Söder declares: "The process is merely commencing"
The leader of Bavaria, Markus Söder, is examining the circumstances of the severely hit region of Swabia. He stopped by in Dorf in the Augsburg district and applauded the helpers and authorities. Bavaria is struggling through this predicament, stated Söder in the company of the Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The predicament is a demanding ordeal for the residents, he continued. Additionally, Söder noted, "This isn't over yet. It's getting serious now." Resources, including sandbags, are being gathered in Swabia as that's where the main intensity of the storm is. "Without the assistance of helpers like firefighters, the Red Cross, police, and the Technical Relief Organization, we wouldn't stand a chance," Söder addressed these rescue services. They each displayed remarkable dedication. Söder pleaded with citizens, "Please abide by the rules." Orders to evacuate ought to be followed, no more attempts to descend into the basement or retrieve vehicles from the garage.
16:35 No trains available anymoreThe storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have crippled the rail system in southern Germany. Deutsche Bahn, the national railway, has made announcements about disruptions and cancellations in southern Germany. Two ICE lines are mainly impacted, says a spokesperson. The line running between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich is temporarily suspended. Also, the line between Ulm and Augsburg is affected. For more information about track closures, cancellations, and delays, the Bahn website is the source.
16:12 Tragedy also in Unterallgäu - In need, hang a white cloth from your windowThe district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria is now also experiencing a disaster situation. In the town of Babenhausen, part of the cellular phone network has failed. Those in need of help who can't make an emergency call should hang a white sheet or cloth from their window to attract attention. In Babenhausen, people have already been rescued from their homes with inflatable boats.
15:57 About four hundred THW helpers at work in South GermanyRegarding the storms in South Germany, around 400 volunteers from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently reeling. The THW in Bonn confirmed this. They are removing water, reinforcing dykes, and evacuating people proactively. "With the continuous rain and occasionally heavy showers, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW units specifically," it mentions. Additionally, mobile flood gauges will be installed and tracked in the affected locations. "In light of more weather forecasts and impending floods in the foreseeable future, the THW is prepared to deploy further THW units," the administrative team added. Other teams are on standby. Each relief group comprises approximately 40 THW helpers who equip three water pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Every relief group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
15:37 Map indicating all current flood warningsThis map highlights all present flood warnings. The graphic is updated often. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1JD19nYpHZ-0U7Oxj5UY0dLXqzl150YvxmHp0JUU
15:15 Report: 26-person mountaineering group stranded under ZugspitzeA 26-person climbing group is trapped roughly 600 meters below the peak of Zugspitze. According to broadcaster BR, approximately 60 cm of new snow has piled on Zugspitze over the last few hours while rain has relentlessly poured in the valleys. Temperatures are below freezing, while visibility is only about 100 meters. Several rescue teams are dispatched to search for the climbers in the blizzard, as reported by BR, quoting the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue. The group is fatigued and probably not adequately equipped. It's unclear why they decided to attempt to conquer the Zugspitze amidst the extreme weather forecast.
14:52 Disaster situation unveiled in Donau-Ries DistrictThe Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has also enacted a state of disaster. The measure intends to "draw together all resources to be able to deal with the expected water levels faster and more effectively," District Administrator Stefan Rössle explains. "Maintaining calmness and avoiding low-lying regions is crucial right now."
14:20 Breached dam near Augsburg - Evacuation plans being arranged
A dam and an embankment have collapsed in the Augsburg region of Swabia. The local government has announced this information. Residents in particular districts of Diedorf need to evacuate their properties.
The Augsburg district administration is making arrangements for an evacuation in the Anhausen region of Diedorf. Their statement reads "It's no longer safe to move to higher floors." A dam collapsed in Burgwalden and a levee at the Anhauser Weiher reservoir has crumbled.
Officials are urging residents in the affected areas to leave their homes promptly and independently and head to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle within the next hour. Authorities suggest avoiding train underpasses, as floodwaters could pour there, potentially posing a threat to lives.
Soeder and Herrmann are en route to the affected area in Augsburg's Swabian district
Markus Soeder, Bavaria's Minister President, and Joachim Herrmann, the Interior Minister, are heading to the swamped region in Augsburg's Swabia on a Saturday visit. Their main objective is to observe the current flooding scenario in Diedorf. District Administrator Martin Sailer shall also be joining them. The location of the visit was altered at the last minute owing to the evolving situation. Previously, the politicians had planned to inspect the deluged Fischach.
In Diedorf, plans are in place for evacuating residents. The flood crisis is especially severe in the Swabian area. In addition to Günzburg, the districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now also declared a disaster state.
The situation in Meckenbeuren is growing more intense. The water level in the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, part of Bodenseekreis, is rising further. The level hit 4.72 meters in the afternoon, as per a spokesperson from the local government. The authorities hope that the peak would be reached soon. In comparison, the maximum water level during the last flood in 2021 was 4.50 meters, while under usual circumstances, it carries only 45 cm of water.
On Friday evening, Meckenbeuren Municipality prompted approximately 1300 individuals to leave their homes as a precautionary measure. Most of them opted to stay with friends or family. Only a few individuals resorted to seeking shelter. To prevent flooding-caused damages, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared beforehand.
In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also shut temporarily.
