The Danube water level in Kelheim continues to climb.
The water levels in Regensburg are beginning to reduce, though they're still quite high. On the other hand, the water levels in Kelheim (Lower Bavaria) are continuing to rise slowly. The district administration anticipates the maximum surge will occur on Wednesday. The water is also increasing in Neustadt, with the peak expected in the evening. The district administration doesn't foresee major rises in the Abens river in the coming days. Meanwhile, the water levels in Mainburg and Abensberg have dropped below the warning level 1. The authorities don't expect the Abens' water level to increase significantly in the upcoming period.
In the Rems-Murr district, the emergency alert has been lifted. The administration indicates the situation has improved. With the preliminary stage of the emergency alert, first responders and disaster management teams are readily available. The retention basins are slowly and carefully being drained.
In Lauffen am Neckar (Kreis Heilbronn), sewage has been flooding the inner city, fields, and a playground. The city's building department confirms the sludge comes from the sewage system. The sewage system and treatment plant are completely overloaded due to the extreme flood conditions.
The entire Danube river in Austria is closed to maritime transport. The state waterway authority "via donau" has made this announcement. "At a certain water level, safety is no longer guaranteed," says Christoph Caspar, spokesperson for "via donau". The length of time this measure will remain in effect relies on further precipitation and the volumes of the tributaries. The Danube flows for 350 kilometers through Austria, starting at the Bavarian border town of Passau and ending at the Slovakian main and border city of Bratislava. Due to the closure, some cruise ships will have to dock in Linz, where the Danube exceeds its banks. There are also road closures. In Schärding, situated on the Danube tributary Inn, the flood protection is being strengthened to avoid larger flooding.
In Kempten, a 32-year-old woman has been stuck in a tree for more than 52 hours in the Bavarian flood zone. She was discovered in the Silberwald area of Neu-Ulm and rescued by helicopter, as reported by the police. She'd been missing since Sunday.
Mayor Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer describes the flood situation in Regensburg as tense. "We have another one or two days of real tension, real concern," says Maltz-Schwarzfischer in the afternoon during a visit by Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, in the Upper Palatinate. The soil in Donauinseln is "really wet," "wet, swampy," and "like jelly". "This means the situation is still tense." The Danube water level is currently high, but hasn't yet diminished. Söder states in Regensburg that the city is "experienced, professional, well-prepared for flood protection". However, the groundwater is now pressing against the anchors of the facilities, making them "loose".
Grimma has installed a fountain system to help battle the floods using a gigantic concrete wall. After restoring its old town, Grimma experienced a historic flood in 2002. To prevent the city in Saxony from being ravaged by floods again, different safety measures are being implemented. This includes a concrete wall that reaches deep underground.
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4:17 Flooding in Rhineland-Palatinate: Relief in sight
In the Rhineland-Palatinate region, signs of relaxation are appearing in the flood situation. At the Middle Rhine and at particular spots on the Upper Rhine, water levels keep rising, as per reports from the High Water Forecasting Center of the State Environment Office. These levels are predicted to reach their peak values on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Thereafter, a decline is anticipated on the Upper Rhine until, at a minimum, Sunday and on the Middle Rhine until the following weekend. An increase in water levels is expected at the Maxau gauge until Wednesday morning. At Mannheim, a drop is envisioned while at Worms, the highest level has been attained, according to the city's reports. Passing through the night at Mainz, it is expected to reach the peak level. At the Kaub gauge, the highest water level is expected to be reached at night on Wednesday. Temporarily, the flood protection measures will remain in place in Koblenz, as per the city's reports. At the Mosel gauge, levels have slightly decreased. The Forecasting Center expects the Kaub gauge's peak level to be attained on Wednesday morning, with a range of 570-590 centimeters, slightly lower than a two-year high.
3:52 Danube level drops below 10-meter mark again in Passau
Having reached ten meters at noon per the Pegelstand of the Danube in Passau, the Flood Information Service (HND), the levels are currently dropping. As of 3:00 PM, it's 9.93 meters. The city previously declared a state of disaster due to the anticipated worsening flood situation, as did Regensburg and several other districts. This facilitates more effective rescue operation coordination.
3:26 Intense rainfall: Flood alert in southern Poland
Flooding has affected parts of the city of Bielsko-Biala in Silesia. The mayor has issued a flood alert, as reported by news agency PAP. The fire department has completed over 700 interventions since morning. Many basements and plots of land have flooded. The local railway station's two tracks are submerged, requiring trains to be rerouted to other tracks, some even out of service. The city archives and the bus depot of the municipal transport company are also submerged. "Onet.pl" has published video recordings showcasing flooded streets, traffic circles, and a bridge. In the region's rivers, water levels are increasing, compelling the regional administration's crisis center to declare an alarm status at five locations. State meteorologists forecast more extensive rainfall throughout the day.
3:01 Varying numbers of missing persons: Interior Ministry reports several missing in Bavaria
Several people have vanished in Bavaria's flood-impacted areas. A Munich-based Interior Ministry spokesperson reports that the number of missing individuals fluctuated from seven in the morning, then five, and eventually six. In a morning meeting, Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder (CSU), stated that a total of up to seven people could be missing in the state. The Interior Ministry spokesperson acknowledges the unstable nature of this figure: "The precise numbers aren't especially dependable." In addition to the missing individuals, a firefighter in Swabia is also missing. The 22-year-old was stationed with other emergency services in a boat along with Offingen when it went under. The others were able to save themselves.
2:45 Söder: Bavarian flood situation remains "serious and critical"
Bavaria's flood situation remains "severe and critical," says Minister President Markus Söder (CSU). Regensburg and Passau still anticipate Danube's greatest water levels, he states following a cabinet assembly in Munich. "We remain focused." During the past several days, over 60,000 individuals have rendered aid in Bavaria. More than 6,600 evacuations were necessary so far. A minute of silence was held in the cabinet for the three confirmed deaths resulting from the floods. Söder also mentions "up to seven missing people, which might rise." State officials have empathized with the afflicted, according to Söder. "Their ordeal is also our ordeal." The hope is now that the following two days can be addressed efficiently in light of the flood situation.
In Baden-Württemberg, the state government is confident in its preparedness for the flooding resulting from heavy rainfall over the weekend. According to Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, they've been readying themselves for a long time and have been actively responding to the situation. He emphasized that they aren't reacting to this event because they've already been in response mode for a while. The actions of the first responders have prevented any major calamities, such as a power plant sinking. Kretschmann reiterated his call for general natural disaster insurance. "It's inevitable," he stated. However, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann remains unconvinced about implementing it. Baden-Württemberg's Environment Minister Thekla Walker advocates for regular check-ups of the existing protective measures. "We need to keep up with it," she said. Saddening news includes two fatalities in Baden-Württemberg. The German Insurance Association is against requiring insurance for floods. (see 13:00 o'clock)
13:57 Donau water level reaches ten meters: Passau declares emergency
The city of Passau in Lower Bavaria declares an emergency state due to the worsening flood situation. According to the flood warning service (HND), the Donau water level was at ten meters high at 13:30 p.m. Simultaneously, the apex of the Inn river is anticipated to reach Passau, a city representative shared. Monday's downpour has prompted expectations of a water level surpassing seven meters in Passau. Several streets and plazas are already shut in Passau due to the flood, with schools cancelling classes. Public transit has been impacted, while connections to the historic town are fully obstructed. The old city district is the primary target. The city strongly cautions against entering flood-hit regions. The whole affected area should be avoided. Passau is where the rivers Donau, Inn, and Ilz meet. The flood situation in Bavaria is further deteriorating along the Danube.
13:13 Swimming in a flood: Woman swims in a flooded underpass
In Lower Bavaria's Deggendorf, a woman took a dip in the flood - in a submerged pedestrian underpass. The local fire department noticed her swimming in a bathing suit during a patrol on Monday evening and urged her to exit the water, shared a city spokesperson. City fire official Tim Rothenwöhrer stated that individuals disregard barriers now and try to take photos, which has become normal. He hasn't encountered a similar case like the swimmer. The city appeals to citizens to abide by the bathing ban in flooded areas and seeks "patience". The swimming season in Deggendorf will kick off on Thursday.
13:00 GDV: Floods in southern Germany are a substantial financial hit for insurers
For German insurers, the flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg is a considerable financial loss. Jörg Asmussen, managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV), notes that the images from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are "[something] terrible." He shared that the companies are already receiving a multitude of flood damage claims. It's too early, however, for accurate damage evaluation. "We can only provide a forecast once the water levels have dropped everywhere," he said. Floods in Saarland during Pentecost weekend cost insurers approximately 200 million euros. The magnitude of the floods in southern Bavaria and Lake Constance will depend on how many houses are insured against such natural disasters. In Bavaria, it's 47%, while in Baden-Württemberg, it's 94%. From 1994 to now, there was a state-mandated insurance. Asmussen is staunchly against reinstating compulsory insurance against floods. "That wasn't a private-sector solution. And the premiums didn't reflect the actual risk," he shared. "Insurance alone is not the answer." At the same time, flood protection measures continue full speed ahead. These include building bans in endangered areas and improved dams. "Only then can we interrupt the cycle of escalating damages and escalating premiums," asserted the GDV's managing director.
After the Disastrous Floods in Many Parts of the Country, Bavarian State Government to Provide Financial Aid
In the aftermath of the flood disaster that affected many regions in the country, the Bavarian state government is planning to allocate a minimum of 100 million euros for those affected. According to Minister President Markus Söder, this financial aid package will benefit both private households and commercial enterprises, self-employed individuals, and farmers. Söder says that Bavaria will "help quickly and bureaucratically," and no one in distress will be left behind. He also urges the federal government to fulfill their promises and provide flood aid. The package will offer up to 5,000 euros in emergency aid for private homes and up to 10,000 euros for oil damage to residential buildings, with insurance payments being deducted later. If there is an existential threat, he promises to cover up to 100%. Businesses and commercial enterprises may claim between 5,000 and 200,000 euros in emergency aid, with the sums being reduced if the damage was insurable.
Harrowing Scenes at Donau in Passau with Almost 10-meter Water Level
The water level of the Donau in Passau is nearing the ten-meter mark, with 9.95 meters reported at 12:00 p.m. by the flood warning service. This is beyond the prognosis for the afternoon at 9.50 meters. Once the water level reaches 8.50 meters, built-up areas will be flood-affected to a greater extent. This level was already reached in Passau in the afternoon.
Initial Rain Warning Is Given for Southern Germany
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has warned about rain in southern Germany. Though there are prospects of isolated showers and thunderstorms, these will not be severe enough to be considered a major problem. The rainfall is predicted to last until Thursday, with even temperatures ranging from 21 to 26 degrees. However, it will be cooler than ten degrees at night. The rainfall may increase again over the weekend, with rain and even thunderstorms expected in the south but not equivalent to the magnitude of recent events. The weather service is hopeful that the water levels will have stabilized by then.
High Water Situation in Bavaria: Some Improvements Expected
The official flood warning service in Bavaria notes that the high water situation continues to be critical due to the high water levels. The weather service confirms that there are no more severe rain showers on the horizon, and some water levels are expected to drop. The current focus is on the Danube. The situation on the Danube is also improving, as the water levels of the Danube tributaries are continuing to drop. According to the information, the peak of the high water is expected to be just above the level of the highest alert stage four in the evening in Ingolstadt. The water levels in Kelheim are expected to increase only slightly, while in Passau, it is expected that the Danube level will be below the high water mark of 2002. Until then, high water levels were anticipated in the Danube section from Kelheim to Passau.
Fifth Fatality Attributed to Floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg
The number of known fatalities resulting from the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg has now increased to five. As per police reports, a woman in Markt Rettenbach drove her car off the road into the water on Monday and was found dead later. A medical examination confirmed her death. The woman had disregarded a barrier as she drove on a flooded state road in Markt Rettenbach and slid her car off the road onto a meadow where the water level was dangerously high. She reported to the rescue services that her car was filling up with water. An employee of the Water Management Office found the car almost completely submerged. The incident is believed to be a "tragic accident." Thus far, authorities have confirmed four deaths due to the flooding.
Autobahn 9 Opens with No Restrictions in Both Directions Post Dam Break
The Highway Department has announced that the partially closed Autobahn 9 in Upper Bavaria due to a dam break has been reopened in both directions, without any restrictions. The blockade in the direction of München, set up on Monday, has been lifted in the morning. All lanes are now "freely drivable" between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck. While the highway section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is free from restrictions, other roads in the area, like the Bundesstraße 16 between Manching and Ernsgaden, are still closed due to flooding.
Shipping Halted on Middle and Upper Rhine due to Floods
Shipping has been suspended on the Middle and Upper Rhine due to flooding. The high water level and risk of damage and flooding have led to this decision. It is currently unclear when shipping operations will be resumed.
Because of the excessive rainfall, Germany's primary waterway, the Rhine, is no longer navigable in many areas. The Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) has informed Reuters that shipping has been halted on the Middle and Upper Rhine. Initially, the Upper Rhine was affected in locations such as Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms. Now, areas on the Middle Rhine like Mainz and Bingen are also affected. According to the spokesperson, numerous vessels are already docked or are at ports, waiting for the water levels to decline at the measuring stations. The peak could be attained later today or this evening. The Bingen area might be reopened for navigation by Thursday. It could take several days for shipping to pause completely. The closures are intended to prevent damage to the banks. The vessels generate waves that can cause the banks to overflow and flood basements, for instance.
10:20: More Train Delays at Numerous Routes in Southern Germany
Due to the flood situation in certain areas of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Deutsche Bahn has suspended operations for several lines in local and long-distance services. Four lines still experience disruptions: Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich on the Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Donauwörth and Augsburg on the Nuremberg-Donauwörth-Augsburg-Munich line, the section between Buchloe and Memmingen on the Munich-Memmingen-Lindau line, and the full Ulm-Memmingen-Kempten line. In summary, train travel to Munich from the west and north is impossible. The Bahn advises against traveling to South Germany. Further train disruptions and delays have been recorded on these routes: Munich-Nuremberg-Erfurt-Berlin, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm, Augsburg-Munich, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt(M), Munich-Lindau-Bregenz-Zurich, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, Augsburg-Kempten(Allgäu)-Oberstdorf, and Nuremberg-Würzburg.
10:06: Efforts Continue for a Lost Firefighter Using Drones and Helicopters
The search for the missing firefighter in the flooded Swabian region continues, according to police reports. The current flow is too substantial for rescue teams to search from the water due to its dangerous nature, states police spokesperson Holger Stabik. The search will be conducted from the land and in the air. Drones and a helicopter are anticipated to be used. The fear is that the 22-year-old has passed away, making him the fifth known casualty of the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. (See also updates from 09:38 and 06:22 a.m.)
09:38: Police Amend Statement: Search for Missing Firefighter Continues
The search for a missing firefighter in the Swabian flood region is proceeding. The police have now rectified their previous statement announcing the end of the search (see entry at 06:22 a.m). The 22-year-old might have drowned, claimed a police spokesperson earlier. The young man had been in a boat from the DLRG water rescue service in Offingen near the border with Baden-Württemberg. The boat, with five rescue personnel ageing between 24 and 70, capsized in powerful currents. Four rescue personnel safely made it to land and sustained no injuries.
08:45: "Don't Wander, Just Observe": Regensburg's Mayor Warns Against Flood Tourism
Regensburg's mayor, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, calls for caution against flood tourism. "We already have a lot of tourists, but now even the locals are heading out there. So please don't go and watch, just observe how it is," states Maltz-Schwarzfischer in Bavarian Radio. Visitors must not attempt to access the jetties, as rescue teams might be operating there. In Regensburg, the situation was tense last night, claims the mayor. The city, located on the Danube, is facing high groundwater levels and an unstable subsoil. These elements make evacuations challenging. The high-water mark was already attained overnight; the mayor hopes the water levels will recede during the day. Determining if the dikes and protective barriers would maintain is uncertain, says Maltz-Schwarzfischer. "We are in a situation different than in 2013, with high groundwater levels making the subsoil unstable. And the pressure on the dikes with an unsteady subsoil is currently critical."
08:25: Passau is Concerned - "Danube Water Level Reaches 9.54 Meters"
Passau worries as the Danube's water level has reached 9.54 meters. The city may face potential problems later in the day. The Danube is in its 6th overflow stage, with a warning for reduced traffic. Otherwise, the water level is stable. City Mayor Stefan Rumpf is doubtful about the overall situation, stating that it's still uncertain whether dikes will hold. The last time Passau experienced a flood like this was in 1607, reports Deutschlandfunk.
The scenario in Passau, Bavaria, is quick evolving at a rapid pace. The city was bracing up for the flood peak at a water level of 9.50 meters in the afternoon, but this level has already been surpassed, as per ntv reporter, Felix Balß.
7:48 Bavarian Volunteer Fire Brigade Association: Unprecedented DeploymentThe volunteer fire brigade units in Bavaria are more in demand than ever, according to the Bavarian Fire Brigade Association. "This is unparalleled in terms of scope and extent," says association head Johann Eitzenberger to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "We have 30,000 volunteer firefighters in service daily, attempting to thwart and minimize damages wherever possible." The situation is currently manageable, but unforeseen events can still occur, informs Eitzenberger. "Competencies will still be necessary for a long period, such as handling oil from heating tanks."
7:28 Video: Danube's Dams and Barriers at RiskThe Danube is causing tension on dams and additional barriers in southern Germany with its boisterous water masses. Some of the dikes are on the verge of giving in and collapsing. The Passau city center is already underwater and has been shut down.
6:55 Castle Slips Away - Residents EvacuatedSections of the Burg Falkenstein in Upper Bavaria have slid off due to the incessant rainfall. Below the castle, 50 residents have been evacuated, informs the Rosenheim district. The castle ruins near the Autobahn on the border with Austria are a famous hiking spot. The main castle Falkenstein was constructed circa 1300, and the adjoining outer castle was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. After a massive expansion in the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was devastated by fires at the end of the 18th century and has been a ruin since then. It is part of the Petersberg monument complex, which is inclusive of the Roman Peterskirche and the adjacent Mesnerhaus. The extent of the damage to the ruins remains unknown.
6:22 Volunteers No Longer Actively Searching for Missing FirefighterThe quest for a missing firefighter in the floods in Swabia is no longer actively pursued. The 22-year-old man is presumed dead, claims a police spokesperson. He will likely be discovered when the water recedes. The young man was on his way to the DLRG rescue boat in Offingen near the border with Baden-Württemberg in the nighttime from Sunday to Monday. The boat with five firefighters on board turned turtle in torrential currents. Four firefighters aged 24 to 70 were able to reach safety.
Note: The police have since stated that the search for the missing firefighter will continue (see entry at 09:38 a.m.).
6:03 Stations Register "Century-Rainfalls"At certain locations in southern Germany, as much rain has fallen in the past few days as only every 50 to 100 years, according to provisional data. "This is a bit unusual, but not entirely unforeseen," says meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer from the German Weather Service. "We need to double-check the data." Sometimes stations malfunction or the readings are incorrect. "In general, there's more to come, the current data are relatively cautious."
5:33 The Danube in Passau surpasses the nine-meter markThe water level of the Danube in Passau has eclipsed the nine-meter mark overnight. At 3 am, the flood warning service (HND) records a water level of 9.27 meters. On Monday evening, the gauge reading was reportedly 8.83 meters. In line with HND predictions, the apex is expected to materialize on Tuesday at noon with a water level of 9.50 meters. The Passau old town was largely closed to traffic on Monday due to the flood. At a gauge reading of 8.50 meters, per the HND, built-up areas will be flooded to a more extensive degree. This threshold was breached in Passau on Monday afternoon.
4:07 200 residents have to vacation in RegensburgHaving witnessed a deteriorating flood situation, 200 individuals in the Regensburg city center have been ordered to vacate their residences. "Due to the escalating groundwater level on Werftstraße, there's an imminent threat that the flood protection elements may fail," states the Bavarian city on its site. Consequently, the disaster control has mandated the exodus from the entire street.
2:47 The flood situation in the Rosenheim district has become slightly less severeThe flood situation in the southern peripheries of Rosenheim has modestly lessened. This news is relayed by the district. The schools and kindergartens in the impacted localities are expected to remain closed on Tuesday. In Raubling and Rohrdorf, evacuations took place, as per the details. Initially, the number of persons involved was indefinite. Earlier, the district had declared a disaster. More than 1000 emergency services staff from the fire department and the Technical Relief Organization were on site, the district continues. As per a notice from the German Weather Service, it is expected that the rainfall in Germany will cease overnight on Tuesday.
In the heart of the nerve-wracking thunderstorm in southern Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) has revoked all weather cautions for the nation. The DWD has delivered this update. Intense rain over the past few days has triggered the levels of several streams and waterways, notably in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, to skyrocket sensational. Entire habitations were submerged, even as dams cracked. Six individuals have lost their lives amidst the floods thus far. The prevailing conditions persisted on Monday in regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Since the initial dispatch, the following updates have arrived:
12:15: Jaw-dropping decrease in water levels in the southwestFollowing the turmoil of the past few days, the water levels in most watercourses across southwest Germany are experiencing a substantial drop. Only at the massive rivers such as the Danube and Rhine, there persist signs of ascending dial readings, notes the flood forecasting center. However, there are no catastrophic levels anticipated to be surpassed, says a spokesperson. The water level in the Danube, from the gauge in Hundersingen in the Konstanz district downstream, along with Lake Constance, Upper Rhine, and Upper Rhine, is still rising. The peak value, which was 8.29 meters on Sunday in Maxau near Karlsruhe, won't be exceeded again. The Neckar is presenting a descending pattern.
20:30: Rosenheim District: Take shelter right nowThe citizens in the Rosenheim District of Upper Bavaria have been ordered by the authority to remain at home due to the flood. "There's a huge risk from harm to life and limb," claims the statement. Folks should avoid venturing outdoors, abstain from interacting with open waters, and refrain from interfering with rescue units. Scheduled to occur on Tuesday, school will be cancelled in some municipalities: Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach. The State Education Authority Rosenheim will connect with the affected educational facilities. The kindergartens in the urban areas are also supposed to stay closed.
21:26: Frightening Fall of Rosenheim's Burg FalkensteinIn Flintsbach, a seeming part of the Burg Falkenstein in the Rosenheim District has toppled down as a result of the heavy rain. The Rosenheim District authority has announced this. Below the castle, 50 locals must be displaced.
19:45: Grav-Insel, Germany's giant camping site, orders evacuation in the subsequent 24 hoursThe sprawling camping site in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, requires departure within the subsequent 24 hours due to the flood circumstances. The organizers of the Grav-Insel have publicized this. The firing water levels in the bordering rivers and bodies of water are the cause for this, according to them. The Grav-Insel is the largest camping site in Germany with 5000 permanent campers.
20:13: Eradication necessary: Regensburg's Werftstraße to be abandonedThe Werftstraße in Regensburg must be evacuated, as the city of Regensburg reports. This street can be found close to the Danube, and the soil beneath it is softening due to the hefty groundwater levels. The installed flood precaution measures may become inefficient and the roadway could be inundated. Almost 200 individuals must now be transported to safety from 21:00.
Read also:
The International Red Cross has set up a live ticker to monitor the flood situation along the Danube, including in Kelheim, due to the rising water levels.
Despite the destruction caused by the floods, the Danube level in Kelheim is forecasted to reach its highest point on Wednesday, according to the latest international estimates.
