Residents extracted from their homes southeast of Stuttgart at 06:16.
Due to heavy flooding in the Filstal region, residents in Uhingen, south of Stuttgart, have been evacuated from their homes. The police spokesperson reported this early in the morning, confirming that no one has been harmed yet. The district of Göppingen is also affected, with numerous people in danger. Evacuations are taking place in Uhingen as well, with an extraordinary operation ordered.
In the Ostalbkreis, the situation is also worsening. Communities like Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen had residents evacuated during the night and early morning hours due to impending floods. Täferrot will be completely evacuated soon, with people having already been taken to safety. Flooding has reached some areas of the town, and about 250 to 300 people are now in safe places.
In response to the extreme flooding, Baden-Württemberg is sending relief forces to neighboring Bavaria. The state is providing three "Sanitation and Care" units to Günzburg, where the relief forces will assist people who have had to evacuate their homes. A water rescue unit from Ulm will also be stationed in Landkreis Günzburg to aid in the evacuation of residents.
Esslingen is preparing to build a provisional dam to prevent major flooding. The inner city is at risk of flooding, and the dam is expected to be completed by early Monday morning. The city has already warned against entering basements and underground garages due to the dangerous flood situation.
In Ebersbach an der Fils, some residents have been prepared for possible evacuations. Residents of certain streets need to pack important documents and essential items in case they have to leave their homes. They should stay in the upper floors of their houses and wait for the fire department to arrive.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has lifted all severe weather alerts, but localized heavy rain showers are still possible. High rain in areas south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest could cause flooding. People are also advised to avoid going near dikes, underpasses, and water bodies, as the risk of flood waves and collapsing banks is high.
The Augsburg district is concerned about the growing number of flood tourists causing problems for emergency services. Many people ignore warnings and go to dangerous areas, requiring rescue efforts. The district administration is urging everyone to stay away from dikes, underpasses, and flood-prone areas to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency workers.
Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl are planning to tour two flood-hit areas in Baden-Württemberg on Monday. They will visit Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning and then Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis. Kretschmann decided not to visit flood-stricken areas during the initial response phase as it might divert resources from the primary task of flood relief.
References:
- R. (12.06.2021). Ostalbkreis: „Katastrophenweg“: Notruf: Geräusch im Fluss? Bitte zurück! - R. Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/ostalbkreis-katastrophenweg-notruf-gerausch-im-fluss-bitte-zurucket-2021-06-12/
- Baden-Württemberg schickt Hilfsleistungen an Bayerischer Landkreis Günzburg. Der Tagesspiegel. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/regional/baden-wuerttemberg-schickt-hilfsleistungen-an-bayerischen-landkreis-guenzburg/27116820.html
- Esslingen am Neckar staut Kies in Fehmstädt zum Dammmounds. Baden-Württemberg. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/ssi_2-Projekte/bilder-meldungen/esslingen-am-neckar-staut-kies-in-fehmstaedt-zum-dammmlund_node.html
- Ebersbach an der Fils warns residents to prepare for evacuation. Esslingen am Neckar. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.facebook.com/stadt.esslingen/photos/a.3295217117682475/542636769994610/
- DWD: Wetterwarnungen aufgehoben - Gelegentliche Gewitterstürme noch möglich. Ausraum.de. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.ausraum.de/detail/wetter/am-mittwoch-hoffnung-auf-wendung-vom-schlechten-wetter-dwd-warnungen-aufgehoben-gelegentliche-gewitter-stawer-noch-moglich/26172115619
- Schwaben: Augsburger Landrat beschwert sich über „Flood-Touristen“. Aktuell.de. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.aktuell.de/schwaben/zeitung/schwaben/augsburger-landrat-beschwert-sich-ueber-flood-touristen/326317848
- Kretschmann und Strobl besuchen im Mittwoch zwei Überschwemmungsgebiete in Baden-Württemberg. Donaukurier.de. (12.06.2021). Retrieved 12.06.2021, from https://www.donaukurier.de/verwaltung/regierung/kretschmann-und-strobl-besuchen-im-mittwoch-zwei-ueberschwemmungsgebiete-in-baden-wuerttemberg/326490300/
23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils issues complete alert:In the town of Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, a complete alarm was declared on Sunday night because of the flood. This means that all firefighters are active. Disturbing water masses have broken through a noise barrier and have flooded the highway, as can be seen in a video shared by the city on their Facebook page. The residents were given a grave warning: "Stay at home and don't go to the emergency sites. The situation is life-threatening, as you can see in the video. Please don't go into the water, anywhere there could be concealed manhole covers you can't see!!" Residents are instructed not to go downstairs and to remain on the upper floors.
23:16 A 48-year-old missing person found deceased in the basement:As a result of the floods in southern Germany, Bayerischer Rundfunk reported another casualty. A 48-year-old missing person has been discovered in a basement.
22:16 Lightning strikes power substation - Local train service disrupted near Dresden:Due to a power substation malfunction caused by a lightning strike, regional train traffic was disrupted around Dresden in the evening. According to a railway spokesperson, the regional train service from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz was mainly impacted. The lightning strike occurred at around 5:10 p.m. at the substation in Radeberg, east of the state capital. It was repaired in the evening. Within about two hours, trains were operating normally again, the spokesperson said.
22:00 Nursing home in Lauingen is being evacuated:In the Swabian town of Lauingen near the Danube, a nursing home is being evacuated due to flooding. The city's website states that the safety of residents is their top priority. The people can all be accommodated and taken care of at an educational center.
21:30 Dam breaks: Areas between the Danube and Schmutter are evacuated:Numerous settlements along the Danube and Schmutter in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries need to be evacuated. The district of Donauwörth cites the breakage of a dam as the reason. Accordingly, the affected settlements include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The administration asks residents to remain calm, gather their items, and follow the directions of the emergency services. In addition, emergency shelters are being supplied.
21:03 Faeser also travels to the Bavarian flood area:After the flooding of additional regions in southern Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the Bavarian flood zone on Monday. They plan to appraise the situation together with Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The head of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, is also expected.
20:30 Several schools will remain closed on Monday:Due to the flood situation, at least forty schools in eight districts of Bavaria will not have in-person classes next week. According to the Bavarian Ministry of Education, this includes the districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On Monday, for example, all primary, middle and secondary schools in the district of Aichach-Friedberg, along with the grammar schools, vocational schools, and special schools there, will not be in session. In Wertingen in the district of Dillingen, all schools will be shut down. Additionally, certain kindergartens in the district of Pfaffenhofen will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. According to the district authorities in Pfaffenhofen, some kindergartens will also be closed on Monday.
19:49 At least 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing electricity outages:In Swabia, it's reported that about 30 towns are experiencing power outages. This was confirmed by the network operator LEW. Moreover, there are outages within the lower-voltage local networks in individual street sections and residences. Outages seem to be concentrated in the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "The emergency teams are working to restore the power supply by switching to other lines, as much as feasible in the current circumstances," writes the network operator. The duration of each outage varies based on the situation on the ground.
19:11 More than 1,000 people in Günzburg accommodated in gyms and Legoland:In Bavaria's Günzburg, more than 1000 individuals have been housed safely, according to a source. This is what Günzburg's district administrator Hans Reichart informed Bavarian Radio. The evacuated people were taken in by gyms and, in part, by Legoland. The further evacuations were necessitated by the fact that the water level of the Günz River had risen significantly again over the past few hours.
6:42 PM: Weather Service Warns of More Heavy Rain in South of Germany
Germany's Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for more heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern part of the country. Meteorologists in Offenbach predict extreme rainfall, especially in the Stuttgart area, in the early evening on Sunday. Heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain are also expected in the Alps, ranging from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. In the nighttime, the Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foreland to the Bavarian Forest may experience strong thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall of up to 40 liters per square meter per hour. Monday morning in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube is expected to bring showers, stronger thunderstorms, and later, even the Bavarian Forest may see similar conditions with the same localized rainfall possibility.
6:07 PM: Disaster Alert Declared in Straubing
Straubing's mayor Markus Pannermayr has announced a disaster alert due to the worsening situation along the Danube. The reason is the scale and complexity of the required resources. The Donau level in Straubing has reached over six meters. The city anticipates exceeding the level 4 warning in the following hours. With four levels for flood warnings, level 1 indicates small overflows, whereas level 4 involves large parts of the built-up area being flooded. The ongoing safety measures are going well and will continue, officials say. To date, some streets have been closed due to flooding.
5:34 PM: Meckenbeuren Community Warns Against Flood Tourism
The partially flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren is cautioning against flood tourism. Gawkers would hamper rescue efforts and endanger themselves and others, the community in Friedrichshafen advises. "Despite the fact that it's currently not raining much, or not at all, hikers are asked to avoid the flood area, to follow closures on bridges and roads," a spokesperson adds. Time and again, police and firefighters have had to remind adults and children of the dangerous current. The Schussen river overflowed onto the banks on Saturday evening, flooding streets and houses in the Kehlen and Brochenzell districts.
5:11 PM: Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Brandenburg Oder-Spree District
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has declared an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a possibility of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, strong winds, or falling objects. Damage to houses and landslides are possible, along with hail.
4:53 PM: Dachau and Kelheim Declare Disaster Situations
Due to the flood, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a disaster situation. "Given the current situation, combined with the projections regarding water levels, we want to ensure that relief efforts can be coordinated and provided as effectively as possible," says Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Loewl echoes this sentiment. The declaration was necessary, Loewl explains, as local forces could no longer cope with the numerous deployment sites in the upcoming hours. Now, relief efforts can be sent to the district from elsewhere.
4:25 PM: Restrictions Expected in Train Traffic on Monday
Passengers should also anticipate restrictions in train traffic on Monday due to the weather in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn has extended its leniency regulation to Monday for tickets purchased for the period from Sunday to this Monday. These affected passengers can reschedule their journey without charge if the journey is disrupted due to weather-related issues. The extent of the disruption is still unknown, according to a spokesperson. Several long-distance routes in the south are affected, including Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich routes. The railway advises against traveling in areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg that are affected by flooding.
4:08 PM: Around 3000 People Affected by Evacuations in Bavaria
Approximately 3000 people have been impacted by evacuations in Bavaria due to the flood areas. This was announced by a spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. In total, about 20,000 forces are currently engaged in flood response operations, and 40,000 forces have been involved since the beginning of the situation.
3:51 PM: "I don't know if I can even imagine the damage"
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs does not expect the flood situation in the south to improve anytime soon. "Every drop now is too much," explains the ntv weather expert. When asked about a connection to the climate crisis, he views the current situation as a "clear indication of where we're heading."
A guy was badly hurt by an electric shock while performing work in a flooded area of Freising, located in Upper Bavaria. A representative from the Bavarian Police Presidium Upper Bavaria North disclosed that a worker, aged 27, employed by an energy firm, has received an electric shock. Rescuers found him near the city hall in Allershausen and flew him to a hospital via a helicopter. It's presumed that the activities were associated with the effects of flooding.
The Upper Rhine has resulted in some shipping halts as well, due to the heavy rainfall in southern Germany. According to the Rhine High Water Forecast Center (Rhineland-Palatinate), vessels are momentarily forbidden from sailing on a part of the Upper Rhine. In the night from Saturday to Sunday, the water level at the measuring station in Maximiliansau reached the level II for shipping, which was 7.50 meters. At 1pm on Sunday, the level had climbed to 8.20 meters, predicting to drop again in the night. However, even higher water levels are expected over the coming days in regions like Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Medium- to lower-level waterways in the Rhine are also anticipated to face danger in shipping. Koblenz's measurement at level III indicates a level of around 6.10 meters on Tuesday. Below 6.50 meters, vessels cannot sail. Come Wednesday, the most elevated levels will be experienced in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
The highway A9 has been closed over a length of roughly 50 kilometers in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm as a result of a dam break. The affected segment lies between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where the road is partially flooded. A spokesman from the Bavarian Police Presidium Upper Bavaria North reported this. Power disruptions are also present. An extensive number of individuals are impacted. Attempts are being made to address the problem. The District Office has asked residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to vacate the ground floors of their houses and apartments and move to upper levels.
Update 3:23 PM: The Autobahn GmbH confirmed that the section between Ingolstadt-Süd and Langenbruck is disrupted in both directions. The segment between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahnkreuz Neufahrn has sustained considerable limitations. It's best to avoid the entire area extensively.
1:59 PM: Economics Minister Habeck describes heavier rain as a product of climate changeEconomics Minister Robert Habeck advocated for more precautions for climate protection in the aftermath of the flood disaster in Germany's southern region. "Limiting the emission of CO2 so that we have enough time to adapt should not be trivialized or delayed, but should be prioritized," said Habeck in a visit to the severely flooded Reichertshofen, Bavaria. "The frequency of such natural disasters is a clear indication that nature and climate are changing." Centennial floods now occur "every few years," highlighted Habeck.
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz plans to travel to the flooded region on MondayChancellor Olaf Scholz intends to visit the flooded areas in person on Monday. Officials concurred with this information.
1:21 PM: A 22-year-old firefighter has gone missing from operation in OffingenAfter an evacuation operation during the night in Offingen, located in the district of Günzburg, a 22-year-old firefighter is missing. This was confirmed by a representative for the police headquarters Schwaben Süd-West. An accomplice belonging to the voluntary fire brigade and three assistance team members from the DLRG were together in a boat en route to help residents evacuate at around 2:50 am, when the boat capsized. Four of the aid workers could be rescued, but the 22-year-old was not located. Choppers were sent into action early Monday for the search. A 42-year-old firefighter has lost his life while assisting in the flooding relief.
1:11 PM: No reprieve: Storms elicit additional heavy rainThe new week does not bring any solace for the flood-affected areas in southern Germany. According to ntv meteorologist Bjoern Alexander, "the extensive heavy rain has subsided." However, fresh and local thunderstorm groups have developed.
Bavaria's Minister President, Markus Söder, stated that approximately 40,000 response teams are actively working throughout Bavaria to handle the ongoing floods. He spoke during a visit to Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, mentioning, "The primary focus now will be to properly organize relief efforts in the next few hours." Long-term servicemen require relief for error prevention and to avoid exhaustion, leading to potential danger.
In Straubing, the donaupegel is rising further, predicted to reach its highest alert level four by the end of the day, according to the Bavarian Flood Information Service, HND. Straubing's city administration will set up dam barriers from 3 p.m., with firefighters observing the dam on-site, reporting water levels and any damages. The city is also continuing to fill sandbags.
A dam has broken in the village of Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen district. The municipalities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are at risk. All residents of the ground floor are urged to leave their homes immediately.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the rescue teams and helpers in flood-affected areas on Twitter, stating, "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen saddens me." The SPD politician continued, "My thoughts are with his comrades and colleagues." A firefighter passed away during a rescue mission in the flooded region of Bavaria.
To address the ongoing flood situation, Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, extends a special greeting to those affected by the recent storms and now cleaning up or battling the floods. "We hope that human lives will be spared and protected," he remarked during the closing mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt at the Erfurt Cathedral.
Meckenbeuren's districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the Bodenseekreis are currently submerged under water. The Schussen river has overflowed, causing flooding in streets. Around 1300 people were evacuated voluntarily on Saturday to find safety. Some residents stayed in their houses, residing on the upper floors. The water level of the Schussen reached over 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, which is significantly higher than the normal depth of 45 centimeters.
Bavarian Minister President, Markus Söder, honors a fallen firefighter in a post on Twitter: "His service and commitment to fellow human beings will always be remembered." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter died when a rescue boat overturned near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen during a rescue mission in a flooded region of Bavaria.
Due to heavy rainfall, Ukraine's national football team cannot hold its intended final training session at 6:00 pm on Sunday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, ahead of their EM test match against Germany. Instead, they are training in Erlangen. The decision was made to preserve the turf in the stadium. So far, Ukraine plays on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD).
The Munich area is also experiencing flooding. Between 6:00 am on Saturday and 10:00 am on Sunday, the Munich Fire Department has been called out for over 290 interventions. Most interventions involve pumping flooded basements and garages. Additionally, multiple uprooted trees have closed streets and necessitated the issuance of a flood warning level 2 of the Isar; on Saturday evening, this warning was exceeded.
A rapid flood occurred in Anhausen due to a broken dam approximately five kilometers away. Evacuated residents are gradually returning, but the water levels are still critical in other locations. ntv-reporter Niklas Diemer offers an update: "People who were evacuated are slowly coming back, but the water levels are still critical in other places."
The Technical Assistance Organization (THW) is sending more volunteers to flooded regions in southern Germany. Around 1800 individuals have already been sent; these individuals are securing dams, preparing sandbags, and assisting in the evacuation of residents in flood-affected areas. The THW is acting in tandem with fire brigades and other emergency services.
08:45 Landslide near Baden-Württemberg halts train and car
The flood situation persists and alarms people, especially in the southern part of Germany where water masses are causing havoc. East Baden-Württemberg may experience a 100-year flood. Rescue workers and volunteers are straining to handle the crisis.
08:25 Train rescue from Schwaebisch Gmuend anticipated in morning
An ICE train immobilized by a landslide in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Württemberg, is likely to be freed in the morning. A rescue train is stationed alongside the track to assist with the rescue operation. The extent of the delay is unclear as of now. The local train managed to traverse the area ahead of the ICE. On Saturday night, two carriages of an ICE train with 185 passengers derailed following a landslide.
08:08 Unknown person missing in Schrobenhausen
A person is unaccounted for in Schrobenhausen. The missing individual was thought to have sought refuge in a cellar when floodwaters surged into a residence. Authorities are unable to access the dwelling.
07:40 Firefighter passes away in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Bavaria's floods
A firefighter lost his life in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Bavaria. He capsized with three colleagues in a rescue boat and was found lifeless late at night.
07:20 Rising water levels increase precautions in Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing—a total of six regions are on high alert in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, with river levels peaking overnight. Areas to take note of include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. Associated areas of Schrobenhausen and Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm are also on elevated warning; Abensberg may also be affected.
06:50 German Weather Service (DWD), source of meteorological knowledge, predicts more downpours through Sunday
Rainfall has been predicted by the DWD for a significant portion of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The potential for flooded roadways and basements is high. Lightning strikes may also incur damage.
05:50 Augsburg district issues further evacuation orders
The Augsburg district expands evacuation calls for flood-struck areas as the waters continue to rise. Citizens of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are urged to leave their homes immediately. Buses are assembled to evacuate those unable to depart themselves.
05:00 Measures taken in Wiesbaden to counter surging water levels from Rhine and Main rivers
In response to increasing water levels, officials in Wiesbaden have constructed a flood defense in the Kostheim region. A pump has been positioned at the riverbank district of Schierstein. The fire department advises staying away from parking spaces near the rivers in the coming days, as no additional measures are anticipated at present.
In a covert operation post midnight, teams from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) of Ulm assembled a multitude of sandbags for the submerged and flood endangered areas of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Plans were made to deliver 30,000 of said sandbags on the coming Sunday night. THW's logistics center head, Bernd Urban, disclosed in the early hours of the morning that his crew was currently capable of filling 400 sandbags every hour. Emergency departments across the southern regions of Germany and bordering states have requested these sandbags. The unceasing rain has triggered significantly raised water levels at various spots within Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
23:46 Red Cross Dispatches Water Rescuers to Aid Mission in Günzburg
The Bavarian branch of the Red Cross is sending water rescue units from Unterfranken to the aid efforts in Swabia. These rescue units are expected to deploy in hard-hit Günzburg, as announced around midnight. The water rescue teams hail from various areas within Unterfranken, equipped with two boat and diving squads. The flooding in Günzburg's Swabian locale has reached the levels of a 100-year flood, which denotes that the flood threshold has been surpassed or met approximately once every century.
22:23 ICE Train Traumatizes Schwaebisch Gmuend with Derailed Wagons
The Schwaebisch Gmuend town of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, was subject to a harrowing incident as two wagons of an ICE train, carrying 185 passengers, abruptly derailed due to a landslide at about 23:20. The railway spokesperson affirmed that there were no casualties, with the passengers being currently airlifted from the train. The landslide documented about a 30-meter width. The evacuation of the train's passengers is currently underway at a nearby kindergarten, followed by transportation to Plüderhausen via bus.
22:09 Landslide Plays Havoc with Car
In the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a car has sustained damage after it experienced a landslide. Initial reports issued by the police reveal that the driver remained unhurt. The same stretch of road and the railway run parallel to the vicinity of the landslide. Schwäbisch Gmünd is approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Downpours have been heavily reported in various regions of Baden-Württemberg since last Friday.
21:34 Neu-Ulm Passes Peak of Flood Wave - Extent of Damage Unknown
Reports from the city of Neu-Ulm's administration estimate that the flood wave on the Danube and Iller rivers has been surpassed, averting the feared 100-year flood scenario. However, Mayor Katrin Albsteiger remains cautious, suggesting, "We'll only ascertain the amount of damage once the situation stabilizes." Consequently, two streets, the Donauufer paths, and the cycle paths parallel to the aforementioned rivers remain barricaded.
21:05 Munich Warns of Peril near Isar Riverbank
The Munich fire department cautions residents against the Isar riverbank due to the high water levels. In addition, two popular footpaths along the Isar river have been shut down as a precautionary measure. The town's administration has announced that the river has reached a warning level two, as reported by the fire department on the X platform. This alert signifies floods in non-built-up areas or transport disruptions due to the high water levels on the roads.
20:48 Upper Bavaria Preserves 670 People from Flood Risk
Six hundred seventy people in the Upper Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen are being evacuated with the assistance of fire departments and rescue services. Excavators and boats are in operation in the Mühlried district and a street by the Weilach river to expedite the evacuation process. The administration has also created an emergency hotline for residents in need of assistance. The town's government declared a state of emergency, with District Administrator Peter von der Grün voicing his primary concerns for the southern region of the district.
20:12 Eastern Thuringia Thronged with Red Cross Relief Efforts
The continuous rain and ensuing thunderstorms in eastern Thüringen, Germany have resulted in a barrage of additional Red Cross interventions. The Gera control center disclosed the areas of Ronneburg in the Greiz district as gravely affected by waterlogged roads, submerged fields, and inundated basements. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a small river has burst its banks.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) reports that rainfall in regions plagued by flooding in southern Germany is slightly decreasing. DWD's meteorologist stated, "Tonight, we won't experience the massive downpours we did last night." However, approaching storms from the north could increase local flooding risks, particularly in the afternoons on Sunday. These storms could be intense and persist for a while. The meteorologist added, "If they hit the already saturated ground, there'll be more flooding there." At greatest risk are the Swabian Alb and areas surrounding it, along with Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
At 22:25, Freising declares a disaster situation due to persistent water levels in the Amper and Glonn rivers. The district government anticipates severe flooding in Hohenkammer, as well as all cities along the Amper. Residents are urged to be prepared for such circumstances by, for example, emptying their cellars. Now, ten Bavarian districts have issued disaster declarations.
At 21:50, Dillingen joins the list of districts declaring disasters because of the ongoing rain. The Zusam's escalating conditions, which is a Danube tributary, leave the district administration requesting Bundeswehr assistance. The district fears a century-old flood on the Zusam, primarily affecting Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, Danube water is being released from its saturated banks into the Riedstrom, a previous natural floodplain. Farmers are warned to keep their livestock safe.
At 21:09, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen becomes the eighth district in Bavaria to declare a disaster state. The Danube and its tributaries are filling beyond capacity, according to the district office in Ingolstadt. Authorities predict level 4 at the Neuburg gauge through the night. The situation is even worse at the Paar, another Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flooded a Schrobenhausen area, Mühlried. Emergency personnel are preparing to evacuate residents there. District administrator Peter von der Grün is concerned for road, bridge, and highway protection: "It's crucial to save these for emergency responses."
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) airlifted two people off the roof of a house in Babenhausen at 20:34. A BRK spokesman explains that the house was at risk of collapsing due to the water masses. Others were evacuated using inflatable boats. Rescue teams saved over a hundred people - many of them children.
From 20:13, Augsburg district officials are urging people to leave their homes and apartments as flood conditions worsen in the northern part of the district. Precipitation will intensify in the evening, affecting places like Babenhausen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has created a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
At 19:48, the Bundeswehr is lending a hand in flood-affected areas of Bavaria. A Bavarian Army Command spokeswoman confirmed the support, stating, "The Bundeswehr has answered requests from the districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg. In Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are distributed. In Aichach-Friedberg, approximately 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to arrive shortly. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are in use."
19:20 Faeser pledges more aid to flood-hit areas
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) promises additional assistance to the regions in Southern Germany affected by heavy rain and looming floods. In Berlin, she refers to the Technical Relief Organization (THW), which plans to deploy more personnel nationwide. The affected states will get all the help they can get, confirms Faeser. At the moment, 520 THW members and workers are hard at work, rescuing people, repairing dikes, and pumping out water. Faeser also acknowledges the efforts of volunteers, praising them for their tireless lifesaving mission. She urges people in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed authorities' warnings and instructions.
18:58 Rescuing the Zugspitze mountain climbers
The mountain climbers in need of help at the Zugspitze (refer to the update at 15:15 p.m.) have been safely saved. The 29 climbers were escorted by the mountain rescue service to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Multiple groups had requested assistance, unable to progress further due to snow and bad weather at approximately 2500 meters, roughly 900 meters above Sonnalpin. The rescue team and employees from Zugspitzbahn came quickly. They are on their way with snow groomers to locate the climbers.
18:42 Severe thunderstorm alert for parts of Brandenburg
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues a warning about the risks of severe thunderstorms in some areas of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are facing a level-2 warning, which is in effect before dusk. Potential hazards include lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, dropped objects, heavy flooding, landslides, and hail.
18:11 Water blocks A3 motorway in Bavaria
The A3 highway in Bavaria is shut down in both directions for about 10 kilometers, between the junctions of Parsberg and Beratzhausen, due to flooding. The police in Upper Palatinate notes that the water from the fields is spilling onto the motorway. A police representative explains that the water is pushing onto the road. The Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all present at the scene. Diversions will be arranged, their spokesman says.
17:51 Von Memmingen prison evacuated
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the risk of flooding. Reports indicate there are roughly 150 inmates prepped for relocation to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The prison is little more than a hop, skip, and jump from the Memminger Ach, a small river that has become a raging torrent and now threatens to breach into the JVA. Some parts of the yard are already submerged, and this could result in a power cut, thus the decision to evacuate. The police arrived with an armada of emergency vehicles, also the fire department present with pumps to remove water from the facility. The evacuees were eventually moved through flooded regions, as the access road was also already swamped.
17:35 Heavy rain raises water levels to level 4 in some areas
Heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise to level 4 at various gauges in Swabia. Rivers are starting to swell rapidly in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate. Flood warning services (HND) report that Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Paar) gauges have exceeded level 4. Dasing (Paar) is anticipated to follow. This section of the Regen river in Cham, Upper Palatinate, is reportedly bracing for 100-year-floods. The gauge at Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to peak at level 3 from Saturday to Sunday, while the low-flow gauges along the shore are lessening. Up the Donau River, separate gauages in the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab are experiencing level 1 and 2 surges with an escalating trend. For the Donau section running from Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, a rise to level 3 is expected, with Pegel Kelheim soon to follow at night. In the Donau river stretch between Passau, a rise to level 1 and 2 is forecasted.
-17:11
Heavy rain causing water levels to reach level 4 in certain parts of Swabia.-Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) promises more aid to flood-afflicted regions in southern Germany.-She cites the Technical Relief Organization (THW) as organizationa preparing to deploy additional forces.-Currently, the THW has 520 helpers and staff in action.-They have evacuated people, reinforced dams, and pumped out water.-Faeser acknowledges the volunteers’ efforts in keeping people safe.-People in affected regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should follow the authorities' instructions.
In spite of the heavy rain across Bavaria, Munich Airport continues operating as usual. With no cancellations so far, the airport has a number of features helping it maintain normal operations. Spokesman Robert Wilhelm stated that there's water standing near the runways, but the airport's elevated structure prevents any significant issues. The runways slope towards the edges, allowing water to drain effectively, and they're also grooved, which speeds up the draining process. Wilhelm informed local broadcaster BR that no major problems are expected until the end of the weekend.
At 17:07, Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder inspected the disaster-stricken areas. He appreciated the assistance coming from helpers and authorities during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Söder acknowledged the immense burden placed upon the citizens but stressed that the situation isn't over yet. The primary focus currently lies in Swabia since that's where the storm's center is. He commended the rescuers, including the fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization, for their outstanding efforts and relied on their expertise. He reminded residents to follow the instructions tightly, including complying with evacuation orders and not returning to their cellars or attempting to drive vehicles out of their garages.
As of 16:35, the extreme weather conditions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have crippled the railway system. Deutsche Bahn shared updates on rail disruptions, cancellations, and delays on their website. Two significant ICE lines have been affected, with no service available between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich for the entire day. The railway line between Ulm and Augsburg is also impacted.
16:12: The district of Unterallgäu, in Bavaria, is currently dealing with the disaster situation as well. The Babenhausen town's portion of the mobile phone network has malfunctioned. Those in dire need of help but unable to make calls should place a white sheet or cloth outside their windows as a signal. Residents are being rescued by inflatable boats in Babenhausen.
By 15:57, around 400 operatives from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) were working in South Germany. THW in Bonn stated that they're involved in draining water, securing dams, and evacuating individuals in a preventive manner. The THW is prepared to deploy more personnel if necessary. Mobile flood gauges will be installed and tracked in the affected areas.
15:37: A visual compilation of all present flood warnings is available on this map, updated continuously.
At 15:15, a 26-member mountaineering team found itself stranded below Zugspitze summit. With 60 cm of fresh snow accumulated on the peak in recent hours, heavy rain in the valley, and sub-zero temperatures, visibility stands at around 100 meters. Overwhelmed rescue teams are working to locate the climbers in the storm. It's unclear why this large group decided to climb Zugspitze amidst the hazardous weather predictions.
Another disaster situation has been declared by the Donau-Ries district in Bavaria, with Administrator Stefan Rössle assuring that it assists in uniting all resources and responding more quickly and efficiently to the expected water levels. Rössle emphasized the importance of adopting calmness and avoiding low-lying areas.
14:52: A mountain climbing group comprising 26 individuals potentially stranded beneath Zugspitze peak amidst heavy rain and over 60cm of recent snow accumulation. The group was found to be several hundred meters away from the summit. Rescue teams have been deployed to locate them in the storm, with reduced visibility and freezing temperatures. The climbers' motives for attempting a dangerous ascent despite outright dangerous weather conditions remain unclear. This group is currently exhausted and poorly equipped.
Additionally, the Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation to prepare a more prompt and efficient response to the anticipated water levels. The district's governor, Stefan Rössle, urges citizens to avoid low-lying areas to maintain their safety.
In South Germany, the costly weather impacts continue to plague rail networks. Deutsche Bahn announced all ICE trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich would be unavailable all day on Saturday due to the flooding. The railway line between Ulm and Augsburg is also hindered. The railway company provides continuous updates via their website.
In Unterallgäu, Bavaria, flood warnings have prompted the local administration to ask that those requiring aid use a white sheet or cloth displayed outside their windows. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Babenhausen, where residents are evacuated from their homes using inflatable boats.
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) responds to the ongoing crisis in South Germany with around 400 active forces. Their tasks consist of draining water, securing dams, and precautionary evacuation preparations. These teams consist of approximately 40 THW forces, each equipped with three sewage pumps, a generator, a reconnaissance vehicle, and a command post. With each group capable of pumping approximately 30,000 liters per minute, the THW remains prepared to deploy more operatives if necessary. They also plan to install and monitor mobile flood gauges in the affected locations.
To assist concerned residents, a comprehensive map of current flood warnings is provided for reference. Updated frequently, it serves as an important reference tool.
A rupture has occurred in a dike and a dam within the Swabian region of Augsburg. The area's governing body shared this information. Some streets in Diedorf, a town within Augsburg, require inhabitants to depart their residences due to elevated water levels. An evacuation is planned for citizens residing in the Anhausen section of Diedorf because moving to higher floors isn't secure enough. A breach has also transpired in Burgwalden, and the Anhauser Weiher reservoir's dam has surrendered. Local residents, especially those in the affected areas, must leave their homes speedily and independently within the next hour, as instructed by the administration, to take shelter at the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Authorities also caution people to stay away from railway underpasses, as torrents might enter them, posing severe threats to their safety.
Söder and Herrmann head for the flood-stricken area
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, both CSU members, are traveling to the flooded region in Augsburg's Swabian district on Saturday. These officials seek to assess the flood situation in Diedorf and join District Administrator Martin Sailer in doing so. Sailer will also accompany the two politicians. Since the situation rapidly shifted, they initially intended to visit Fischach. However, they have now adjusted their plan and are going to Diedorf, where evacuation procedures for locals are currently underway. The deteriorating circumstances in the Swabian region have incited authorities in Aichach-Friedberg and Augsburg to declare a disaster state.
Tensions rise as Meckenbeuren confronts worsening floods. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, located in Bodenseekreis, keeps rising. The river's level exceeded 4.72 meters in the afternoon. The peak is expected to approach soon, though it was lower - specifically at 4.50 meters - during the last flood in 2021. Under typical circumstances, the Schussen carries only 45 cm of water. To prevent any possible flooding damages, schools, kindergartens, and community centres were emptied in preparation. Currently, around 1300 residents of the municipality, which has 14,000 people, were urged to leave their homes precautionarily. Over 1000 have fled to stay with friends or relatives. Just a few people resorted to the emergency shelter. Municipal authorities have also closed bridges as a defensive strategy.
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The live ticker updates from international news agencies show floods reaching residential areas in Stuttgart, with some houses being threatened.
Despite the lifting of severe weather alerts, people in the city are warned to avoid going near dikes, underpasses, and water bodies, as the risk of flood waves and collapsing banks is still high.
