"Numerous institutions stay shut on Monday at 8:30 pm."
As a result of the flooding situation, at least 40 schools in eight districts across Bavaria won't be holding in-person classes this week. The Bavarian Ministry of Education specified districts like Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. For instance, on Monday, no classes will take place at all primary, middle, and high schools in the Aichach-Friedberg district, along with its grammar schools, vocational and professional high schools, and special education centers. Similarly, in Wertingen of the Dillingen district, there will be no classes at any schools. Additionally, a number of schools from the Pfaffenhofen district won't have classes on Monday. The Pfaffenhofen district administration also noted a few kindergartens would be shut down on Monday. Schrobenhausen's primary, middle, and high schools, along with its vocational school, special education center, and high school, won't have classes from Monday to Tuesday.
Elsewhere in Swabia, approximately 30 towns are experiencing power outages, according to the power grid operator LEW. Besides, there are outages within the local grids (low voltage) on some streets and properties. The outages appear to be concentrated mostly in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. The LEW said that emergency crews are attempting to reestablish electricity by switching to other lines as much as possible. The duration of these outages hinges on the circumstances on the ground.
Over 1,000 people in Günzburg have been safely evacuated, as per a report from the Günzburg district administrator Hans Reichart to the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. The evacuees are being housed in sports halls and part of Legoland. Reichart shared that this measure was required due to the substantial increase in the water level of the Günz in the recent few hours.
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a warning for more heavy rains, particularly in the southern regions of Germany. DWD's meteorologists in Offenbach indicated there could be intense rainfall, especially in Stuttgart, on Sunday evening. In addition, there might be heavy rainfall at the Alps, from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. Heavy rainfall is predicted in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube on Monday morning, followed by showery conditions. The risk of heavy rain is evident, potentially up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
Due to the worsening flood situation along the Danube, Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr declared a disaster. A spokesperson elaborated that the measures are due to the size and complexity of the demands and the consequent manpower requirement. The Danube level in Straubing is now above six meters. The city is expected to exceed the disaster level of four in the coming hours. The flood warning service uses four warning levels; at level one, minor flooding is expected, while level four sees built-up areas flooded extensively. Protective measures are ongoing and will continue, the spokesperson confirmed. Some roads in Straubing have already been closed due to the flood.
The partially flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren cautioned against flood tourism. The community in Friedrichshafen asserted that gawkers would interfere with rescue teams and jeopardize themselves and others. The spokeswoman urged walkers to avoid the flood area, respect closures at bridges and roads. The Schussen had surpassed its banks on Saturday evening, leading to flooded streets and homes in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a notice for severe thunderstorms impending in Brandenburg's Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there's a likelihood of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, fierce winds, and falling objects. Damage to homes is also possible, along with landslides and hail.
4:53 pm: More areas declare disasters
Two more regions have declared disasters due to the ongoing flooding. Dachau and Kelheim join the list, warning that the current situation, combined with predictions of rising water levels, remains tense. Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer, stated, "With this measure, we aim to ensure coordination and efficient supply of relief efforts." Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, shared similar sentiments, expressing that local forces could no longer handle the growing number of emergency sites. As a result, assistance can now be sent to these districts from elsewhere.
4:25 pm: Expect transit restrictions on Monday
Passengers should prepare for transport limitations on Monday due to the inclement weather in South Germany. German Railways will continue its leniency policy; passengers with tickets valid from Sunday to Monday can alter their journeys due to weather issues. The company confirmed that the related train connections would be cancelled. The extent of the influence on transportation is yet to be determined. Affected long-distance routes include Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railways advise against traveling in regions hit by floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
4:08 pm: Approximately 3,000 individuals impacted by evacuations in Bavaria
In Bavaria, approximately 3,000 individuals have been affected by evacuations as a result of the flooding. The Bavarian Interior Ministry's Munich spokesperson announced this. To date, around 20,000 personnel have been engaged in the various flood operations, with close to 40,000 forces aiding since the situation began.
3:51 pm: Weather expert: "The damage is too much for there to be any improvement"
ntv's weather expert, Bernd Fuchs, does not anticipate gradual relief from the flood situation in the south. "Every drop is too much," he insists. When asked about a potential connection to the climate crisis, he perceives the current state as a "clear sign of where things are headed."
3:22 pm: Shocking workplace accident resulting in serious electric shock
During flood-related operations in Upper Bavaria's Freising district, a man suffered a severe electric shock. An Upper Bavaria North police spokesperson confirmed that a 27-year-old energy company employee received the shock while in a flooded area near the Allershausen town hall. The man was airlifted to a hospital by rescue helicopter; it is believed the incident was work-related.
3:02 pm: River transportation on Upper Rhine halted
Due to heavy rains in South Germany, the water levels along the Upper Rhine have increased, leading to a partial shutdown of river traffic. The High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate states that on a section near Karlsruhe, no ships have been permitted to sail since Saturday. In Maximiliansau, the water level reached the critical shipping watermark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. By Sunday afternoon, it had reached 8.20 meters and was expected to fall again overnight. However, a continued rise in water levels is anticipated downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Lower and Middle Rhine, high water levels are anticipated in the next few days, potentially endangering vessels on this important waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, a level of 6.10 meters is expected on Tuesday, surpassing which no ships may sail. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
2:38 pm: A9 Autobahn closed for 50 km due to dam rupture
The A9 motorway is closed for approximately 50 km in the Pfaffenhofen district due to a dam breach. Affected is a stretch between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where the road is partially flooded. A spokesperson from the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters reported the situation, noting that it's a new development in the region. Power outages have also been reported. Many people are affected, and efforts are being made to address the situation. The district administration has requested that people in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching leave the ground floors of their homes and apartments and relocate to higher levels.
15:23 pm Update: As per Autobahn GmbH, the A9 motorway is closed in both directions between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck. Additionally, the A8 towards Munich at Sulzemoos faces severe restrictions. It is advised to avoid the entire area.
5:59 PM: Habeck Wants More Climate Protection Following Heavy Rain
Economy Minister Robert Habeck emphasizes the importance of climate change efforts after the recent heavy rain in southern Germany. "We need more action for climate protection," Habeck says during a visit to Bavaria's flood-ravaged Reichertshofen. As the flooding becomes a more frequent occurrence, "Century floods" are now happening "every few years."
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz Plans to Visit Affected Areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to personally visit the flood-stricken areas in southern Germany on Monday to gain a better understanding of the situation, as reported by government sources.
1:21 PM: Missing 22-year-old Firefighter After Evacuation Operation in Offingen
In the Landkreis Gunzburg, a 22-year-old firefighter is missing after a boat capsized during an evacuation operation in Offingen. The man was attempting to help with the rescue efforts, along with a fellow firefighter and three lifeguards from the German Lifesaving Association (Delegation of Lifesaving Achievements – DLRG), late Saturday night. Of the five people involved, four have been safely rescued, but the 22-year-old firefighter is still missing. Intensive search efforts are underway, with two helicopters also now involved. One firefighter has already lost his life during the flood operations.
1:11 PM: No Relief as Heavy Rain Continues
The ongoing deluge in southern Germany offers no respite, with meteorologist Bjoern Alexander reporting that "the widespread and heavy rain is still there, but there are also new and local thunderstorm centers forming."
12:52 PM: Further Threat of Dam Break on the Paar
Residents in the Pfaffenhofen district of Bavaria, including those at Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf, are warned of the potential for a dam break. Authorities urge those living in these areas to move to higher floors and avoid basements or cellars. In the event of an emergency, the fire department should be contacted on 112.
12:39 PM: 40,000 Emergency Personnel on Duty in Bavaria
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder has reported that approximately 40,000 emergency personnel are currently involved in dealing with the floods across the state. He urges for the relief effort to be well-organized, stating, "The most important thing now will be to organize the relives well in the next few hours."
12:29 PM: Dam Guards In Straubing
In Straubing, Dam guards have been set up due to the increasing threat of the Donaupegel brimming past the highest alert level 4, as warned by the Bavarian Flood Information Service (HND). Firefighters will closely monitor the dam throughout the day, reporting on both the water levels and any damage. Extra sandbags are also being filled.
12:03 PM: Dam Break in Baar-Ebenhausen
The Nördlingen district of Pfaffenhofen is facing the hazard of a dam break. The alert affects not only Reichertshofen, but also the communities of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching. Residents are advised to quickly vacate the ground floor of their homes.
11:37 PM: Chancellor Scholz Pays Tribute to Rescue Workers in Flood-Hit Areas
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his respect and gratitude towards the rescue workers and helpers in the flood-stricken parts of southern Germany. In a tweet, he shares, "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen has left me shocked. My thoughts are with his colleagues and fellow firefighters in this trying time." The firefighter passed away during a rescue mission in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in the district of Pfaffenhofen on Saturday night.
11:25 PM: Floods at Catholic Day in Erfurt
Bavarian Bishops' Conference chairman, Georg Bätzing, issues a special message to those suffering from the floods during the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. He hopes for "human lives to be preserved and protected."
10:59 PM: Floods Impacting Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis
Communities of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis are inundated due to the Schussen's overflowing and flooding streets. Per municipality, around 1300 people have voluntarily evacuated to leave their homes and find safety. Some residents stayed in their houses, taking shelter in the upper floors. By Saturday evening, the Schussen's water level reached over 4.86 meters. Since then, it's been declining; usual depth at that spot is 45 centimeters.
Around 10:34 AM, Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder pays respect to a firefighter who died during a rescue mission in the floodlands of Bavaria. He expresses admiration for the firefighter's commitment and dedication, writing, "His legacy of service to others will endure." He adds, "Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with his colleagues. We grieve together." Police report that a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter tragically perished when a rescue vessel capsized in Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.
Around 10:09 AM, the Ukrainian national football team plans to bypass their final rehearsal at Nuremberg's Max-Morlock-Stadium as a result of intense rains. Instead, they'll train at Erlangen, preserving the stadium's grass for the EM match against the German national team. A spokesperson confirms the change. The Ukrainian national team is road-tripping to Nuremberg for a Monday fixture (8:45 PM/ARD) against the German national team.
The Munich region has seen 290 firefighter visits since 6:00 AM on Saturday due to flood-related emergencies. Most of their work has mainly involved draining basements and underground garages. Additionally, several trees were uprooted, and streets were closed. Munich firefighters say that on Saturday night, the Isar's flood warning level 2 was surpassed.
Around 09:24 AM, as the conditions in Anhausen strive for normalcy after a five-kilometer dam burst, NTV journalist Niklas Diemer reports that retreating residents have begun returning home. Water levels are critical elsewhere.
09:08 AM, the Technical Relief Organization is dispatching more members to assist flood-stricken areas. Over 1800 personnel are already on duty. In combination with firefighters and other emergency services, they're securing dams, filling bags with sand, and aiding in flooded residences' evacuation.
08:47 AM, jarring weather in southern Germany has led to concerns. There's a worry of encountering a hundred-year flood in East Baden-Württemberg. Rescue and relief services are trying to regain their strength.
08:30 AM, train recovery in Baden-Württemberg is expected by morning. An ICE train suspended by a landslide won't pass through the tract till then. A rescue locomotive will collaborate in recovery operations. Duration and timing are unknown. On Saturday evening, two ICE train cars with 185 passengers slipped off their tracks because of a landslide.
Person unaccounted for in Schrobenhausen. Authorities claim the person was in the house's basement when floods hit. Basement and several upper floors now partially submerged. Unable to access the residence.
Around 7:44 AM, a firefighter's life was lost in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, while on flood-related service. A spokesman at the district office reported their death, following a capsized rescue boat with three colleagues. Another firefighter was found dead this morning.
07:30 Flooding shifts south - numerous areas in alert level 4In Bavaria, multiple rivers are still measuring floods with the highest alert level 4. Key areas remain those tributaries that lead into the Danube - Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. These areas have recently reached their peak and now the floods are moving downstream, from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potential affected locations include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing, as the projected peak wave will pass through these areas during the first part of the week. Notably, Manching, Geisenfeld in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, and Abensberg in Kelheim are expected to witness increasing water levels on Sunday.
06:58 Further intense rain in the south forecast by meteorologistsThroughout various regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, there's a real possibility of serious thunderstorms with heavy downpours, as predicted by the German Met Office (DWD) on Sunday. Throughout most of the day until Monday night, thunderstorms with heavy rain are foreseen. Flooding and overflowing basements could result from these storms, as well as a potential risk for damage by lightning.
05:43 Evacuation alerts expand in Augsburg districtFollowing the flooding incident in the Bavarian region of Augsburg, authorities are urging residents in certain communities to evacuate. According to early morning announcements, residents from Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen should leave their homes without delay. A parking system will be provided for those who cannot reach their own means of transport. Notices to leave homes were also issued for numerous regions within the district in the evening hours on Sunday. The Schmutter district, a tributary of the Danube, is primarily afflicted.
05:10 Wiesbaden prepares for high water levels on the Rhine and MainLocal authorities in Wiesbaden are implementing precautionary measures to manage the rapidly rising water levels on both the Rhine and Main rivers. In the district of Kostheim, a flood barrier has been installed, the fire department reports early in the morning. The Rhine-facing district of Schierstein has installed a pump. And pedestrians should avoid using the Rhine-adjacent parking areas in the coming days. For the moment, the fire department doesn't expect additional measures to be necessary.
04:09 Stuttgart-München rail traffic under suspensionThe landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has halted long-distance train services between Stuttgart and Munich as of the early morning. The railway representative didn't specify when the tracks are expected to be operational again. The landslide has disrupted the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart. The flood in southern Germany had caused the Ulm-Augsburg track to be shuttered previously, resulting in long-distance trains being re-routed.
03:22 THW fills 30,000 sandbags in UlmIn a nighttime mission, the Technical Relief Organization's (THW) team in Ulm filled bags with sand for flooded and flood-prone areas in the southern region of Germany. 30,000 sandbags were set to be sent out overnight, THW's head of logistics, Bernd Urban, shared in the early morning. "We can currently fill 400 sandbags per hour." Numerous requests for these sandbags are coming from multiple locations in southwestern Germany and the neighboring state as well. Constant rainfall has led to elevated water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at multiple locations.
02:33 Red Cross reroutes water rescue specialists to GünzburgThe Bavarian Red Cross will be sending Günzburg, a region in Swabia, water rescue experts from Unterfranken. These water rescue teams will be deployed in Günzburg and will include two boat and diving squads. In Günzburg district, numerous rivers have risen to the point of a hundred-year flood. This signifies a flood that occurs or exceeds the statistical average once a century.
11:59pm: A car crash in Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslideIn Schwäbisch Gmünd, a Württemberg town about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart, a car has been involved in a collision with a landslide. Details of the driver's condition are still unknown, but initial police reports indicated no fatalities. The incident transpired at the point where the county road and the railway intersect. The area has had heavy rainfall since Friday.
11:14pm: Neu-Ulm status update - damage remains uncertainNeu-Ulm's city officials have announced that the town has managed to surpass the high water mark of the Danube and Iller rivers. According to Mayor Katrin Albsteiger, although there were high water levels, the 100-year flood was averted. It remains unclear, however, what extent of damage the surge has caused. The two streets, both of which border the rivers, as well as the cycling paths along the Danube and Iller, will remain closed for the time being.
11:04pm: Munich issues alert for Isar River bankThe Munich Fire Department warned residents of potential danger due to rising water levels along the Isar River. The city administration has also temporarily shut two popular walking paths at the river's banks. The river is currently on alert level 2 - meaning flooding has occurred in uninhabited areas or minor traffic delays.
10:43pm: Upper Bavarian community prepares to evacuate 670 residentsFirefighters and rescue teams have started preparations for evacuating nearly 700 people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen. Bulldozers and boats are being utilized in the district of Muhlried near the Weilach River. Those affected are advised to contact the district office's emergency hotline for assistance. The municipality had earlier announced a disaster. District Administrator Peter von der Grün described the situation as quite demanding in the southern section of Upper Bavaria.
10:23pm: Eastern Thuringia experiencing multiple fire department interventionsGiven the heavy rain and intense thunderstorms in Eastern Thuringia, the regional control center in Gera reported numerous fire department interventions. The location of greatest impact is the town of Ronneburg, situated in the Greiz district. A small creek has overflowed, while streets, fields, and basements have also been flooded. Several locations within the Gera district have also suffered flooding.
10:05pm: Rain subsiding somewhat in southern Germany - but more warnings comingThe German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed that the persistent rainfall has slightly relented in the southern regions of Germany. A DWD meteorologist stated that tonight's rainfall won't be as heavy as the previous night. However, they caution that new showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north. These storms may cause further localized flooding and should be expected on Sunday afternoon. These storms could be quite powerful and could persist for an extended period of time. The most vulnerable regions are in the Swabian Alb, areas slightly to the north, and near Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
10pm: Freising district declares a state of emergencyThe Freising district in Upper Bavaria has also declared a state of emergency due to the risk posed by flooding from the Amper and Glonn rivers. The district administration fears flooding throughout the town of Hohenkammer, as well as in all other areas along the Amper. Citizens are urged to take precautions, such as emptying their basements. The number of districts that have now declared emergencies stands at 10.
9:50pm: Dillingen district declares a state of emergencyThe district of Dillingen in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency in response to prolonged rainfall. The local crisis team reports that the water levels in the Zusam river, a tributary of the Danube, have deteriorated further into the evening. The district administration is currently seeking military intervention to alleviate the situation caused by what they anticipate could be a 100-year flood. Meanwhile, officials are preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a previous floodplain of the river. Farmers are requested to keep their livestock secure in their barns.
9:09 PM: eighth municipality in Bavaria declares a state of emergency
The district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen in Bavaria has announced a state of emergency as the eighth municipality within the region affected by the swelling Danube and its tributaries. The local administration reports that the Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates level 4 at the Neuburg gauge overnight. The situation along the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is particularly concerning. In the Mühldorf district of Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed and flooded a residential area. The local authorities are preparing to evacuate residents, according to district chairman Peter von der Grün. The most pressing concern in this region is protecting roads, bridges, and pathways to ensure that the local fire department can continue to respond to emergencies.
9:04 PM: Red Cross rescues people from their rooftops
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has saved two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The individuals were in a dire situation, as revealed by a BRK spokesperson. The house situated in the Unterallgäu district was in peril due to the large water masses. Several others were also safely transported to higher ground by inflatable boats. The rescue teams helped more than 100 people, including many children, reach safety.
8:51 PM: Residents in several places near Augsburg urged to evacuate
Rescue crews had to extract individuals from their vehicles when they couldn't open their car doors due to the water masses. According to the spokesperson, these situations can quickly become life-threatening due to the current and rising water inside the vehicles.
In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, residents are instructed to leave their homes and apartments because of the looming danger of flooding. The situation is forecast to worsen in the evening in the northern part of the district, reports a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Affected areas include zones in Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabia state government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
8:42 PM: Bundeswehr aids in Bavaria's flood-struck regions
Bundeswehr soldiers have joined the efforts to manage flooding in Bavaria. According to a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Bundeswehr command, both the Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts have submitted official requests for assistance. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts," she says to Antenne Bayern. In the Günzburg region, tents and sleeping pads are being distributed. In Aichach-Friedberg, approximately 50 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected in the next few hours. Additionally, two Bundeswehr vehicles will be utilized there.
8:20 PM: Faeser promises additional support
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, of the SPD party, pledges further assistance to the regions impacted by the floods in southern Germany. "Due to the persistent heavy rain and impending floods, the THW is preparing to deploy more personnel," states Faeser in Berlin. "We will continue to support the affected states with all the available resources." By Saturday evening, she mentions that 520 THW volunteers are in action. They have rescued people, reinforced dikes, and removed water. Faeser expresses gratitude to all involved in the fight against the water masses, stating, "I deeply appreciate all the helpers who are currently combatting the water torrents and tirelessly working to save lives." Faeser advises those in the flood-affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to adhere to the warnings and directives of the authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
7:58 PM: 29 climbers at Zugspitze rescued by mountain rescue team
The stranded climbers at Zugspitze (refer to the Live Ticker entry at 3:15 PM) have been rescued. The mountain rescue team guided 29 climbers to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt. Numerous groups had issued emergency calls as they were unable to proceed further due to heavy weather and new snow at 2500 meters above sea level, roughly 900 meters before they reached the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue team orchestrated the rescue. The Zugspitzbahn employees were also on their way with snow groomers to searching for the climbers, states a spokeswoman for the Zugspitzbahn.
7:42 PM: Severe storm warning extended to parts of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues a severe storm warning for several regions in Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are advised of the dangers of intense thunderstorms. Their warning level has been upgraded to the second-highest level and remains in effect until the evening. Potential dangers include lightning strikes, falling trees or high-voltage lines, falling objects, rapid road flooding, landslides, or hail.
At around 11:18 am, there's water on the highway in Bavaria, partially closing the A3 between exits Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions. The roadway is flooded, a spokesperson from the Upper Palatinate police headquarters states. "The water is pushing its way from the fields onto the motorway," says a representative. Regensburg's traffic police, Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all at the scene. The traffic will be rerouted, shares a spokesperson.
Around 5:51 pm, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the threat of floods. This is reported by the news agency Nonstopnews. Up to 150 inmates would be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. Directly in front of the jail runs the Memminger Ach - a tiny river that has become a raging torrent and threatens to flood the JVA, according to the report. The courtyard is already partially submerged in water, potentially causing a power outage. Therefore, the prison administration chose to evacuate. The police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. Eventually, they needed to navigate through flooded streets, as the approach was already inundated. The fire department was also on-site with pumps to remove the water from the institution.
Around 5:35 pm, the heavy rain is causing the water levels to increase to level 4 at numerous gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are swelling more and more. The gauges at Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and other locations have reached level 4, as conveyed by the flood warning service (HND). In Dasing (Paar), level 4 is also anticipated, as well as in the Regen river in Cham, Upper Palatinate. Centennial floods are reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 on Saturday to Sunday, with the water levels already receding at the lower Iller. In the upper tributaries of the Danube, Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, some gauges have level 1 and 2 overflows that are growing. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 all day, such as in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. Pegel Kelheim should follow later. In the main Danube course to Passau, rises to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are predicted.
Despite the torrential rain in many areas of Bavaria, Munich Airport's flight operations are continuing normally. So far, no flights have been cancelled. Several reasons explain this. "We see the water lying in the meadows next to the runways," said airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also built slightly elevated. Additionally, the runways slope downwards to the sides, which helps the water drain off. Moreover, the runways have "grooved" surfaces, which speed up water runoff. Hence, there's currently no danger of aquaplaning, according to Wilhelm. The Bavarian broadcaster mentioned that the airport expects no significant complications ahead.
Around 5:07 pm, Söder visits Diedorf in the Augsburg area to get a feel for the situation in the severely affected Swabia. He thanks, in the presence of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, the helpers and authorities. Bavaria is crisis-tested, states the minister president. The situation is a "large burden" for the citizens, continues the minister president. "This isn't over yet. Things are really getting started now," says Söder, alongside Herrmann. Resources - like sandbags - are being focused on Swabia. "Without the helpers and helpers, we wouldn't survive," Söder urges the rescue services, including the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. Their efforts have been exceptional. To the citizens, he pleads, "Please follow the rules." Evacuation orders should be followed, not to try and return to the basement or drive the car out of the garage.
Nationwide, the weather and flood crisis continues to impact rail traffic in South Germany. Deutsche Bahn has announced disruptions and cancellations in the region. Two ICE lines are notably affected: travel between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich has been halted all day on Saturday, while the line between Ulm and Augsburg is also experiencing issues. Bahn's website offers updates on track closures, cancellations, and delays.
In Unterallgäu, Bavaria, the disaster situation is now enforced. Telecommunications infrastructure has failed partially in Babenhausen, prompting the district administration to suggest residents in need hang out a white cloth or a sheet from their windows to signal for rescue. Officers are currently rescuing Babenhausen residents using inflatable boats.
Approximately 400 THW (Technical Relief Organization) members are currently active across South Germany, according to the THW in Bonn. These forces are tasked with pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating people as a precaution. The THW anticipates deploying more forces in the coming hours, as they prepare to address potential floods.
The map below illustrates all active flood warnings. It is frequently updated.
A mountain climbing group of 26 members is stranded several hundred meters below the Zugspitze peak. BR reports that 60 centimeters of fresh snow has fallen on the Zugspitze within the past few hours, while heavy rain is streaming down in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is expected to last roughly 100 meters. Rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the climbers, encountering a snowstorm in the process. It's unclear as to why they attempted to summit the Zugspitze in these extreme weather conditions.
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has also recognized the need for a disaster situation. This declaration is designed to mobilize resources and act more efficiently in managing the flood's impact. District Administrator Stefan Roßle suggests remaining calm and avoiding low-lying areas.
A dam and a dike have collapsed in Augsburg. Residents in specific streets of Diedorf are urged to evacuate their homes, as an evacuation plan is being prepared. "It is no longer possible to stay on the upper floors," the Augsburg district administration emphasizes. In addition, there's a loss of an unnamed dam in Bürgwalden, and a dike near Anhauser Weiher has also broken. All residents of affected areas should immediately evacuate their homes and move to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Furthermore, officials advise staying away from underpasses in railways, as floods could enter there, posing a risk to life.
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, and Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, are scheduled to visit the flooded area in the Swabian district of Augsburg on Saturday. Their main objective is to gain a firsthand view of the dire flood conditions. District Administrator Martin Sailer will accompany them. The visit was originally planned for Fischach but has been revised due to the situation. Diedorf's evacuations are underway, with active flood incidents in Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg.
Highlighted Text:Based on the passed text, the minister's visit to the flooded area was intended to help them understand the situation on the ground and the measures being taken by the authorities in managing the crisis. They wanted to be present during the evacuation preparations, especially in an area like Augsburg, which has seen significant damage from the torrential rain.
Source:https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/schwimmbad-bayer-denken-an-fluetten-101.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=morningsummary_today_411221&utm_term=411221&utm_content=email&utm_id=mainstream
The flood situation in Meckenbeuren, part of Bodenseekreis, is intensifying. Reportedly, the water level of the Schussen river reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon, as confirmed by the municipal spokesperson. It's expected that the worst is yet to come. Back in 2021, the river had hit a record of 4.50 meters, while under normal circumstances, it only carries 45 centimeters of water. To avoid potential flooding, the municipality advised around 1300 residents to evacuate their homes on Friday evening. The majority were seen heading to friends or family's places, while a tiny fraction opted for the emergency shelter. To minimize the risk of any damage, schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied earlier. With a population of 14,000, the municipality also ordered certain bridges to be closed as a safety measure.
Read also:
Despite the ongoing international live ticker updates, schools in various districts, such as Aichach-Friedberg and Dillingen, will not reopen on Monday due to the floods. Many schools in these areas, including primary, middle, and high schools, as well as vocational and professional high schools, will remain closed. Moreover, the situation is similar in Wertingen and several schools in the Pfaffenhofen district.
