Over 1,000 people from Günzburg are accommodated in gyms and Legoland.

Over 1,000 Günzburg residents accommodated in schools and Legoland.

In the Bavarian town of Gunzburg, over a thousand people were safely relocated, as reported. The town's district administrator, Hans Reichart, shared with Bayerischer Rundfunk that these individuals would be housed in gymnasiums and, in part, at Legoland. The additional evacuation measures were allegedly necessitated by a significant rise in the Gunz river.

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a warning for more intense rainfalls, especially in southern Germany. On Sunday evening, severe rainfall could happen in the Stuttgart area, warns Offenbach's meteorologists. There might also be strong thunderstorms with considerable rain in the Alps, from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. In the night, powerful thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecasted for the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Alpine foothills toward the Bavarian Forest. Additionally, there is a potential for showers starting from Monday morning, followed by stronger thunderstorms at noon, and then also in the Bavarian Forest. There is a risk of heavy rain, as high as 40 liters per square meter per hour, in certain locations.

Straubing's mayor has proclaimed a state of disaster due to the worsening situation along the Danube. Straubing's mayor, Markus Pannermayr, announced this via a spokesperson. The Danube's water level in Straubing has risen beyond six meters. The city anticipates that emergency level 4 will be exceeded in the coming hours. There are four classes of emergency notifications. At level 1, minimal overflows are expected, while at level 4, large regions can be flooded. The precautions are progressing favorably and will continue, officials reported. At some point, roads have already been blocked due to the flood.

The partially submerged Bodensee-Kreis community of Meckenbeuren cautions against "flood tourism." Onlookers would hinder first responders and put their lives and others at risk, the community of Friedrichshafen advises. "Even if it's not raining much or at all, Sunday walkers are requested to avoid the flooded region, obey road closures and bridges," a spokesperson added. Time and again, law enforcement and firefighters have had to inform adults and children about the hazardous current. The Schussen river broke through its banks on Saturday evening and flooded streets and houses, affecting the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell.

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issued an official alert for heavy thunderstorms in the Brandenburg-Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a risk of lightning strikes, falling trees, gusty winds, or collapsing objects at the second highest warning level. Houses might sustain damage, as well as landslides and hail.

4:18 pm: More districts declare disaster status

Due to the flood, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also proclaimed a disaster. "The current situation, along with the projections regarding water levels, remains tense. With this measure, we aim to guarantee that relief operations can be optimally coordinated and prepared," says Kelheim's district administrator, Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator, Stefan Löwl, echoes these sentiments. The measure was essential as local forces could no longer manage the magnitude of the deployment sites in the coming hours, says Löwl. Now, relief efforts can also be provided to the district.

4:05 pm: Train one of the anticipated restrictions on Monday

Passengers should also anticipate train travel restrictions on Monday due to the weather in southern Germany. The Deutsche Bahn is extending its leniency rule to Monday: Anyone who has purchased a ticket for the Sunday to Monday period and wishes to delay their trip because of weather damage can travel later. The ticket's validity will be suspended for these tickets, the company declares. The extent to which the traffic will be affected is still unclear, according to a spokesperson. Several long-distance routes in the south are impacted. Trains have been canceled, for instance, on the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. The railway advises against traveling in areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg affected by flooding.

3:58 pm: Approximately 3,000 people in Bavaria affected by evacuations

In Bavaria, approximately 3,000 people have been impacted by evacuations caused by flooding. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. To handle the numerous flooding deployments, around 20,000 forces are currently active, and 40,000 personnel have been involved since the situation began.

3:35 pm: Weather expert: "This is a straightforward sign of where things are going"

It is unlikely that the flood situation in the south will improve, according to meteorologist Bernd Fuchs. "Every drop makes a difference," highlights the ntv weather expert. Regarding a connection with the climate crisis, Fuchs calls the present situation a "clear sign of where this journey is heading."

In the Upper Bavarian region of Freising, a worker for an energy company sustains a serious electric shock while on the job during the floods. Reports from the police headquarters in Upper Bavaria North show that the victim, aged 27, was aided by rescuers and air-lifted to the hospital via helicopter. The incident is believed to be related to the flood cleaning process.

15:02: Disruption of shipping on the Upper Rhine

Strong rainfall in South Germany has caused water levels to rise along the Rhine river, leading to a partial stoppage of shipping. The High Water Forecasting Center in Rhineland-Palatinate states that a section of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe has been closed to vessel traffic since Saturday. The water level in Maximiliansau reached 7.50 meters, surpassing the critical shipping mark II. On Sunday, it increased to 8.20 meters but was projected to recede slightly on Monday evening. However, rises in water levels are expected downstream as well, in cities such as Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. For the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels pose a potential threat to transportation on this significant waterway. Koblenz is currently recording a level of roughly 6.10 meters, and maritime navigation cannot commence when it reaches 6.50 meters. On Tuesday, the highest levels are estimated to be in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

This is what Meckenbeuren currently looks like from above.

14:38: Closure of the Autobahn A9 due to dam collapse

The Autobahn A9 is shut down over a 50-kilometer stretch in Pfaffenhofen owing to a dam breach. The road stretch connecting Allershausen and Ingolstadt is suffering from flooding, as per the police spokesperson from Upper Bavaria North. Locals in Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are being asked to relocate to higher floors within their homes or apartments. A major concern for authorities is the prospect of more power outages. The district administration has recommended that people living on the ground floor leave their homes to minimize potential damage.

Update: 15:23 - According to the Autobahn GmbH, the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Furthermore, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn is heavily restricted. It is recommended to bypass the region completely.

13:59: Economy Minister Habeck advocates for climate protection after flood event

Minister of Economics Robert Habeck reflects on the flood disaster in the southern region of Germany, calling for enhanced efforts toward climate protection. During his visit to flood-affected Reichertshofen, Bavaria, Habeck insists that curbing carbon emissions is of utmost importance to give society enough time to adapt to climate change. He points out that the frequency of natural catastrophes has become more frequent, stating that a "hundred-year" flood now occurs "every few years".

13:34: Chancellor Scholz will make a trip to the flood-stricken area on Monday

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has scheduled a visit to the flooded region of southern Germany on Monday to evaluate the extent of the situation.

13:21: Missing Firefighter during evacuation in Offingen

A 22-year-old firefighter has gone missing while engaged in evacuation efforts in Offingen, district of Günzburg. The Swabia South Police Headquarters has confirmed the loss of contact with the young man. The firefighter embarked on an operation at around 2:50 am in the company of a fellow firefighter and three helpers from the German Lifesaving Society (DLRG) in a boat, with the intention of aiding those in need of evacuation. Four of the helpers were safeguarded, but the 22-year-old firefighter remains unaccounted for. Extensive search efforts are actively underway. A 42-year-old firefighter had previously lost his life in another flood intervention.

13:11: Continuous rainfall as a result of no relief

The new week has brought no respite to the flood-stricken areas of South Germany. AccuWeather meteorologist Bjoern Alexander highlights the continuous nature of the rainfall and notes the formation of new thunderstorm clouds.

12:52: Potential dam collapse on the Paar

The surrounding communities along the Paar river, including Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in Pfaffenhofen, face the threat of a dam break. Officials recommend that residents immediately move to higher floors and avoid the ground and cellars. Residents should also contact the fire department in case of urgent situations (112).

12:39: 40,000 emergency service workers deployed for flood response in Bavaria Occurrence

The Bavarian Prime Minister, Markus Soeder, reported that approximately 40,000 emergency responders are currently mobilized to address the flood-related issues across the entire state of Bavaria. During his visit to Oberbayern's Reichertshofen, Soeder underscored the importance of efficiently organizing relief efforts in the coming hours. He stressed that those who have been working for extended periods should be replaced, as remaining in the field without breaks increases the risk of errors and exhaustion, subsequently amplifying the threat to life and limb.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/hochwasser-schiffahrt-autobahn-101.html

Straubing has been forced to implement precautionary measures due to the ongoing rising water levels at the Donaupegel. By 3 p.m., dam guards will be set up, and fire department personnel will observe the dam and report any damage or water level changes. Additional sandbags are also being produced.

A dam break has occurred in the Pfaffenhofen district of Baar-Ebenhausen, affecting the affected communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are advised to immediately vacate the ground floor of their homes to ensure their safety.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended his gratitude and respect to those involved in rescue efforts and aid throughout the flood-stricken regions. Scholz expressed his condolences following the passing of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen during a recent rescue mission. The firefighter, an SPD politician, perished while attempting to rescue individuals in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.

The Catholic Day in Erfurt addressed the flooding predicament, with German Bishops' Conference chairman Georg Bätzing delivering a special message. Bätzing expressed hope for the safety of those affected by the recent storms at the closing mass of the event.

In the Bodenseekreis, areas such as Kehlen and Brochenzell in the municipality of Meckenbeuren are submerged by the overflowing Schussen. Over 1,300 inhabitants voluntarily evacuated their homes last Saturday to seek refuge. Concurrently, numerous residents remained in their homes and sought haven on the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen surpassed 4.86 meters on Saturday evening and has decreased since then; customary water levels there are approximately 45 centimeters.

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder commemorated the firefighter who perished during a flood rescue operation in a Facebook post. Söder recognized the firefighter's dedication and commitment to his fellow citizens, noting that his contributions would always be cherished. The 42-year-old member of the volunteer fire department met his demise when his rescue boat capsized in the neighboring towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.

The Ukrainian men's national football team was required to relocate its training session due to significant rainfall. The team's final training session at Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg was cancelled, and the team transitioned to Erlangen for their practice. This decision was made to preserve the lawn of the stadium. The Ukrainian team is slated to square off against the German national football team during the European Championship (EM) test match on Monday evening.

The fire department in Munich has been dispatched to more than 290 interventions since 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, primarily focusing on draining full basements and underground garages. Additionally, numerous fallen trees and closed roads have been documented. During Saturday evening, the flood warning level 2 at the Isar was exceeded.

In Anhausen, the current situation is gradually stabilizing after a dam ruptured nearby, leaving the area inundated briefly. People who had previously been evacuated have begun to return to the area, but water levels remain precariously high in other districts.

The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is deploying more personnel to assist in efforts to mitigate the flood situation in South Germany.

The Technical Help Organization (THW) is sending extra personnel to help with the flooding in southern Germany. So far, over 1800 people have been dispatched, says a spokesperson. They're stabilizing dams, filling sandbags, and aiding the evacuation of residents in the flooded regions. Simultaneously, the fire department and other emergency services are working their way through the crisis.

8:47 Landslide Halts Train & Car Traffic in Baden-Württemberg

The flooding in parts of Germany is causing consternation. Baden-Württemberg, in particular, is experiencing difficulties with large water masses. A century-old flood threatens the eastern part of the state. Rescue teams and volunteers are reaching their limits.

8:30 ICE Recovery from Landslide to Begin in Morning

The ICE train immobilized by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg will be recovered tomorrow morning. The regional train can't pass that stretch of track. There's a rescue locomotive on the second track that'll assist in recovery. However, it's unclear how long the blockade will last. In the interim, the regional train has managed to circumvent the ICE. On Saturday night, two ICE train wagons with 185 passengers derailed because of a landslide.

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

8:16 Person Missing in Schrobenhausen

In Schrobenhausen, someone is missing. They were in the basement of a house during the flood. The cellar and part of the main floor are now submerged. The rescue teams can't reach the house yet.

7:44 Firefighter Dies in Floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria

There was a fatality in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. A firefighter and three colleagues were on a rescue boat when it capsized. The firefighter's body was discovered in the morning, reports a district administration spokesperson.

7:29 Flooding Shifts Downstream: Several Areas at Level 4

Rising water levels are being measured at several spots in Bavaria, with a record of 4 being highest. The focus is on the southern tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the Danube. The peaks were reached last night. The floodwaters are progressing downstream, moving from Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Towns that may be affected include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The peak flood wave isn't anticipated to arrive in these places until early next week. Mühldorf in the Schrobenhausen district, along with Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district, are predicted to experience increasing water levels on Sunday.

6:54 Meteorological Service Forecasts More Rain in the South

The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is predicting more heavy rainstorms with excessive rain in many areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by Sunday. The DWD morning forecast warns that thunderstorms with heavy rain could occur from midday till Monday night. Roads and basements could end up flooding again. Lightning strikes may cause more damage.

5:39 Augsburg District Expands Evacuation Requests

In the flooded areas of the Bavarian district of Augsburg, the authorities are expanding their calls for evacuation. Residents of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are instructed to leave immediately, urges the Integrated Control Center in the early morning. Buses will be made available for those unable to depart the areas themselves. Other parts of the district had evacuation notices called for on Saturday night. Mostly impacted are the communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.

5:05 Wiesbaden Prepares for Rising Water Levels on the Rhine and Main

Wiesbaden is taking preventive measures against potential rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. In the Kostheim district, a flood protection wall has been built, says the fire department in the early morning. In the Rhine-facing district of Schierstein, a pump has also been installed. Drivers should avoid parking lots along the river in the upcoming days. Currently, no further actions are needed.

4:04 Train Traffic between Stuttgart and Munich Temporarily Suspended

Due to a landslide in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich has been halted. A railway spokesperson can't estimate how long the line will be shut down in the early morning. The landslide has obstructed the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart. Long-distance train service between Ulm and Augsburg had already been suspended due to the floods in southern Germany and had to be re-routed.

At 3:13 AM, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm filled an incredible 30,000 sandbags for the flooded and flood-prone regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in a covert operation. According to Bernd Urban, who runs the THW Logistics Center, 400 sandbags were being made per hour. These sandbags were demanded from several areas in the southwest and surrounding regions of the neighboring state. The non-stop rainfall has caused significant water level rises in both Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in multiple areas.

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

At 2:25 AM, the Bavarian Red Cross shipped water rescuers from Unterfranken to the Swabian aid operation. According to the announcement made by the Red Cross in the evening, these water rescuers would be deployed in the heavily affected Günzburg district. The water rescue teams from all across Unterfranken have undergone specialized training in flood rescues, and they also consist of two boat and diving squads. Günzburg has experienced flooding that equals a hundred-year flood, which is when a flood occurs or exceeds the statistical average of once per century.

At 1:27 AM, the Red Cross sent water rescuers to the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd in Baden-Württemberg. Two wagons of an ICE carrying around 185 passengers derailed late in the night due to a landslide. The passengers didn't suffer any injuries, and as of now, they are being evacuated from the train. Railway officials state that the first two wagons left the tracks around 11:20 PM, but they did not tip over. The landslide spanned around 30 meters. The passengers will be staying in a nearby kindergarten and will then be taken to Plöderhausen by bus.

Around 1:20 AM, a car was hit by a landslide in the Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The driver of the car reported no injuries. The landslide occurred near where the country road and railway run parallel. Schwäbisch Gmünd is roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, the area has experienced heavy rainfall.

At 00:59 AM, the city of Neu-Ulm passed its peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller, thereby avoiding the 100-year flood that had been feared. Despite the extremely high water levels, the city's mayor, Katrin Albsteiger, stated that the extent of the damage remains unknown until the situation becomes more stable. Two streets - the Donau promenades and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller - will remain closed for now.

In Munich at 11:44 PM, the fire department issued a warning about the Isar River's bank due to imminent flooding. The city administration had to close two popular walking paths along the river as well. The river has reached alert level 2 in the state capital, signifying that there's flooding on uninhabited areas or traffic disruptions caused by high water levels on the streets.

At 10:23 PM, the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen was preparing to evacuate 670 individuals. The fire department and rescue services were busy with this endeavor, employing excavators and boats. The communication office of the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration reported this information. Schrobenhausen had previously declared a disaster situation. District Administrator Peter von der Grün mentioned that the southern section of the Upper Bavarian district was in a particularly perilous situation.

At 9:03 PM, the fire department had reported numerous interventions in Eastern Thuringia due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. This was announced by the control center in Gera. The Greiz district area around Ronneburg was especially impacted. There were flooded streets, fields, and cellars, and a small stream had burst its banks.

10:45 Persistent rain in the south - no warning issued yet

At the flood-impacted or threatened regions in Southern Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) states a slight reduction in precipitation. "The intense rain will not be as rigorous tonight as it had been during the previous night," shares a DWD meteorologist. However, more showers and thunderstorms are expected to surge in from the north, which could instigate local flooding once again on Sunday afternoon. These storms could be rather intense and might take a significantly long time to disperse. "If they strike the already saturated terrain, then flooding will ensue once more," adds the meteorologist. Areas in the Swabian Alb, areas north of it, and regions surrounding Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are particularly at risk.

10:25 Disaster status in Freising

The Freising district declared a disaster status due to the deluge of overflowing rivers and streams. The district administration of the Upper Bavarian community announced it in the evening. The Amper and Glonn rivers are apprehended with record-breaking water levels, according to the authority. The possibility of broad-scale flooding is predicted to occur in the town of Hohenkammer and other places along the Amper. Citizens are advised to prepare for such an extreme scenario and, for instance, clear their cellars and basements. Ten Bavarian districts have now enacted disaster status.

19:50 Dillingen District pronounces disaster status

Due to the unrelenting rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has now declared a disaster status. The situation at the Zusam, a tributary that flows into the Danube, deteriorated in the evening, reported the authority. The regional crisis team has petitioned for assistance from the Bundeswehr. Analyzed by experts, a potentially once-in-a-century flood is expected on this minor river, which could affect the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While authorities prepare to liberate water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former meander of the river, the district administration urges farmers to move their livestock to secure stables.

19:09 The eighth district in Bavaria declares disaster status

The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has announced a disaster status, marking it as the eighth district in Bavaria. The underlying factor is the swelling Danube and its tributaries, as stated by the district administration of the Upper Bavarian community. It anticipates a level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The case at the Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, appears more pressing. In the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf, the Weilach overflowed and inundated a residential area. Emergency crews are readying to extract residents trapped in floodwater, as Landrat Peter von der Grün disclosed. The circumstance is particularly disconcerting in the southern portion of the district. Von der Grün underlined that controlling roads, bridges, and paths is a priority. "Only then can the fire department continue any rescue operations."

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

18:34 Dangerous predicament: Red Cross rescues individuals from rooftop with a helicopter

The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has extricated two individuals from the roof of their structure in Babenhausen with a helicopter. These two people were in a perilous circumstance, claims a BRK spokesperson. The house situated in the district of Unterallgäu was on the brink of collapse due to the enormous water masses. Other individuals were also evacuated from their homes using inflatable rafts. The rescue teams brought over 100 people to safety - including several children.

18:13 People requested to abandon their residences in numerous locations near Augsburg

Water rescuers rescued people from their vehicles as well, who could not release themselves from inside the vehicles due to the colossal water masses. In such a situation, it can rapidly become fatal, notes a BRK spokesman, given the forceful current and the rapidly growing water levels within the cars.

On behalf of the Landkreis Augsburg, individuals are urged to vacate their homes due to the severe flood situation. The condition will deteriorate during the evening particularly in the northern part of the district, disclosed a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Communities experiencing this emergency include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabia administration has set up a transient shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.

18:48 Bundeswehr aids the flooded regions in Bavaria

German soldiers act against the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is supporting the Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts after both districts filed an official petition," explains a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Bundeswehr Command to Antenne Bayern. "In and around Günzburg, blankets and field beds are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg region, approximately 50 Bundeswehr personnel are anticipated to arrive as 'helping hands' within the forthcoming hours. In addition, two Bundeswehr trucks are in service there."

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser vows more assistance for southern Germany's flood-stricken regions. She informs that the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is set to deploy additional personnel to contain the situation. So far, 520 THW personnel and helpers have been involved in combating the floods, rescuing people, fortifying dikes, and pumping water. She praises their efforts, acknowledging that they're working tirelessly to save lives. The minister asks the affected locals in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to be vigilant and follow the authorities' warnings and instructions. Faeser urges, "Please take these warnings seriously."

At Zugspitze, 29 climbers adrift in severe weather have been rescued. The mountain rescue service transported them safely to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin. Distress calls were made from several groups who couldn't progress further due to the weather and fresh snow at about 2,500 meters. The climbers were near the Sonnalpin, just 900 meters before their destination. The mountain rescue service spearheaded the rescue efforts, while Zugspitzbahn workers joined them in rescuing the stranded climbers with snow groomers.

The German Weather Service (DWD) issues storm warnings for select areas in Brandenburg, including Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree. These regions are under alarm due to the risk of lightning strikes, downed trees or power lines, falling objects, fast-rising waters on roads, landslides, or hail.

The A3 motorway in Bavaria near Regensburg is partially closed due to flooding. The motorway stretches for approximately 10 km between the exits of Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The police prescribe detours due to floods pressing from the fields onto the motorway. A spokesman reports the involvement of the traffic police, fire department, and police to counter the situation.

The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the flooding threat. Up to 150 inmates will be moved to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The nearby Memminger Ach has turned into a raging river, posing a danger to the prison. The prison yard's sections are already submerged, which may cause a power outage, prompting the evacuation. Emergency vehicles have arrived to execute the evacuation, which had to be carried out over flooded roads. The fire department also appears with pumps to remove water from the institute.

The heavy rain triggers water levels to surge to level 4 in some regions of Swabia. The rivers in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate swell and a 100-year flood alert is issued. Water level gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Paar) all record a rising trend.

The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller), however, is anticipated to peak at Meldestufe 3 until Saturday to Sunday, and the lower Iller's water levels are already declining. The upper tributaries of the Danube like Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab have some gauges with Meldestufen 1 and 2 escalating trends. In the Danube section from Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are projected to reach a Meldestufe 3. The Pegel Kelheim will likely follow on Sunday night. The following Danube segment up to Passau is predicted to experience Meldestufen 1 and 2 rises. The flood warning service (HND) reports these conditions.

The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to peak at a Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, while the water levels in the lower Iller are starting to subside. Meanwhile, gauges in the upper tributaries of the Danube like Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab show signs of overflows at Meldestufen 1 and 2 with a growing trend. In Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, the water levels are anticipated to reach a Meldestufe 3 during the day, as there are related warnings in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim will potentially experience this on Sunday night. The subsequent Danube section to Passau is predicted to witness rises in Meldestufen 1 and 2. The flood warning service (HND) confirms these conditions.

17:23 Regular operations at Munich airport

In spite of the heavy rainfall in various regions of Bavaria, usual functioning of flight operations at Munich airport continues. So far, no flights had to be cancelled. A few reasons behind this are: the airport is constructed at a slight height, it has sunken runways that allow water to flow off, and the runways have grooves for easing water drainage. Consequently, there's no concern of aquaplaning. Munich airport is not expecting any significant challenges for the remainder of the weekend.

17:07 Söder: "Matters are getting worse now"

Minister President Markus Söder takes note of the situation in Swabia, a region where the impact of the storm is severe. He appreciates the efforts of the helpers and officials during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Söder acknowledges the gravity of the situation, stating that residents are experiencing an "immense strain". He adds, "This isn't over yet. Matters are getting worse now". Resources like sandbags are being directed to Swabia. He requested the aid of emergency responders such as the fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. He urged citizens to adhere to guidelines: they should follow evacuation instructions and not exit the cellar or try driving their vehicles out of the garage.

16:35 No trains running

Storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also affecting train operations. Deutsche Bahn shared that many disruptions and cancellation of trains have occurred in South Germany. ICE trains connecting Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich aren't in service due to the hazards. ICE trains between Ulm and Augsburg are also impacted. Users can find up-to-date information about delays and cancellations on the official Bahn site.

16:12 Disaster situation in Unterallgäu - Shout out for white cloth

The disaster situation also applies to Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, a segment of the mobile phone network collapsed. People needing assistance but unable to call should exhibit a white sheet or cloth (or make themselves visible at the window) to signal their requirement for help. Rescue crews are extracting residents from inundated houses with inflatable boats.

15:57 400 THW personnel engaged in action in Southern Germany

In the wake of the storms disrupting South Germany, approximately 400 employees of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are working. The THW in Bonn reports this. Their tasks include draining water, ensuring dam safety, and evacuating people proactively. "The persistent and sometimes heavy rainfall has encouraged the THW to prepare for more THW members to be deployed," the announcement reads. In the affected areas, portable flood meters are being installed and monitored. "With the looming forecast for more rain and impending floods over the next few hours, the THW is ready to mobilize further THW members." Several relief groups are on standby, with each one comprising about 40 THW members, three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can pump away up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.

15:37 Map of all current flood warnings updated regularly

This map displays current flood warnings. It's frequently updated.

15:15 Report: 26-member mountain climbing team stranded below Zugspitze peak

A group of 26 mountain climbers is reported to be stuck several thousand meters below the peak of the Zugspitze. 60 cm of fresh snow and continuous rainfall at the base of the mountain are stated to have occurred. Temperatures are sub-zero and visibility is around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams are being dispatched to search for climbers amidst the storm, as relayed by BR. The members are exhausted and likely without proper climbing equipment. It's unclear why they opted to scale the Zugspitze amid severe weather conditions.

14:55 Donau-Ries District announces disaster state

Babenhausen residents are rescued with rubber dinghies.

The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria enforces a disaster state. This measure is aimed at "gathering all resources toward prepping for the expected water levels as promptly as possible," explains District Administrator Stefan Roßle. He underscores the significance of remaining calm and avoiding waterlogged areas to minimize risks.

A breach has occurred in a dam and levee in the Swabian region of Augsburg, causing concern among locals. The district administration has issued an alarm, urging people living in specific streets in Diedorf to vacate their homes promptly. In Anhausen, Diedorf, the need for evacuation has escalated, and residents are instructed not to simply relocate to higher floors. A dam has failed in Burgwalden, and a levee has given way at the Anhauser Weiher. All those living in the affected areas are advised to vacate their homes now and seek refuge at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also caution against proximity to railroad underpasses, as the surging floodwaters may flow there pose potential danger. This is an emergency.

Politicians Soeder and Herrmann travel to flood region

On Saturday, Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder and State Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are visiting the flood-stricken area in the Swabian district of Augsburg. The two CSU politicians seek to assess the magnitude of the crisis personally. District Administrator Martin Sailer will join them. Earlier, the politicians had intended to visit the flooded Fischach. However, plans were altered due to the urgency of the situation in Diedorf, where evacuation preparations are ongoing. The floods in Swabia are particularly severe, prompting the declaration of a disaster situation in both Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg, after the previous one in Günzburg.

The situation remains tense in Meckenbeuren. The Schussen river level in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, is showing continuous rise. At 12:00 pm, the river measurements were reported at 4.72 meters. It is anticipates that the peak will be achieved imminently. During the last flood in 2021, the water reached a height of 4.50 meters. Under regular circumstances, the river only conveys 45 centimeters of water. Local authorities recommended, precautionarily, that around 1,300 people vacate their homes on Friday evening. Many residents opted to stay with friends or family members. Few people utilized the emergency shelter. To guard against potential damage from flooding, institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and halls in the region with 14,000 dwellers were preemptively emptied. Bridges were also closed.