Storm "Zoltan" causes high water levels and damage
The water levels of open bodies of water in the city of Essen rose due to the persistent rainfall - the city is still under an official warning from the weather service until Monday evening. However, there is no danger to the population, according to the fire department.
Due to the high water level of the Weser, several roads in Minden in North Rhine-Westphalia were closed as a precaution. The fire department "urgently" warned the population not to go into the flooded areas of the Weser. The flow velocity was greatly increased and the current was therefore "unpredictable", even in the bank area.
The German Weather Service warned of heavy continuous rain in many low mountain ranges and heavy thawing in the Ore Mountains. The storms could lead to high water, flooding of roads and landslides as well as falling trees. Particular caution was therefore required in the federal states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bavaria and Saxony.
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The water levels in the District of Munich also experienced an increase during the weekend due to the storm "Zoltan". This led to some localized flooding and minor damage to properties. The police were alerted to monitor the situation and provide assistance where necessary.
Despite the high water level in the Rivers of Lower Saxony, many residents chose to spend their Sunday outdoors, enjoying the unique sight of the swollen rivers. However, they were advised to stay away from the banks due to the unpredictable current.
The flood warning issued by the German Weather Service extended to Sunday, urging residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and away from riverside paths. The fire department also urged caution, as the storm low could lead to unexpected surges in water levels.
On Sunday, the police in the Weser region reported an incident where a group of children tried to play near a swollen river. Thankfully, they were quickly rescued by the fire department before any serious harm could occur.
The high water levels provided an unique opportunity for some to engage in water sports, such as kayaking, in areas usually not suitable. However, this activity was strongly discouraged due to the risks involved and the potential for unexpected surges.
In the aftermath of the storm, the German government pledged to provide financial aid and resources to assist in the repair and renovation of affected areas. The damage assessment is ongoing and the estimated cost is expected to be in the millions.
The high water levels in the Weser also led to the closing of several popular tourist attractions in Minden. The city, known for its historical landmarks, had to redirect visitors to alternative sites.
The storm "Zoltan" served as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions. Many are already looking forward to a calmer weekend in the near future.
Source: www.stern.de
