream feeding into the Paar. In Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has reportedly overflowed its banks and flooded a residential area. Authorities aim to evacuate residents there, as confirmed by Landrat Peter von der Grün. The southern section of the district is the most worrisome area. Von der Grün stresses that protecting roads, bridges, and pathways is a top priority. "Only when we safeguard these areas can emergency services carry on with their tasks."
20:34 Bavarian Red Cross to the rescue with a helicopterThe Bavarian Red Cross has airlifted two individuals off their rooftop house in Babenhausen with the help of a helicopter because of impending collapse from high water levels in the region of Unterallgäu. A BRK spokesperson stated that the pair was in grave danger. Rescue teams also used inflatable boats to save over 100 people, including numerous children.
20:13 Residents of several Augsburg-adjacent towns asked to evacuate their homesDuring a critical flooding event in Augsburg's northern region, water rescuers had to extricate people from their cars since they couldn't open doors due to the water accumulation. The situation might become extremely dangerous due to rising water levels in vehicles. In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, inhabitants are urged to leave their homes due to the active flood emergency. A spokeswoman from the district administration forecasts worsening conditions in the area by nighttime. Areas impacted are Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabia government has arranged for an emergency shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr lends assistance in Bavarian flood-ridden areasThe Bundeswehr is providing aid in the form of soldiers, blankets, and field beds to combat the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg after they submitted an official appeal," says a Bundeswehr spokesperson in Bavaria to Antenne Bayern. About 50 Bundeswehr helpers are expected to show up in Aichach-Friedberg, and two Bundeswehr cars are currently deployed in that region.
19:20 Faeser promises more assistanceThe Federal Minister of the Interior, Horst Faeser, promises additional support for the flood-stricken areas of Bavaria. He reiterated the government's commitment to aid flood victims and restore communities. Faeser reiterated the need for everyone—from municipal and federal agencies to local rescue teams—to work cohesively until the situation improves.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledges more assistance to the southern German areas hit hard by recent floods. She affirmed that the Technical Relief Organization (THW) will send more personnel, as the ongoing torrential downpours and potential floods necessitate increased aid. Faeser assured that the federal government would continue to provide support to the affected states. According to her, around 520 rescuers from the THW were working on Saturday evening, carrying out rescue operations, reinforcing embankments, and draining water. She expressed her gratitude to those involved in the rescue missions: "I applaud everyone who is currently combating the floodwaters and tirelessly working to save lives." The minister urged people in the flooded regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed the instructions of authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously," she added.
18:58 Rescuing hikers at Zugspitze
A group of 29 hikers in distress at Zugspitze has been saved. The mountain rescue service transferred them to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. The hikers reportedly had made several emergency calls as their progress was hindered by bad weather and sudden snowfall around 2500 meters high, some 900 meters before reaching the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service, along with the Zugspitzbahn's staff, sent out snow groomers to look for the stranded hikers.
18:42 Brandenburg on alert for severe storms
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a severe warning for thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree face the highest alert level until the evening. Lightning strikes, uprooted trees, broken power lines, falling objects, quickly flooded roads, landslides, or hail are potential hazards.
18:11 Flooding on A3 motorway in Bavaria
The 10-kilometer stretch of the A3 motorway near Regensburg in Bavaria, between the junctions of Parsberg and Beratzhausen, has been shut down. The road is awash due to water pushing from the fields onto the motorway, according to the Upper Palatinate police. Officers, Autobahnmeisterei, and fire department personnel are on site to manage the situation.
17:51 Memmingen prison evacuated due to flood danger
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, was evacuated due to the impending floods. Up to 150 inmates were relocated temporarily to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Water from the Memminger Ach, a river running close to the prison, threatens to submerge the facility. Already, parts of the courtyard are submerged. The prison administration suspects that the power supply could fail, prompting the evacuation. The police arrived with a fleet of emergency vehicles to assist with the evacuation. Evacuation had to be performed over flooded streets, however, as the access path was already flooded. The fire department aided with pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35 Flood levels reach unprecedented levels in Swabia
The persistent heavy rain has led to water levels surpassing level 4 at various gauges in Swabia. The rivers in Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate are rising rapidly. The gauges at Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Paar) have already surpassed level 4, with the Paar in Dasing expecting the same. The Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, may also reach this level. The flood warning service (HND) reports hundred-year floods in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is estimated to attain its peak at level 3 from Saturday to Sunday, while it has already retreated in the lower Iller. In the Upper Danube's tributaries, like the Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, specific gauges manifest overflows of levels 1 and 2, with rising tendencies remaining. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, water levels are likely to reach level 3 during the day, followed by Pegel Kelheim hitting the same level at night. The remainder of the Danube stretch to Passau is expected to see increases to levels 1 and 2.
Though it's raining heavily in various parts of Bavaria, Munich Airport can continue with operation as usual. Not a single flight has had to be canceled. There are a few explanations behind this. Airport representative Robert Wilhelm mentioned to BR, "We see water accumulating in the fields adjacent to the runways." Since the airport is slightly raised, it doesn't necessarily interfere with the airplanes' landing. Also, the runways are depressed on the sides so the water can drain off easily. Furthermore, the runways have grooves that assist in water runoff, which eliminates the likelihood of aquaplaning. Wilhelm assured the Bavarian broadcaster that the airport won't face any serious issues over the rest of the weekend.
17:07 Söder: "Things are really taking off right now"
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, is getting a sense of the situation in the significantly impacted Swabia region. During his visit to Diedorf, part of the Augsburg district, Söder expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers and local authorities. According to him, Bavaria has been through various crises, and this is a "really extreme burden" for the citizens. He further added, "This is not over yet. Things are really taking off right now." The current focus of the weather crisis lies in Swabia, so resources, like sandbags, are being concentrated over there. Söder addressed the emergency services like fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization, saying, "Without your help, we wouldn't have a chance." He praised their outstanding efforts. To the residents, he asked, "Please follow the rules." Evacuation orders should be obeyed, and people must avoid entering cellars or driving their cars out of garages.
16:35 No trains running anymore
Rail operations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have also been affected by the weather and flooding. German Railway (Deutsche Bahn) has confirmed disruptions and train cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE lines, specifically the ones between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich, and the one connecting Ulm and Augsburg, are significantly affected. Rail passengers are advised to check the Bahn website for the latest updates regarding Track closures, cancellations, and delays.
16:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu - Residents in need should hang a white cloth out
The disaster situation in the district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria includes Babenhausen, where a portion of the mobile phone network has failed. Citizens who require assistance but can't make a call should hang a white sheet or cloth out of their windows. The local administration has reported that people are currently being evacuated from their homes using inflatable boats in Babenhausen.
15:57 Over 400 THW forces are on duty in South Germany
In response to the ongoing weather disaster in South Germany, nearly 400 Technical Relief Organization (THW) personnel are working. The THW in Bonn has revealed this information. They are busy pumping water, securing dikes, and evacuating people. "Given the persistent heavy rainfall, the THW is preparing to deploy additional THW forces," it says. In the affected areas, mobile flood gauges will be installed and monitored by the THW. Furthermore, they are ready to deploy more THW forces as necessary, depending on the weather forecast. Each relief group comprises approximately 40 THW members, who operate 3 pumping vehicles, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each group can pump around 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 All flood warnings plotted on a single map
This map displays all current flood warnings, which is regularly updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1-jh6aP4OZFU583K8G0ZqRmR2Z3vNb1jV2zTvw7Y_Vd7MqnLK&ll=48.48017311380912%2C10.966301486933596&z=10
15:15 Report: Stuck: A group of 26 mountain climbers below Zugspitze
The Zugspitze mountain climbing group, consisting of 26 individuals, is allegedly stranded around 600 meters below the summit. As per broadcaster BR, over 60 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen on the Zugspitze during the past few hours, while it is pouring with rain at ground level. Temperatures are well below freezing, and the visibility is hard to determine at 100 meters. Rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the climbers in the heavy snowfall. According to reports from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service, the climbers are exhausted, and they might not be adequately equipped. It's not clear why they chose to climb Zugspitze despite the horrendous weather forecast.
In the district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria, a disaster has been proclaimed. The aim is to "bring together all resources to more swiftly and effectively prepare for the anticipated water levels," as per District Administrator Stefan Rössle's statement. He also advises maintaining composure and avoiding low-lying areas if possible.
An emergency has arisen in Augsburg's Swabian locality. A dam and a levee have cracked, according to the district administration's notice. People living in specific streets in Diedorf are ordered to evacuate their homes. Plans are in development for an evacuation in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Taking shelter on higher floors is no longer viable," precautions state. Burst dams appeared in Burgwalden, and a levee at the Anhauser Weiher also failed. Residents of the affected areas are encouraged to self-evacuate their residences in the forthcoming hour and head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also caution people to eschew railway underpasses, as floodwaters may accrue in them. There is a threat to lives.
CSU political figures Markus Söder and Joachim Herrmann are trekking to the flooded locale in the Swabian district of Augsburg this Saturday. These German ministers wish to apprehend the area's flood situation in Diedorf. This trip was announced by the Interior Ministry. Concurrently, District Administrator Martin Sailer is set to partake in their visit. The planned visit's location was amended at the last minute owing to the circumstances. Earlier, Söder and Herrmann sought to visit the nearby Fischach. In Diedorf, preparations for evacuations for residents are being carried out. The flood hazard is especially acute in Swabia. Along with the district of Augsburg, the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have also proclaimed a state of crisis.
In Meckenbeuren, the flood situation is tense. The level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren has increased in the Bodenseekreis. According to a municipal spokesperson's remarks, as of the afternoon, the level was 4.72 meters. It is hoped that the maximum level will be attained soon. During the past flood in 2021, the river was 4.50 meters high. In regular times, the river will carry only 45 centimeters of water. Frankly spoke, around 1300 people have been directed to evacuate their homes as a preventive measure on Friday evening. Most of them have opted to stay with friends or family. A very meager few utilized the temporary shelter. To avert potential damage from overflowing, schools, kindergartens, and halls have been emptied out in advance. Inside the municipality of 14,000 inhabitants, bridges have been locked shut as a preventive measure.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1-jh6aP4OZFU583K8G0ZqRmR2Z3vNb1jV2zTvw7Y_Vd7MqnLK&ll=48.48017311380912%2C10.966301486933596&z=10
Read also:
1: The International community is closely monitoring the severe flood damage in Germany, with weather experts suggesting that such events could become more frequent due to climate change, as highlighted by German Economic Minister Robert Habeck.
2: Ntv's live ticker is providing regular updates on the flood situation, indicating that despite some improvement in some areas, new threats continue to emerge, such as the potential dam break in the Paar region.
3: Efforts to mitigate the damage and ensure the safety of people are being led by an international team of over 40,000 emergency personnel in Bavaria, according to Bavaria's Minister-President, Markus Soeder.
