Tempest Threatens Regions - Persistent rainfall in the southwest region submerges certain areas of the community.
Following torrential downpours, rescuers in Baden-Württemberg persist in combating the excessive water. In flood-stricken regions, people had to abandon their houses, and major roads were shuttered due to mudslides. Countless emergency workers have been engaged since Friday. Tens of thousands of sandbags were filled.
Sections of the town of Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis remain flooded, despite all endeavors. The Schussen stream has burst into the neighborhoods of Kehlen and Brochenzell, submerging the streets, according to an official statement on Sunday. No major injuries were initially reported.
Over 1,300 individuals were urged to vacate their homes on Saturday. This was a voluntary relocation. Some residents chose to remain inside their dwellings and sought refuge on upper floors, it was revealed.
The depth of the Schussen had reached 4.86 meters on Saturday night. This marked the greatest volume of water the river had ever carried. Since then, the water levels have been declining. Ordinarily, the Schussen is barely half a meter deep in that location.
The neighboring and similarly threatened city of Weingarten near Ravensburg enjoys some respite. The scenario is stable though road closures and disruptions remain possible. The town's hotline and emergency shelter will be closed.
Train derailment due to landslide
On Saturday evening, two railway cars of an ICE with 185 passengers aboard derailed near Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide. Fortunately, the passengers sustained no injury and were delivered from the train between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Schwäbisch Gmünd lies roughly 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. The train was to be retrieved on Sunday morning, as a railway spokesperson mentioned.
Boil water mandates in three locations
As a result of rainwater intrusion into the drinking water supply, boil water directives have been in force since Saturday evening in two locations in the Rems-Murr-Kreis and in one location in the Ostalbkreis. Specifically, these areas encompass communities in Altdorf, Kaisersbach, and Gschwend, informed the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. Contamination is identified. Approximately 100 households could be affected, stated a spokesman for the responsible water authority.
Heightened support for rescue teams
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has substantially augmented the number of its emergency responders in the flooded areas of Southern Germany. Now, over 1,800 individuals are serving, a representative shared on Sunday morning. The volunteers are securing dams, aiding in sandbag distribution, and aiding in the evacuation of residents in flood-affected areas. In addition to the THW, the fire department, and other emergency services are involved. The endangered area also encompasses Bavaria.
More rain and thunderstorms on Sunday
The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts another surge of rain and thunderstorms on Sunday in the region. Heavy rainfall could impact certain zones. Through early Monday morning, it predicts torrential storms - particularly in the north and central regions. The DWD also anticipates rainfall until Monday morning in the south. Afterwards, conditions are believed to become drier - potentially with some sunshine.
