Tempestous Weather Approaching: Brace Yourself! - The flood situation in Bavaria deteriorates further.
The floods in certain parts of Bavaria have turned worse, with the possibility of another dam breaking in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm threatening nearby communities. The village of Baar-Ebenhausen on the River Paar, an offshoot of the Danube, might be affected but the extent is still uncertain. In nearby Baden-Württemberg, initial sighs of relief are emerging among the rescue teams.
The German armed forces have now joined the flood relief efforts. About 70 soldiers are aiding in Dillingen an der Donau with filling sandbags, as informed by local authorities. Rainfall is forecasted for the afternoon, potentially causing more damage.
A 50-kilometer stretch of the Autobahn A9 between Allershausen and Ingolstadt has been closed due to the previous dam break on the river Paar, a tributary of the Danube. The affected roadway is partially submerged, according to a spokesperson for Upper Bavaria North police headquarters. This section marks the first time the police have faced dealing with such a degree of flooding.
A series of power outages have hit several towns, and there are efforts to restore them. Residents of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf are advised to move to higher floors as an "Extreme Danger" warning has been issued by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.
Approximately 40,000 emergency workers are deployed to respond to the floods, as per the statement from Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder. He emphasized the importance of organizing relief shifts effectively. "The longer someone works without relief, the higher the risk of errors and fatigue." The district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm has witnessed a firefighter's death earlier due to fatigue.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck surveyed the flood situation, thanking the helpers, and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced gratitude to the thousands of volunteers. It has been raining non-stop in certain places since Friday.
An ICE train with 185 passengers derailed in the evening on the flood-blocked railway line at Schwäbisch Gmünd, which is now working as a single-track. However, speeds are limited, and a spokeswoman reports that the cleanup process is ongoing as the ICE is placed back on the tracks, awaiting transportation. The railway service indicates that the closure might last for some time, and they suggest passengers expect more delays and cancellations as various train routes suffer from the storm.
Between 240 and 250 liters of rain per square meter can fall in 24 hours, exceeding the average monthly rainfall in some areas. In Kißlegg, 130 liters fell on Friday while the average monthly rainfall is 118 liters, while an average monthly rainfall of 101 liters was surpassed in Bad Wörishofen within the same timeframe.
Spotty rainfall is expected later in the day in the region surrounding the Main River and extending towards the Danube. Potential thunderstorms may bring up to 25 liters per square meter in a brief period, and up to 40 liters during thunderstorms in some locations. However, a lessening weather condition is expected beginning Tuesday.
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- Incidentally, Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany is also dealing with a flood situation due to continuous rain.
- Operational forces from the German Armed Forces are being deployed to Schwäbisch Gmünd to assist in the flood relief efforts.
- The weather in Schwäbisch Gmünd has been particularly harsh, with several landslides reported in the area.
- The fire department in Schwäbisch Gmünd is working tirelessly to contain fires caused by the sparks from the ruined railroad tracks.
- The railroad in Schwäbisch Gmünd has been disrupted due to the floods, with multiple wagons submerged in the waters.
- Passengers traveling between Stuttgart and Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm via ICE trains have faced significant delays due to the flood situation.
- Bavaria's neighboring state, Baden-Württemberg, has also been affected by heavy rains, causing flooding in certain districts, such as Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm and Baar-Ebenhausen.
- The Ilm River, a tributary of the Danube, has seen a surge in water levels, posing a threat to nearby towns and villages.
- In Manching, a town in Bavaria, a fire department has been struggling to control a fire that started due to the floods, exacerbated by the harsh weather conditions.
- Regional trains have been canceled in the district of Dillingen in southern Germany, causing commuters to adjust their travel plans.
- State officials, including Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed their gratitude to the many volunteers and emergency workers working tirelessly to mitigate the disaster case.
- Despite the chaotic weather conditions, climate change experts have pointed out the significance of addressing climate challenges to prevent future disasters from wreaking havoc in these regions.
- In light of the current flood situation, Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has urged the German government to invest in further flood protection measures and infrastructure improvements.
- As the rain continues to pour and the waters rise, residents and officials in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Bavaria, and southern Germany anxiously await the recovery and improvement in the weather conditions.
