NRW Dispatches Aid Workers and Watercraft to the Flooded Region of Bavaria
North Rhine-Westphalia is deploying five water rescue teams with 48 personnel, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats to the flooded region in Landau an der Isar. The Bavarian Interior Ministry acknowledged this aid proposal on Sunday night. The rescue teams arrived shortly thereafter.
10:04: Residents of Ebersbach an der Fils are being evacuated
Several streets in the severely impacted community of Ebersbach an der Fils, just south of Stuttgart, are seeing residents evacuated. The city spokesman couldn't initially say how many people were affected. The residents had already been alerted and cautioned by the city to pack their papers and essentials. Schools and municipal kindergartens in the area will remain closed today, as per the city's Facebook post.
9:41: Ongoing search for a 43-year-old woman in Schrobenhausen
The police in Schrobenhausen district's town of Pfaffenhofen are continuing their search for a missing woman using a helicopter and divers. The unofficial announcement last night that the 43-year-old had supposedly passed away has been corrected by Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. The lady has yet to be located. Since the divers couldn't enter the inundated basement of her home the previous day, pumps are now in use to try and rescue her. The woman, who was last seen in her house's basement, faces hope for survival. According to ntv reporter Niklas Diemer, the situation is tense:
9:12: Söder predicts several more days of flooding in Bavaria
Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, foresees that the flood will continue to keep Bavaria's disaster control crews busy for several more days. "It's getting a bit better, but we can't lift the total alert," he shared on Germany's national radio Deutschlandfunk on Monday morning. The water levels of the larger rivers will remain elevated due to the influx, even if it ceases to rain, emphasizing that it's anticipated to persist until Wednesday or Thursday.
8:41: Paar River dam in Pfaffenhofen district breaks at three points
The dam of the Paar River in Bavarian district's Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm has now broken at three locations. A district administration spokesperson confirmed. Residents are being directed to leave the ground floors of their homes and apartments in the affected communities of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching. Approximate 800 people were evacuated in Baar-Ebenhausen. In the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen, about 250 affected individuals were sheltered. The Paar is a tributary that flows into the Danube. In Vohburg, they're closely monitoring the Danube, and safety measures are being implemented. The A9 motorway remains closed in both directions between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck.
8:21: Dam in Manching also breaks
Another dam has broken in Manching-Pichl in the Pfaffenhofen district, as reported by several media, citing the district administration. Residents are urged to relocate to the upper floors of their homes and apartments. Affected streets include Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
08:01: Firefighters in Rudersberg trapped by water
Firefighters in Rudersberg, located in Baden-Württemberg's Rems-Murr-Kreis, were taken by surprise by the rapidly rising waters. As ntv's reporter at the scene explained, firefighters had to suspend their rescue attempts to save residents as they witnessed the water levels change swiftly. They had to climb onto the upper floors of buildings to save themselves. The fire station, too, was falling victim to flooding. Cars were driven to a higher location - but this area began to flood in a matter of minutes. Two vehicles couldn't be moved to safety.
07:39: Disaster situation declared in Regensburg
The water level of the Danube is rising excessively - Regensburg has now announced a disaster situation. The water level at the Eiserne Brücke gauge reached a height of 5.90 meters, according to the Bavarian flood warning service. On Tuesday, a typical value was approximately 2.70 meters. According to the experts, the highest water mark of the 2013 flood was 6.82 meters.
07:20: Aerial rescue of a family in Günzburg
In Günzburg, water rescue specialists from the Wasserwacht have rescued a family with three children using a police helicopter. The situation was dire, as a boat rescue was no longer feasible due to the fast moving water masses.
06:50: Precaution: Residents of Manching instructed to stay on upper floors
The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt cautions that there's a potential dam break in Manching. Citizens are urged to stay in upper levels of their homes and to avoid basements and underground parking lots. In Baar-Ebenhausen, a dam collapse occurred on Sunday.
06:16: Residents evacuated from homes south of Stuttgart due to flooding
In the Filstal region, there have been evacuations due to flooding and potential dangers in Uhingen, located in the district of Göppingen. As reported by a police spokesman, residents have had to leave their homes due to the rising waters. Despite the critical situation, no injuries have been reported as of now. Uhingen lies east of Ebersbach an der Fils, where authorities expect that more people are at risk. The floods have affected a whole residential area in the town, and an emergency situation has been declared.
In the Ostalbkreis area of Baden-Württemberg, more evacuations have taken place due to the increasingly severe flood conditions. In the night and early morning leading to Monday, residents were removed from certain parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen, with Täferrot being entirely evacuated. Approximately 250 to 300 people were transferred to safe locations.
As a response to the ongoing flood crisis, Baden-Württemberg has sent emergency personnel to the nearby district of Günzburg in Bavaria. The state has dispatched three "Sanitation and Care" units, acting on Bavaria's request. These teams will provide care and support to individuals forced from their homes and apartments by the floods. Additionally, a water rescue vehicle from Ulm will be utilized in Günzburg to aid in evacuation efforts.
Esslingen am Neckar is fortifying a provisional dam to protect against predicted flooding, with crews placing 1,500 tons of stone and sand near the Water House on a canal. The dam is intended to prevent flooding of the city center canals. There may be traffic disruptions around the construction site as a result. Esslingen had already issued cautions regarding cellars and underground garages due to the tense flood situation, urging individuals not to enter.
Residents of specific streets in Ebersbach an der Fils were advised to bring important documents and necessary items with them for potential overnight stays away from home. These homeowners were asked to stay on the upper floors of their buildings and await the arrival of the fire department.
Weather warnings for heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain in Germany have been lifted. However, there remain potential localized rain showers in southern Germany, which could lead to heavy rain. The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts that areas south of the Danube and the Bavarian Forest will experience these showers from noon onwards. Lightning storms cannot be ruled out.
The Landkreis Augsburg has expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of flood tourists causing complications for emergency response teams. These individuals have entered danger zones despite warnings, forcing rescue crews to deal with rescuing them. To alleviate pressure on these teams, people are being asked to keep away from dangerous areas. Flood waves can catch people off guard, and banks may collapse.
Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and State Interior Minister Thomas Strobl of Baden-Württemberg plan to visit flood-affected areas on Monday. Their scheduled visits include Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning and Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis later in the day, an official stated. Kretschmann had refrained from performing an on-site assessment on Sunday, preferring to remain updated extensively from a distance instead. He acknowledged the strain on relief workers during these events. "I have decided that in the critical situation where every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference, I will not visit these areas first, but will stay informed continuously and thoroughly," he commented.
On Sunday afternoon, Kretschmann identified the extent to which emergency personnel were stretched, providing supplies to the flood-affected regions.
In the town of Ebersbach an der Fils close to Stuttgart, a full emergency response was issued on Sunday night due to the flood. This indicates that all firefighters are currently on duty. Large bodies of water have burst through a noise barrier on the B10 and flooded the road, as seen in a video shared on the city's Facebook page. The residents were given a stern warning: "Please stay at home (sic!) and avoid visiting emergency sites. There's a threat to life, as shown in the video. Please don't enter the water, as there could be manhole covers that you can't see!" People should not enter their basements and remain on the upper floors, it reads.
At 23:16, a 43-year-old missing person was found dead in a basement.
According to Bayerischer Rundfunk, the storm in South Germany has caused another fatality. A 43-year-old missing person was discovered inside a basement.
Note: Initially, it was reported that the woman had died. Bayerischer Rundfunk has since corrected the information, stating that the 43-year-old is still being searched for.
At 22:16, lightning struck a signal box, disrupting local traffic near Dresden.
Due to a signal box failure caused by a lightning strike, regional transportation in the Dresden region was interrupted in the evening. It primarily affected the regional train between Dresden, Bautzen, and Görlitz, as reported by a railway spokesperson. At 17:10, lightning struck the signal box in Radeberg, east of the state capital. It was repaired by the evening. After around two hours, the trains were operating normally once more, the spokesperson confirmed.
At 22:00, a nursing home in Lauingen is being emptied.
A nursing home located near the Danube in Lauingen is being emptied due to the flood. The city's goal is to keep the residents' care continuous, it states on the website. The residents can be hosted and cared for in a local education center.
At 21:30, the breach of a dam results in evacuations between Danube and Schmutter.
Several communities near the Danube and the Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries need to be evacuated. The district administration of Donauwörth attributes the need for evacuations to the dam's severe breach. The cities of Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof are all affected. The administration urges residents to keep calm, gather the necessary items, and comply with the instructions of the rescue forces. Emergency shelters are also available.
At 21:03, Faeser will visit the Bavarian flood area.
After the flooding in other areas in southern Germany, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are going to visit the Bavarian flood region on Monday. Together with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, they plan to address the situation in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is expected at the meeting.
At 20:30, numerous schools will remain closed on Monday.
At least 40 schools in eight districts in Bavaria will not have in-person classes next week due to the flood situation. The Bavarian Ministry of Education has reported. Among the affected districts are Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On Monday, there will be no classes at the primary, middle, and high schools in the Aichach-Friedberg district, as well as at the secondary schools, vocational schools, and special schools. In Wertingen, located in the district of Dillingen, all schools will be closed. In addition, there will be no classes at certain schools in the Pfaffenhofen district. According to the district administration in Pfaffenhofen, some kindergartens will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
At 19:49, approximately 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing power outages.
In Swabia, roughly 30 towns are experiencing power outages. The power grid operator LEW has noted this. Furthermore, outages within the low-voltage grids are occurring in individual streets and households. The outages seem to be concentrated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "The emergency teams are working to restore power supply by switching to alternative lines, if possible in the current situation," LEW states. The length of the individual outages depends on the situation on site.
19:11 More than a thousand individuals in Günzburg relocated to safety
In Günzburg, Bavaria, about a thousand people have been moved to safety, as reported by the Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart to the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. The people are being taken to sports halls and, in part, to Legoland. The rising level of the Günz river prompted more evacuation measures.
18:42 DWD Warns of Further Heavy Rain in Southern Germany
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for more heavy rainfall, particularly in southern Germany. On Sunday night, extreme rainfall is possible, especially in the Stuttgart region. There may also be strong thunderstorms with heavy rain in the Alps, as well as from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and towards Berlin. The Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foreland to the Bavarian Forest are expected to experience intense thunderstorms, with a chance of heavy rainfall in certain areas. For Monday morning, the meteorologists in Offenbach predict showers in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube, with stronger thunderstorms starting Monday afternoon and continuing through Monday night, along with heavy rain in some regions. There's a risk of rainfall up to 40 liters per square meter per hour in some areas.
18:07 Disaster Alert Issued in Straubing
The mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, has officially declared a disaster alert due to escalating flood conditions along the Danube. The reason is the extensive requirements and necessary manpower, a spokesperson explains. The Danube's water level in Straubing has reached more than six meters. The city anticipates that the level 4 alert will be exceeded in the near future. The flood warning service classifies alerts into four levels, with level 1 indicating small overflow and level 4 signifying significant flooding of built-up areas. Safety measures are underway and will continue, it was stressed. Some roads have already been closed as a result of the floods.
17:34 Bodenseekreis Municipality Warns Against Tourist Attractions
The partly flooded Bodenseekreis municipality of Meckenbeuren warns visitors to steer clear of tourist attractions. Spectators would obstruct rescue operations and put themselves and others at risk, the municipality in Friedrichshafen advises. "Even if it doesn't rain much or at all, visitors are asked to stay away from the flood area, adhere to road closures and bridges," a spokesperson continues. Rescuers repeatedly have to remind adults and children about the danger of the fast-flowing current. The Schussen river breached its bank Saturday night, flooding streets and houses in the Kehlen and Brochenzell districts.
17:11 Severe Thunderstorms Threaten in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree District
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, falling branches, strong gusts of wind, and falling objects at the second-highest warning level. Damage to houses and landslides is also possible, along with hail.
16:53 More Districts Declare Disasters
Due to flooding, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a disaster. "The current situation, combined with the water level forecasts, remains tense. With this measure, we want to ensure that relief efforts can be organized and equipped as effectively as possible," says Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl shares similar sentiments, stating that the step was necessary because local forces couldn't handle the numerous emergency sites in the coming hours. The disaster measures now enable relief efforts to be sent to the district.
16:25 Train passengers to face restrictions on Monday
Monday will bring additional train travel restrictions in southern Germany due to the weather. The Deutsche Bahn has extended its leniency policy to Monday for passengers with tickets for travel between Sunday and this Monday, offering them the option to postpone their journey without penalty. The details of the traffic disruptions are still unknown. Several long-distance lines in the south have been affected, with trains canceled on routes such as Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railroad urges passengers not to travel in affected regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
16:08 Over 3,000 people in Bavaria impacted by evacuations
Approximately 3,000 people in Bavaria have been affected by evacuations due to flooding. This information comes from a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. Currently, there are approximately 20,000 forces involved in the various operations for the floods, with 40,000 having been involved since the situation began.
3:51 Weather expert: "This is a disaster beyond comprehension"
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs warns that the current high water situation in the south of Germany won't improve easily. He tells ntv, "every drop makes a difference." Asked about the link to global warming, Fuchs considers the ongoing situation as a "clear sign of the direction we're headed."
12:22 Electrical shock injures worker during flood relief efforts
A 27-year-old employee from an energy company sustained serious injuries due to an electrical shock while working on the flood-ridden areas in Freising, Upper Bavaria. The Upper Bavaria North police department spokesperson shares that the incident occurred in a flooded region adjacent to Allershausen's town hall. He was transported to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. The police suspect the accident was linked to flood relief efforts.
12:02 Shipping on the Upper Rhine halted due to flooding
Heavy rainfall in South Germany caused water levels along the Rhine to rise, leading to a partial suspension of shipping. A section of the Upper Rhine around Karlsruhe has been closed for ships to sail since Saturday. The Rhine High Water Forecast Center Rhineland-Palatinate reported that Maximiliansau's water level reached the critical shipping water mark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening, and stood at 8.20 meters by Sunday afternoon, anticipating a drop overnight. However, higher water levels are predicted downstream: Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels may also threaten shipping. At the Koblenz gauge, a level of around 6.10 meters is forecasted for Tuesday, after which ships cannot sail when it reaches 6.50 meters. The highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf on Wednesday.
Source: German news outlets
11:38 Autobahn A9 closed for approximately 50 kilometers in Pfaffenhofen
Due to a dam break, part of Autobahn A9 between Allershausen and Ingolstadt is closed in the Pfaffenhofen district, causing flooding. A representative from the Upper Bavaria North Police Department disclosed that the road is submerged in these sections. They report this as a new incident for the police in the area. There have also been power outages. Many people are impacted. Actions are underway to resolve the issue. The district administration asks residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to leave the ground floor of their homes and apartments and relocate to higher floors due to the floodwaters.
Update 2:23 pm: Autobahn GmbH states that the affected area is between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck in both directions. Additionally, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn is significantly restricted. It is advised to detour the whole region.
11:09: Economy Minister Habeck supports climate change mitigation after recovering from the flood crisis
Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck calls for increased climate protection measures once the flood disaster is contained. He stated during a visit to the flood-stricken place of Reichertshofen in Bavaria, "the containment of CO2 emissions in order to have enough time to adapt should not be trivialized or minimized, but is the top priority." The frequency of natural disasters is a "clear insight that nature and climate are changing." A century-level flood now happens "every few years."
11:26: Chancellor Scholz will visit flood-impacted areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to survey the flood-damaged regions on Monday personally. Sources: German news outlets
11:11: Missing firefighter during evacuation procedure in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter is missing after the rescue of residents from flooding in Offingen, Günzburg's district. A spokesperson from the Swabia South police headquarters affirms that the missing firefighter was accompanied by a colleague from the voluntary fire department and three helpers from the DLRG in a boat for an evacuation. The boat overturned around 2:50 AM, and three helpers were pulled out of the water. The other firefighter remains missing; efforts to locate him are underway since early morning hours. Two helicopters are used in the search. A 42-year-old firefighter died in a separate flood operation.
11:01: No respite: More thunderstorms produce heavy rain
The beginning of the week brings no reprieve in the regions affected by floods in South Germany. ntv's Björn Alexander explains, "the widespread rain is ending, but new and local thunderstorm centers are developing."
At Poar, people are warned of the potential breach of a dam. Residents in Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district are urged to quickly move to higher floors. Authorities advise avoiding basements and cellars. In case of an emergency, one should contact the fire department using the emergency number 112.
At 12:39, Söder, Bavarian prime minister, mentioned that approximately 40,000 emergency workers are assigned to tackle the flooding crisis in the entire Bavarian region. Söder made this statement during his visit to Reichertshofen in Oberbayern, stating that the top priority is to efficiently manage reliefs in the upcoming hours. Workers who've been in the field for a long time must be relieved to prevent potential exhaustion and errors, thus increasing the risk of endangerment.
At 12:29, Straubing deploys 'dam guards' to monitor the Donaupegel, which rises and is predicted to reach level four, the highest alert level. An official message from the city indicates the fire department will start monitoring the dam at 3 p.m. They will also report current water levels and any damage to the dam. More sandbags are being filled as well.
A dam broke near Baar-Ebenhausen in the Pfaffenhofen district. Authorities sent out a warning to the residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching, requesting people to leave the ground floors.
Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, praised the rescue workers and volunteers in the flood-affected areas and expressed his deep sympathy towards the firefighter who died in Pfaffenhofen during a rescue mission.
Flooding was a main topic at the Catholic Day event occurring at Erfurt. Georg Bätzinger, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, sent out his gratitude and hoped that human lives will be saved and protected.
Flooding hit Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis, where parts of Kehlen and Brochenzell district found themselves under water. The Schussen, which overflowed, submerged streets. 1300 people have already evacuated, while some chose to remain on the upper floors, as the Schussen's water level surpassed 4.86 meters on Saturday evening and has been diminishing since. Typically, it's only 45 centimeters deep there.
Markus Söder, Bavaria's Minister President, paid his respects to the fallen firefighter in a post on X. He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to his colleagues who lost their fellow teammate. The firefighter died when a rescue boat overturned near Affalterbach and Uttenhofen as a result of being under water.
The Ukrainian national football team had to relocate their final training session before their EURO tournament clash against the German national football team from Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg to Erlangen due to heavy rainfall. They opted not to damage the lawn in the stadium. The Ukrainians play against the Germans on Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD).
Since 6:00 am on Saturday, the fire department in Munich has been called for over 290 interventions due to flooding. Firefighters mostly focused on clearing out basements and underground garages. Several trees were also uprooted due to the very wet soil, resulting in the closure of some streets. By Saturday evening, the Isar flood warning level 2 was exceeded.
EDIT: Added Bätzinger's title as chairman of the German Bishops' Conference.EDIT: Simplified wording and adjusted sentence structure for clarity and readability.EDIT: Changed "at the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district" to "in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen".EDIT: Corrected proportion of water levels to meters and centimeters.EDIT: Added specific details of firefighter's death.EDIT: Consistently used names rather than nouns (e.g., "Scholz" and "Söder" instead of "German Chancellor" and "Bavarian Prime Minister").EDIT: Added the city Straubing and updated timing of events (Straubing's dam breach before Meckenbeuren's flooding).EDIT: Clarified that Meckenbeuren is in the Bodenseekreis.
9:24 Floodwater rushes in after dam burst in Anhausen
In the German town of Anhausen, the flood situation is gradually improving after a dam failed around five kilometers away, causing the town to flood in a short period. Reporter Niklas Diemer of ntv comments that residents who were evacuated to this area are now starting to return. However, the water levels remain critical elsewhere.
9:08 THW increasesnumber of personnel in flooded areas in southern Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more personnel to aid in the flooding of southern Germany. Over 1,800 people are currently on duty, as per a spokesperson. The workers are busy with tasks like securing dams, filling sandbags, and assisting with evacuations in previously flooded areas. Alongside the THW, the fire department and other emergency services are also involved.
8:47 Landslide in Baden-Württembergaffects train and car
The flooding situation in Germany continues to concern citizens, especially in the southern region. In the east of Baden-Württemberg, there is a possibility of a century-old flood. The rescuers in the region are also reaching their limits.
8:30 Recovery of ICE train affected by landslide to begin in the morning
In Baden-Württemberg, a landslide caused trains to be diverted, stranding passengers in an ICE train. The train cannot pass through the impacted section of the track, according to a railway spokesperson. A rescue locomotive is positioned on the second track to assist in recovery efforts. It is unknown how long the disruption will last. However, regional trains had already passed by the stranded train by Saturday evening.
8:16 A missing person in Schrobenhausen
In the German town of Schrobenhausen, a person is reported missing. This individual was located in the basement of a house when the floodwater arrived. The current conditions have caused basement and residential floor levels to be submerged, as stated by a spokesman from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen District Office. Emergency services are unable to access the house at the moment.
7:44 Firefighter dies in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
One firefighter has lost his life in the flooded German town of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, located in Upper Bavaria. He and his three colleagues were on board a firefighting boat when it capsized. One firefighter was found dead the following morning, per a spokesperson from the Landratsamt.
7:29 Flood peaks shift downstream - more level 4 alerts
In Bavaria, the non-stop flooding has reached level 4 at several locations. The areas of focus include the southern Donau tributaries like Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, and the upper Danube. The flood peaks were reached overnight. The downstream stretch, from Swabia - towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, is where the focus is shifting. Potential impacted locations include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. While the peak wave is predicted to pass through by early next week, rising water levels are anticipated in Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, as well as in Manching and Geisenfeld in the Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
6:54 Weather service predicts additional heavy rain in the south
Over parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) expects more thunderstorms with significant rainfall on Sunday. The DWD's forecast indicates that thunderstorms will prevail sporadically from noon until Monday night. The consequences could entail flooded streets and basements. Additionally, the risk of lightning strikes is a possibility.
6:00 Augsburg district expands evacuation warnings
In the flood-hit areas of the Augsburg District of Bavaria, officials are amplifying their evacuation demands. Residents in the communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are being urged to evacuate immediately, instructs the Integrated Control Center. Buses will be made available for those who cannot leave independently. Furthermore, in other locations within the district, the authorities advised people to leave their houses and apartments on Sunday night and early Monday morning. Mainly, communities along the Schmutter river, a Danube tributary, are being urged to evacuate.
5:39 Wiesbaden readies for increasing water levels on the Rhine and Main
In Wiesbaden, authorities are taking steps to mitigate rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood barrier has been set up in the district of Schierstein, reported by the fire department early in the morning. In the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein, a pump has also been installed. People are advised to avoid parking lots near the river in the coming days. There are currently no plans to initiate additional measures.
4:04 Train travel suspended between Stuttgart and Munich
Train transportation has been temporarily halted between Stuttgart and Munich due to flooding. No further details have been provided by the railway authorities.
Due to a landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is at a standstill. An unnamed railway spokesperson is unable to predict how long this disruption will last. The landslide has obstructed a bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, after the line between Ulm and Augsburg had already been shut down due to flooding in southern Germany, forcing trains to be rerouted.
In Ulm, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) has been working against the clock, filling 30,000 sandbags for flooded and flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. THW's Bernd Urban, who heads the organization's logistics center, stated that they can currently produce 400 sandbags per hour. Requests for sandbags are pouring in from various places in the southwest and even neighboring regions. Constant rainfall has caused increased water levels in multiple locations across Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
The Bavarian Red Cross is transferring water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist in the relief efforts in Swabia. These specially-trained units consisting of two boat and diving squads will aid the particularly-impacted district of Günzburg, which is experiencing a hundred-year flood - a rare occurrence that only happens once every 100 years.
In the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, two carriages from an ICE train with 185 passengers on board derailed following a landslide in the late evening. The passengers were unharmed and are now being evacuated. The landslide spanned a width of approximately 30 meters. The displaced ICE railway passengers will temporarily stay at a nearby kindergarten before being transported to Plüderhausen by bus.
In Schwäbisch Gmünd, a car was struck by a landslide, leaving the driver uninjured. The incident occurred near the intersection of a country road and railway track. The town of Schwäbisch Gmünd is roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has been occurring in Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
The city of Neu-Ulm has surpassed the high water mark on the Danube and Iller, preventing the expected 100-year flood. Mayor Katrin Albsteiger reported that while significant damage has occurred, the feared flood has been averted. However, two streets, the Donau embankments, and the bike paths near the Danube and Iller will remain closed for the time being.
The Munich Fire Department has issued a warning regarding the Isar River bank due to flooding. Additionally, they've closed two popular walking trails along the Isar. The city's Fire Department has currently reached Level 2 status, indicating that flooding is occurring on non-built areas and road disruptions due to high water on the streets.
In Upper Bavaria, authorities are readying to evacuate 670 residents in the town of Schrobenhausen. A combination of excavators and boats are being utilized in the Mühldorf district, particularly along the Weilach River, as reported by the district office. A hotline has been set up for emergencies.
Numerous fire brigade operations are occurring in Eastern Thuringia due to torrential rain and thunderstorms. The Gera control center has issued a report detailing the impact on areas such as Ronneburg in the Greiz district. Flooded streets, fields, and basements have created a need for quick and decisive action. A small stream has also overflowed in the Gera district.
22:45: Prolonged rainfall in the south sees a slight ease, but caution is necessary
In the southern areas affected by flooding and potential threats in Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) reports a slight reduction in rain intensity. A DWD meteorologist explains that the persistent downpour won't be as severe as it was last night. "We won't experience the heavy rainfall we had last night," they say. However, more showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north, which could heighten the risk of local flooding by Sunday afternoon. These storms may be quite powerful and will eventually subside. "If they hit the already saturated ground, there will be flooding again," the meteorologist adds. The main regions expected to be affected by these showers and thunderstorms are the Swabian Alb, areas further north, and regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25: Freising joins the list of affected areas with a disaster declaration
The Freising district has also declared a disaster due to the danger posed by river and stream overflows. The district administration in this Upper Bavarian municipality issued a statement announcing this in the evening. The Amper and Glonn rivers face a risk of reaching record levels, with the potential for widespread flooding in the town of Hohenkammer and other areas along the Amper. Residents are advised to prepare themselves for such a scenario and take necessary precautions, such as emptying their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts in total have announced disaster situations now.
21:50: Disaster situation in Dillingen
Due to the constant rainfall, Dillingen district in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation. Dillingen authorities fear that the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, could experience a 100-year flood surge. The nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen could be affected. The district administration is requesting assistance from Bundeswehr personnel. Additionally, preparations are being made to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural overflow area of the river. The district is appealing to local farmers to secure their livestock.
21:09: Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen declares disaster
As a result of escalating river levels, Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster situation in the Bavarian municipality. The Danube and its tributaries are responsible for this, according to the district administration. The Water Management Office Ingolstadt predicts a level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation along the Paar, a Danube tributary, and on the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is particularly concerning. In Mühlried, the Weilach has already overflowed, flooding residential areas. The local crisis team is planning to evacuate the residents there, according to Landrat Peter von der Grün. The situation remains critical, especially in the southern regions of the district. Von der Grün highlights that road, bridge, and path protection is a top priority. "Only then will the fire department be able to respond to emergencies."
20:34: Bavarian Red Cross conducts rescue operation in Babenhausen
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) rescued two people from the roof of their home in Babenhausen with a helicopter. The situation was life-threatening; the house in Unterallgäu had become unstable due to large water masses. BRK spokespeople also report rescuing residents from their homes by inflatable boat. Teams brought over 100 people to safety, including numerous children.
20:13: Evacuation required in Augsburg district
Rescue teams have freed people trapped in their cars due to rising water levels. Such situations can quickly become life-threatening if drivers cannot open their vehicle doors. In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, residents are being urged to leave their homes and apartments due to the imminent dangers of flooding. The Augsburg district administration projects that the situation will deteriorate in the evening, particularly in the northern areas. The municipalities of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf are at risk. The Swabian government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48: Bundeswehr assisting with flood mitigation in Bavaria
Bundeswehr troops are being deployed to assist with the flood situation in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg following official requests," a Bundeswehr representative in Bavaria tells Antenne Bayern. "In Gunzburg, supplies like blankets and field beds are being provided. About 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are scheduled to arrive in Aichach-Friedberg as extra help. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are already in use there."
Please note that this is only a paraphrased text and not an exact replica of the original. The phrasing, tone, and structure may differ slightly from the original content. However, the main points and information remain the same.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledges continued assistance to regions impacted by flooding in south Germany. Faeser, an SPD politician, refers to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and notes they're deploying more resources. She promises continued support with all available forces. As of now, 520 workers are in operation, rescuing people, reinforcing dikes, and pumping water. Faeser expresses gratitude to the helpers battling the water masses and stresses their importance in saving lives. Residents in affected areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should heed advisories, Faeser insists. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
18:58 Mountain rescuers rescue 29 stranded climbers on Zugspitze
The climbers in distress at Zugspitze mentioned in the Liveticker entry at 15:15 have been saved. These 29 individuals made distress calls and were aided by the mountain rescue team who guided them safely to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Several climbing groups experienced difficulties due to adverse weather and new snow at approximately 2500m altitude, 900m below the Sonnalpin. Zugspitzbahn employees headed out to help with their snow groomers. A spokesperson addresses the incident: "Employees of Zugspitzbahn were also en route to the site."
18:42 Germany's meteorological service issues severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Brandenburg
Germany's German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for sections of Brandenburg. This alert remains valid until the evening. Potential threats include lightning strikes, uprooted trees or high-voltage lines, falling objects, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
18:11 Road closure: Motorway A3 partially shut in Bavaria due to flooding near Regensburg
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, between the exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen, has been closed for approximately 10km in both directions. Flooding has submerged the road, as stated by the police headquarters Upper Palatinate. "The water is flowing from the fields onto the motorway," remarks a spokesperson. The traffic police Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, and fire department are managing the situation. Diversions are in place, reports another spokesperson.
17:51 Memmingen prison evacuated due to flood threat
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, has been cleared due to flooding peril. News agency Nonstopnews reports that up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The prison lies near the Memminger Ach river, which has become a raging torrent. Parts of the prison grounds are already submerged, possibly resulting in a power outage. Prison officials chose the evacuation, assisted by the police with numerous emergency vehicles. The evacuation necessitated traversing flooded streets. Pumps from the fire department were used to remove water from the prison.
17:35 Persistent rain forces water levels to reach 4th peak in Swabia
Nonstopning rain is causing water levels to spike at several gauges in Swabia. Water in the Danube at Neu-Ulm Bad Held, Mindel at Hasberg, Zusam at Fleinhausen, Schmutter at Fischach, and Schmutter at Fischach has surpassed level 4. Dasing (Paar) is likewise at risk. In the Regen at Cham, the Upper Palatinate, reports indicate the potential for hundred-year floods. Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is projected to reach Meldestufe 3 this weekend. Lower Iller is experiencing receding waters, while the northern Danube tributaries like Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab have several gauges registering Meldestufe 1 and 2, with a rising tendency. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, anticipation predicts Meldestufe 3 for several rivers, such as Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. Pegel Kelheim might follow at night. In the further Danube course to Passau, anticipation suggests rises in Meldestufen 1 and 2.
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is projected to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 over the weekend. In the northern Danube tributaries, Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab have individual gauges registering Meldestufe 1 and 2, escalating tendencies. Between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim, elevated water levels are anticipated. Pegel Kelheim will likely follow overnight. In the lower Donau, amidst Passau, Meldestufen 1 and 2 are expected to rise.
- Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser promises further support
- 29 climbers rescued at Zugspitze
- Storm warning for parts of Brandenburg
- Water on the motorway - A3 partially closed
- Prison in Memmingen evacuated
- Rain causes water levels to rise to level 4
5:23 Flights running smoothly at Munich Airport
Despite the heavy rainfall in many areas of Bavaria, normal flight operations are being maintained at Munich Airport. So far, no flights have been canceled. There are several factors contributing to this. "The water is standing in the meadows alongside the runways," spoke the airport representative Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport is also built on slightly higher ground. In addition, the runways slant toward the sides, allowing water to drain away easily. They are also "grooved," which enhances water drainage. As a result, there's currently no danger of aquaplaning, Wilhelm informed BR. The airport anticipates no major issues for the rest of the weekend.
5:07 Soder: "Now things are truly getting started"
Bavarian Minister President Markus Soder is familiarizing himself with the situation in the particularly affected Swabia region. He praises the rescuers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. The Bavarian government is well-prepared, Soder states in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The situation presents a "massive challenge" for the citizens, says the Minister President. "This is not over yet. Things are actually getting started," Soder stated in the presence of rescue services such as fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. "Without the helpers and rescuers, we wouldn't stand a chance," Soder requested from these services.
4:35 No trains running anymore
The storms and floods in southern Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are affecting train traffic. Deutsche Bahn confirmed train delays and cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE lines are significantly affected, said a spokesperson. Between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich, trains will not operate at all on Saturday due to the flood. The Augsburg-Ulm line is also impacted. For more information about track closures, cancellations, and delays, consult the Bahn website.
4:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu - Residents in need should display white cloths
The disaster situation now extends to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, part of the mobile network has stopped functioning. Anyone needing assistance yet unable to call should display a white sheet or cloth at their window to signal their need for help, as advised by the district administration. In Babenhausen, residents are being rescued from their homes using inflatable boats.
3:57 400 THW workers on the ground in South Germany
In connection with the storms in South Germany, roughly 400 workers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are actively involved. The THW in Bonn reports this. They're pumping water, safeguarding dikes, and evacuating people proactively. "Considering the continuous and sometimes heavy rain, the THW is preparing to dispatch additional THW forces specifically," the THW writes. In the affected regions, mobile flood sensors will be installed and monitored. "Due to the latest weather forecasts and possible flooding in the next few hours, the THW is prepared to deploy further THW forces." Teams are stationed nationwide on standby. Each relief team consists of around 40 THW workers who operate three sewage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief team can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
3:37 Map: All current flood warnings
This map displays all current flood advisories. The graphic is frequently updated.
3:15 Report: 26-person hiking group stranded below Zugspitze
A 26-person hiking group is stuck several hundred meters below the summit of the Zugspitze. BR reported that over 60 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen on the Zugspitze in the past few hours while it's still raining in the valley. Temperatures are well below freezing, and visibility is limited to approximately 100 meters. Rescue teams have been dispatched to locate the hikers in the snowstorm, according to BR, quoting the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group looks exhausted and likely inadequately equipped. It remains unclear why they attempted to ascend the Zugspitze amid the extreme weather conditions.
3:03 Declaring disaster conditions in Donau-Ries district
The Bavarian district of Donau-Ries has also decreed a disaster situation. The objective is "to gather all forces together and prepare ourselves more quickly and efficiently for the anticipated water levels," explained District Administrator Stefan Rössle in a statement. "It's crucial to maintain composure and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible at this time."
2:55 Munich Airport continues functioning as planned
Spite the heavy rainfall in many parts of Bavaria, operations at Munich Airport proceed as normal. No cancellations have occurred. Airport speaker Robert Wilhelm informed BR of the situation. The water sits in the pastures adjacent to the runways. The airport is built on elevated terrain. The runways are inclined toward the sides, causing water to run off. They are also "grooved," allowing for optimal water drainage. Therefore, there's no immediate aquaplaning threat, Wilhelm conveyed to BR. The airport predicts a smooth remainder of the weekend.
2:20 Storms resulting in disrupted rail service
The storms and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are impacting rail service. The German rail company, Deutsche Bahn, reported disruptions and train cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE routes are heavily affected, a spokesperson revealed. The Munich-Bregenz-Zurich line won't run between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The Augsburg-Ulm route also suffered damages. Further details about interrupted train service, delays, and cancellations are accessible on the Bahn website.
1:57 Emergency in Unterallgäu - Residents in need should show white cloths
The calamity situation is now enacted in the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. The district administration advises residents in need and unable to reach out for aid via phone to hang white cloths or sheets out of their windows to demonstrate their needs. Babenhausen has seen the mobile network fail. Rescue operations are taking place in town with the use of inflatable rafts.
"In the Augsburg region, a dam and a levee broke leading to some streets in Diedorf being evacuated. The local administration shared this information. In addition, evacuation preparations are underway for residents in Anhausen, Diedorf, due to high floodwater levels. People were warned that moving to higher floors was no longer enough. A dam collapsed in Burgwalden, while the Anhauser Weiher dam also gave way. Residents of these affected areas are instructed to leave their homes immediately and independently within the next hour and gather at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities have also cautioned people to steer clear of railway underpasses as there's a risk of floodwaters flowing in there. It's a life-threatening situation.
Politicians Visit the Flood-Affected Region
To get a better understanding of the flood scenario in Augsburg, Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are heading to the impacted area on Saturday. Originally, they had planned to visit the adjacent Fischach town, but the situation prompted a last-minute change in their itinerary. In Diedorf, residents are being asked to leave their homes as preparations for evacuation are being made. While the flood situation in Bavaria, specifically in Swabia, is getting more critical due to the heavy rainfall, Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts have now declared a state of disaster.
Meckenbeuren's Flood Situation Gets Intensified
The floodwaters in the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, keep rising. In the afternoon, the river level reached 4.72 meters. It's anticipated that the peak would be struck soon. During the previous flood in 2021, the river level peaked at 4.50 meters. Under normal circumstances, the river just flows with 45 centimeters of water. Over 1300 residents were advised to leave their homes on Friday night, and many chose to stay with friends and family. Only a few individuals opted to go to a temporary shelter.
Some measures were taken to protect Meckenbeuren against potential flooding. Schools, kindergartens, and community halls were emptied ahead of time. Additionally, bridges in this municipality of 14,000 inhabitants were also closed as a precautionary measure."
