Mandatory evacuations are announced. - Southern regions face rising floodwaters; citizens take necessary precautions.
Various towns along rivers in South Germany may experience severe flooding on Saturday, according to persisting rainfall. While there were no major floods overnight, there's concern over a potential hundred-year flood in several locations, with Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria bracing for a challenging weekend. The Lake Constance region is of particular concern, as approximately 1,300 residents in Meckenbeuren, Baden-Württemberg, were advised to leave their homes due to expected extreme flooding on the River Schussen. The town urges that this is not an evacuation order, but a recommendation.
In Weingarten, near Ravensburg, authorities advise residents to steer clear of basements and consider sleeping elsewhere for a few days. This precaution was put forth by the fire department in the evening. The people were also encouraged to seek shelter with friends or family members.
"We cannot predict how swiftly the levels will rise. Thus, extreme caution is required," the fire department's website states. It's unsure whether individual towns or municipalities will decide on evacuation measures.
Lindau am Bodensee had already experienced flooding roads and underpasses on Friday evening, causing the city bus service to halt, with the fire department and the Technical Relief Organization in constant operation. From a multi-family house, occupants were evacuated earlier, as there was a potential hazard from short circuit due to water intrusion.
Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have recorded rainfall amounts that meet foreseen forecasts—128 liters per square meter in Sigmarszell (Lindau district), 108 liters in Ottobeuren (Underallgäu district), 105 liters in Kißlegg, and 104 liters in Weiler-Simmerberg (Lindau district).
Flooding is anticipated at locations north of these areas, especially on the Danube and its tributaries. These situations only occur every 50 to 100 years.
Rivers like Zusam in Augsburg district have already surpassed their thresholds, flooding streets and cellars in the market town Fischach. No significant damage or injuries have been reported. Zusam reached level three out of four at the Fleinhausen gauge.
In anticipation, the district of Günzburg has declared a state of emergency. This will allow for better support and assistance to affected communities in the region. The primary aim of the district administration is to make use of the time remaining before the flood arrives at Günzburg.
In Biberach district, residents in endangered areas have been urged to prepare for potential risk to their lives. They're encouraged to assemble emergency kits and download the NINA warning app on their smartphones to receive timely alerts—under the condition that the phone is turned on and not in flight mode.
Flooding is also a concern in other regions, with Hesse potentially facing a flood of once-every-20-year frequency on the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Eastern Germany may undergo excessive rainfall and, in certain places, even thunderstorms, but the severe weather is expected to affect Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt less severely than initially predicted.
Floods anticipated along rivers in South Germany this Saturday, with heavy rainfall contributing to the fear. Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are set to face a trying weekend, with the focus being on the Lake Constance area. Meckenbeuren, a town in Baden-Württemberg, has advised residents to evacuate their homes because of the significant flood risk from the River Schussen. Yet, officials have clarified it's not an evacuation order, but rather a suggestion due to the expected unprecedented flooding.
In Weingarten, Weingarten residents, near Ravensburg, have been encouraged to steer clear of basements and even seek temporary accommodation elsewhere. The fire department in the vicinity made this recommendation late in the evening. If necessary, they've been asked to stay with family and friends outside flood-threatened areas.
"We don't currently know how quickly levels might rise further. That's why we need to remain vigilant," stated the fire department's website. Given the uncertain circumstances, evacuations for certain villages are not ruled out.
Flooding is also a growing concern in Lindau am Bodensee. A multi-family house in the region had to be emptied, as there was a possible electrical hazard due to the encroaching water.
Overnight rainfall corresponds with forecasts and has resulted in the following rainfall amounts: 128 liters per square meter in Sigmarszell (Lindau district), 108 liters in Ottobeuren (Underallgäu district), 105 liters in Kißlegg, and 104 liters in Weiler-Simmerberg (Lindau district).
Günzburg and surrounding areas are readying for a potential flood, given that it's a phenomenon that statistically occurs every 50-100 years. The River Zusam has already overflowed and flooded streets and basements in the market town of Fischach. The incident resulted in no injuries or significant damage, indicated the police early Saturday morning. The water level at Fleinhausen gauge reached three out of four levels.
The Günzburg district's administration has declared a state of emergency to ensure better coordination and support to communities in the region. This measure comes ahead of the flood's arrival in the district.
The Biberach district, too, is telling residents in affected locations to beware of any life-threatening scenarios. They're advised to create emergency kits and download the NINA warning app on their phones, making sure the device is on and not set to flight mode.
A further flood concern extends to Hesse, with Rhine and Neckar rivers potentially seeing a flood occurring just once every 20 years. In eastern Germany, it's predicted that residents will have to endure a higher volume of rain and, in a few places, even thunderstorms. However, this weather is expected to impact Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt significantly less than initially assumed.
