The weather agency predicts additional downpours in the southern region.
The German Meteorological Service (DMD) issues a warning for heavy rainfall, particularly in southern Germany. On Sunday night, there is a possibility of extreme rainfall, especially in the Stuttgart region. Additionally, strong thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected in the Alps, as well as from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and towards Berlin. The Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, and the Bavarian Forest could experience partly strong thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rain. By Monday morning, meteorologists forecast showers in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube, followed by stronger thunderstorms from noon, and later in the Bavarian Forest. There is a risk of heavy rain in these areas, up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
6:07 Disaster alert issued in Straubing
Due to the deteriorating flood situation along the Danube, the mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, issues a disaster alert. The spokesperson cites the scope and complexity of the demands and the required manpower as the reasons. The water level in Straubing has reached over six meters. The city anticipates exceeding the level 4 warning in the coming hours. There are four warning levels: at level 1, small overflows are expected, while level 4 indicates flooding of built-up areas. Measures are progressing well and will continue, according to officials. Some roads have already been closed due to the floods.
5:34 Flooded area warns against tourist interest in flooding
The partially flooded Bodenseekreis area of Meckenbeuren cautions against tourism in the flooded region. Gawkers could hinder rescue efforts and endanger themselves and others, the community in Friedrichshafen states. Hikers are asked to avoid the flooded area, respect road and bridge closures, and even if it is not raining heavily or not at all, they are advised to stay away. Police and firefighters have repeatedly had to remind people of the life-threatening current. The Schussen river had overflowed its banks and flooded streets and houses in the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell on Saturday evening.
5:11 Severe thunderstorms threaten in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district
The German Meteorological Service (DMD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. There is a risk of lightning strikes, uprooted trees, gusts of wind, or falling objects until early afternoon on Sunday. Damage to houses is also possible, as well as landslides and hail.
4:53 More districts declare a disaster
Due to the floods, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a disaster. "The current situation, combined with the forecasts regarding water levels, remains tense," says Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl shares a similar sentiment. The step was necessary because local forces could no longer handle the numerous emergency sites in the coming hours, Löwl says. Assistance can now be sent to affected districts.
4:25 Train expects restrictions on Monday
Travelers should prepare for train service restrictions on Monday due to weather conditions in southern Germany. The Deutsche Bahn extends its leniency rule to Monday: anyone who has bought a ticket for travel from Sunday to this Monday and wishes to postpone their journey due to weather damage can travel later. The affected train routes include Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway advises against traveling in areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg affected by flooding.
4:08 Around 3,000 people in Bavaria forced to leave their homes due to flooding
In Bavaria, approximately 3,000 people have had to leave their homes due to flooding. This is according to a spokesperson at the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. A total of 20,000 personnel are currently engaged in emergency efforts since the beginning of the situation, and 40,000 have been involved at some point.
4:00 Flood expert: "We cannot possibly expect a gradual improvement"
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs does not expect the flood situation in the south to improve gradually. "Every drop is too much," emphasizes the ntv weather expert. When prompted about a connection to the climate crisis, Fuchs sees this event as a "clear sign of where the journey is going."
3:22 PM: Shocking incident during work in the floods - man gets severely injured
In the Upper Bavarian district of Freising, a worker is critically injured by an electric shock. The 27-year-old man who works for an energy company was rescued from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen and airlifted to a hospital via a rescue helicopter. It is believed that the incident took place while he was engaged in flood-related tasks.
3:02 PM: River navigation on the Upper Rhine halted indefinitely
Due to the torrential rainfall in South Germany, the water levels in the Rhine have risen considerably, disrupting river navigation. On a stretch of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, no ships have been able to sail since Saturday, according to the Rhineland-Palatinate Flood Forecasting Center. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping water mark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening, and by Sunday afternoon, rose to 8.20 meters, but was expected to recede at night. However, rising water levels are expected in the coming days further downstream, in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Navigation on the busy waterway could be disrupted on the Middle and Lower Rhine as well due to high water levels. At the Koblenz gauge, a level of about 6.10 meters is anticipated on Tuesday, beyond which no ships can sail. On Wednesday, the highest levels are projected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
2:38 PM: Autobahn A9 shut down for an estimated 50km
The Autobahn A9 is shut down for approximately 50km in the Pfaffenhofen district due to a dam giving way. The affected section is between Allershausen and Ingolstadt, where the road is flooded. A spokesperson from the Upper Bavarian North Police Department informs that this is a novel situation for the police in the region. There are also instances of power outages. Many people are impacted. Measures are being taken to resolve the situation. The district administration has advised residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to evacuate from the ground floor of their homes and relocate to higher levels.
UPDATE 3:23 PM: The Autobahn GmbH reports that the segment between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Additionally, the segment between Pfaffenhofen and the Neufahrn interchange is heavily reduced. It is suggested to bypass the entire region.
1:59 PM: Economy Minister Habeck calls for intensified climate change efforts in the aftermath of the floods
Economy Minister Robert Habeck insists on increased climate protection measures following the flood disaster in southern Germany. "The containment of CO2 emissions, so that we have enough time to adapt, should not be trivialized or disregarded, but is the top priority," Habeck said during a visit to the heavily impacted Reichertshofen in Bavaria. He noted that "the increasing frequency of natural disasters is undeniably a sign of climate change." Heavy rainstorms causing century floods are now occurring "every few years."
1:34 PM: Chancellor Scholz intends to visit the affected areas on Monday
Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to travel to the flood-stricken regions himself on Monday to experience the situation at firsthand. [This text has been translated from German to English.]
1:21 PM: 22-year-old firefighter missing after rescue operation in Offingen
A 22-year-old firefighter is reported missing following a rescue operation in Offingen in the Günzburg district. The representative from the Schwaben South police headquarters confirmed the news. Together with a colleague from the voluntary fire department, three helpers from the DLRG, the young man was in a boat for an evacuation operation around 2:50 am. The boat capsized, leaving four others rescued from the water. The 22-year-old, however, remains missing. Intensive searches have been underway since the early hours of the day. Two helicopters are also in use. A 42-year-old firefighter has already perished in the flood catastrophe.
1:11 PM: No relief in sight: Additional storms bring more rain
The beginning of the week brings no respite for the flood-ridden regions in southern Germany. ntv weather expert Björn Alexander confirms, "The extensive, heavy rain is indeed significant." Moreover, new and local thunderstorm centers have formed.
12:52 PM: Another dam may fail at the Paar
The Paar is also in danger of experiencing a dam collapse. Communities at risk include Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents have been instructed to vacate their ground floors and basements immediately and seek refuge on higher floors. In the case of any urgent emergencies, the fire department should be reached at the emergency number 112.
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder stated that approximately 40,000 emergency responders are currently occupied with handling the floods across the entire state of Bavaria. Söder visited Reichertshofen and emphasized that effective coordination of relief efforts is crucial in the upcoming hours. As those performing duties for extended periods need respite, Söder mentioned that the longer they work without relief, the higher the chances of making mistakes and increasing the risk of injury.
12:29 Straubing begins setting up dam watch posts
The water level in Straubing's Donaupegel is steadily rising, reaching the highest alert level four alert level according to the Hochwassernachrichtendienst (HND) Bayern. Straubing's city has disclosed that dam guards will be positioned at 3 pm, with fire department members onsite to monitor the dam, collect water level information, and report any potential damage. Concurrently, more sandbags are being filled.
12:03 Dam breach in the Baar-Ebenhausen area
In Pfaffenhofen, a dam ruptured in the neighborhood of Baar-Ebenhausen. A public notification has urged residents from Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to evacuate their residences' ground levels.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz acknowledges the rescue personnel in flood-stricken regions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his appreciation and admiration for the rescue workers and volunteers in flood-impacted regions. "The passing of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen deeply saddens me," Scholz wrote. "My thoughts are with his workmates and other firefighters." In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, an SPD politician describes a firefighter dying during a rescue operation at night.
11:25 Flooding is included in the Catholic Day in Erfurt's address
Georg Bätzing, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, sends a special greeting to people affected by recent flooding at the festive mass closing the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We hope that human lives are preserved and protected," Bätzing stated before the Erfurt Cathedral.
10:59 Meckenbeuren's Bodenseekreis regions are submerged
The districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell in Meckenbeuren's Bodenseekreis are inundated, as the Schussen has spilled over its banks and flooded the streets. On Saturday, a municipality representative indicated that roughly 1300 individuals have voluntarily left their homes to find safety due to the floods. Remaining residents took refuge in the higher floors of their residences. The water level of the Schussen rose beyond 4.86 meters, contrasting with the usual depth of 45 centimeters.
10:34 Minister President Söder honors the deceased firefighter
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder appreciates the efforts and commitment of the firefighter who died during a rescue mission in flood-plagued Germany. "His devotion to aiding fellow humans will always be commemorated," Söder relayed. "Our most sincere condolences and sympathies are with his comrades and family. We are all grieving." The firefighter, a 42-year-old volunteer, perished after his rescue boat capsized near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen when it hit a flooded home.
10:09 Ukraine must relocate training for the match versus the DFB team due to rain showers
As they can't conduct their rehearsal at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg at 6:00 p.m. like initially planned prior to the EM test match against Germany, the Ukrainian national football team will hold their final training session in Erlangen. Rather than risking damage to the stadium's lawn, they have decided to spare it. Ukraine faces Germany on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD) in Nuremberg.
09:52 There have been 290 firefighter interventions due to flooding in Munich
The Munich region has experienced heavy rains for hours, prompting the fire department to respond to over 290 interventions since Saturday 6:00 am. The primary tasks for the firefighters involve pumping out basements and underground garages, along with addressing other incidents. Additionally, fallen trees and closed roads have been reported due to the saturated ground.
09:24 The aftermath of a dam break in Anhausen
Anhausen's flood conditions are starting to stabilize, following a dam failure that quickly engulfed the area. "Those people evacuated here are gradually returning," revealed ntv reporter Niklas Diemer. Nonetheless, the situations elsewhere are still critical.
09:08 THW dispatches additional personnel to engage in the flood zones in southern Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is sending more helpers to the flood-stricken areas in southern Germany. Over 1800 people are now involved, a spokesperson reveals. These individuals are securing dams, assisting in the filling of sandbags, and aiding in the evacuation of residents in the inundated regions. The fire department and other emergency services are simultaneously at work.
8:47 A landslide in Baden-Württemberg blocks a train line and a road
The flooding crisis in specific areas of Germany is causing concern among the local population. The eastern part of Baden-Württemberg is particularly vulnerable to the deluge, with a potential for a one-hundred-year flood. Rescue crews and helpers are stretching their resources to the limit.
8:30 The ICE train trapped by a landslide will be recovered in the morning
The ICE train affected by a landslide in Baden-Württemberg is set to be extracted in the morning. A railway representative shares this information. The other track on the line features a rescue engine, tasked to assist with the recovery. However, it remains unclear how long the disruption will last. The regional train has managed to pass the ICE already. On Saturday evening, two wagons of an ICE carrying 185 passengers derailed due to a landslide.
8:16 A missing person in Schrobenhausen
A person is reported missing in Schrobenhausen. This individual is presumed to have been in the home's basement when flooding occurred. The cellar and parts of the upper floor are now submerged, a spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office reveals. Rescue services are currently unable to enter the house.
7:44 A firefighter lost life in the floods in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
A firefighter has perished in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He was participating in a rescue mission with three colleagues on a rescue boat when the craft capsized, reported a district office spokesperson in the morning.
7:29 The flooding shifts further downstream - even more areas reach level 4
Flooding at level 4 is registered at various gauges in Bavaria. The primary focus is on the southern tributaries of the Danube, which include Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube, according to the flood warning service. Peak levels were hit overnight. The focus is gradually moving downstream - from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Areas that could be affected include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing. The peak flood is predicted to reach these regions by the beginning of the week. In particular, elevated water levels are anticipated in Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district and Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, as well as in Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
6:54 Meteorological service forecasts additional heavy rain in the south
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted for many regions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, per the German Meteorological Service (DWD). These weather conditions may occur between noon on Sunday and Monday night. There is a potential for flooded streets and cellars, with the risk of lightning damage as well.
5:39 The Augsburg district issues expanded evacuation notices
In areas of the Bavarian district of Augsburg that have been flooded, authorities are expanding their calls for people to evacuate. Citizens in Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are asked to depart their communities right away, adds the integrated control center early in the morning. Buses are available to assist those who cannot leave the area independently. Evacuations were also requested in other parts of the district on Saturday evening and during the night. Mainly affected are the communities bordering the Schmutter, a tributary of the Danube.
5:05 Wiesbaden braces for rising water levels
In Wiesbaden, preparations are being made to address the increasing water levels on the Rhine and Main. In the district of Kostheim, a flood barrier has been built by the fire department, reported in the early morning. A pump has also been set up in the Rhein-side district of Schierstein. Public parking lots close to the river should be avoided in the coming days, cautions the fire department further. There is currently no indication that further measures are necessary.
4:04 Train transport between Stuttgart and Munich suspended
A landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has temporarily halted long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway representative cannot provide a timeline for the reopening of the line in the early morning. The landslide blocks the bypass connecting Aalen and Stuttgart. The line between Ulm and Augsburg has been closed due to flooding in southern Germany, leading to long-distance trains needing to be diverted.
At 03:13 AM, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm is filling up 30,000 sandbags in a nighttime operation. These sandbags are for the inundated and potentially inundated regions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The THW's Logistics Center director, Bernd Urban, says they can produce 400 sandbags per hour. Requests for these sandbags are pouring in from different parts of the southwest and neighboring regions. Persistent rainfall has caused water levels to rise drastically in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at several locations.
At 02:25 AM, the Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescuers from Unterfranken to help with the relief efforts in the Swabian region. The rescue teams from Unterfranken are specially trained for water rescue operations, featuring two boat and diving squads. In Günzburg, a Swabian district, the water level has reached the level of a 100-year flood. This type of flood occurs on average once every 100 years.
At 01:27 AM, two wagons of an ICE (Inter-City Express) train with 185 passengers derailed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, due to a landslide. All passengers are unharmed and are currently being evacuated from the train. The first two wagons of the train jumped off the tracks at around 23:20, but did not overturn. The landslide measured around 30 meters wide. Passengers will be taken to a nearby kindergarten and then transported to Plüderhausen by bus.
At 00:59 AM, a car was hit by a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Württemberg. The driver of the vehicle escaped unharmed. The incident happened at the intersection of the affected county road and the railway line. In nearby Schwäbisch Gmünd, there have been heavy rainfall since Friday.
At 00:14 AM, Neu-Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, has surpassed its high water mark of the Danube and Iller rivers, successfully avoiding the 100-year flood. Neu-Ulm's mayor, Katrin Albsteiger, said in a statement that they will assess the damage once the situation returns to normal. For now, two streets - Donau promenades and cycle routes alongside the Danube and Iller - remain closed.
At 23:44 AM, the Munich Fire Department issued a warning about danger on the Isar River Bank due to flooding. The city administration closed two popular footpaths along the Isar River. Munich currently faces flood stage 2, causing flooding on non-built areas or disruptions in traffic on roads.
At 23:23 AM, Upper Bavaria's firefighters and rescue services are working on evacuating 670 citizens in Schrobenhausen. Tractors and boats are being used in the district of Mühldorf and a street along the Weilach River, while a hotline for emergencies has been set up. The municipality declared a disaster earlier. According to District Administrator Peter von der Grün, the southern part of Upper Bavaria is facing grave danger.
At 23:03 AM, there are multiple firefighting operations ongoing in eastern Thuringia due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. These events have caused numerous situations requiring firefighting assistance. The area around Ronneburg in the Greiz district is especially impacted, with flooded roads, fields, and flooded basements. In the Gera district, a small creek has also overflowed.
22:45 Subdued rainfall in the south's forecast - no imminent alerts
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) reveals a decrease in the consistent rainfall in the south of Germany. According to a DWD meteorologist, we won't encounter the considerable downpours we had last night. "Tonight, we won't witness the colossal downpours as we experienced last night," says the meteorologist. However, upcoming showers and thunderstorms from the north signal a risk of local flooding once more on Sunday afternoon. These showers could be quite powerful and dissipate gradually. "If they meet the already saturated earth, more flooding will ensue," states the meteorologist. The regions most susceptible to these showers and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, regions north of it, and the districts around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25 Disaster scenario declared in Freising
The Freising district also faces a disaster scenario because of the overflowing rivers and brooks. The district administration in the Upper Bavarian town reported this in the evening. They express trepidation regarding the Amper and Glonn rivers reaching possibly record-high water levels. The town of Hohenkammer and all the settlements along the Amper are at risk of significant flooding. Citizens are advised to prepare early for such an unprecedented scenario and, for instance, to empty their cellars. In total, ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster scenario.
21:50 Dillingen District announces disaster scenario
Due to consecutive rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has now also declared a disaster scenario. The local crisis team reports that the situation on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has escalated further in the evening. The district administration is asking for support from the Bundeswehr. Experts anticipate a flood of biblical proportions on this small river, which could impact the neighboring towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Concurrently, preparations are being made to reroute water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former floodplain of the river. The district administration is recommending to the local farmers to ensure their livestock are safe within secure stables.
21:09 Eighth municipality in Bavaria declares disaster scenario
The Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen has declared a disaster scenario as the eighth municipality in Bavaria. The cause is the increasing levels of the Danube and its tributaries according to the district administration. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt predicts level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation at the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is more concerning. The administration reported that the Weilach has already exceeded its banks in the Schrobenhausen district, resulting in a flooded residential area. Emergency personnel are getting ready to evacuate the residents there, as district administrator Peter von der Grün confirms. The situation has gravely escalated in the southern part of the district. Von der Grün emphasizes that maintaining roads, bridges, and pathways is a top priority. "Only then can the fire department continue to respond to emergencies."
20:34 Life-endangering situation: Red Cross resolves individuals on roof of house
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) saved two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen with a helicopter. The two were in severe danger, explained a BRK spokesperson. Their house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of crumbling due to the massive amounts of water. Rescuers also took individuals from their homes using inflatable boats. The Red Cross teams rescued more than 100 people - including many children.
20:13 Citizens in certain areas near Augsburg are requested to vacate their houses
Water rescuers also extracted people from their vehicles who were unable to open their car doors due to the water masses. As per the spokesperson, such a situation can rapidly turn lethal due to the current and the surging water within the car.
In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, residents are being requested to vacate their houses and dwellings due to the urgent flood scenario. The situation is predicted to worsen in the evening, reported a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Areas potentially affected include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The Swabian government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48 Bundeswehr intervenes in flooded regions of Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers join forces to conquer the flooding in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is helping the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg, following their official request," says a Bavarian Bundeswehr spokesperson to Antenne Bayern. "Around Günzburg, blankets and field beds are distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, around 50 Bundeswehr soldiers and trainees are expected to arrive as 'helping hands' in the coming hours. Additionally, two Bundeswehr trucks are currently in use there."
19:20 Minister Faeser vows continued assistance in flood-stricken southern Germany
Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser assures further aid for areas in southern Germany that are currently experiencing heavy rains and potential flooding. She refers to the Technical Relief Organization (THW) and promises to deploy additional resources. As of Saturday evening, 520 helpers are actively involved, reportedly rescuing people, securing dikes, and pumping water. The SPD official thanks all emergency responders currently battling the water masses tirelessly to save lives. Faeser also instructs residents of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to heed warnings and directives from authorities.
18:58 Thirty climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The thirty climbers in distress at Zugspitze (as mentioned in a 15:15 Liveticker entry) have been successfully retrieved. Members of the mountain rescue service safely escorted them to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Initial reports reveal multiple emergency calls, resulting from ongoing adverse weather conditions and new snow at around 2500 meters above sea level, approximately 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. Zugspitzbahn employees were also sent to assist with snow groomers.
18:42 Brandenburg experiences severe thunderstorm threats
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues a cautionary statement regarding the dangers of severe thunderstorms in parts of Brandenburg. In Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second-highest warning level is in effect until the evening. This warning entails potential lightning strikes, felled trees and power lines, falling objects, intense flooding of roads, landslides, or the possibility of hail.
18:11 Segments of A3 motorway closed due to a mid-Bavarian flood
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, between the Parsberg and Beratzhausen exits in both directions, experiences closure due to flooding. Over ten kilometers of the roadway are submerged, says the Police Presidium of Upper Palatinate. As the water from adjoining fields pours onto the highway, the situation is worsened by flooded roadways. Response teams, firefighters and police have been deployed to manage the traffic, which is being diverted.
17:51 Memmingen prison evacuated due to imminent flooding
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, has been evacuated after water levels rose and threatened flooding. The prison houses up to 150 inmates, who are being temporarily moved to Landsberg, Kempten and Augsburg. According to Nonstopnews, Memminger Ach - a nearby river turning into a raging stream - is the source of the flooding concern. Portions of the courtyard are already underwater, potentially causing a power outage. Authorities descended with numerous ambulances in order to facilitate the evacuation, a process that had to be carried out over flooded streets as the approach was inundated. The fire department has been enlisted to remove the water.
17:35 Hefty rains contribute to level 4 water levels in Swabia
The recent intense rains have caused water levels to rise to level 4 at several gauges. The Danube, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Fleinhausen, and Paar rivers in Swabia experience swelling. Although the Iller in Nattenhausen and Dasing indicates hundred-year floods, the water levels in the northern Donau tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab lead to overflows of Meldestufe 1 and 2, showing a growing trend. The water levels in the Donau between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim are poised to reach Meldestufe 3 and the Pegel Kelheim will follow. The further Donau segment to Passau, from Neu-Ulm to Passau, is expected to face levels of Meldestufen 1 and 2 escalations.
17:23 Munich Airport flight operations remain on track with no disruptions
Flight operations at Munich Airport proceed as usual in spite of impending floods and adverse weather conditions.
Even though numerous regions in Bavaria are experiencing heavy rainfall, Munich Airport's flight operations are going as usual. According to airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm, no flights have had to be canceled. He informed BR that the water near the runways is visible, but the airport is slightly elevated. The runways also slope downwards on their sides, letting the water drain away. Additionally, the runways have grooves that help speed up the water runoff process. As a result, there is no risk of aquaplaning, as per Wilhelm's statement to the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates no significant problems for the rest of the weekend.
17:07 Söder: "This is when things become intense"
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder is observing the situation in the heavily impacted Swabia region. He expressed gratitude to the helpers and authorities while visiting Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Söder described the circumstances as a "huge burden" for the citizens. He stated that the crisis is still ongoing and emphasized, "This is when things become intense." The focus of the storm is currently on Swabia, so resources such as sandbags are being assembled there. "Without the helpers, we would have no hope," Söder requested rescue services like firefighters, Bavarian Red Cross, police and Technical Relief Organization. They all demonstrated exceptional commitment. He urged the citizens to comply with orders like evacuations and not return to their cellars or drive their vehicles out of the garage.
15:37 Severe weather halts rail traffic
The storms and flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are disrupting train services. Deutsche Bahn announced that there are delays and cancellations in South Germany. Two ICE lines are being particularly affected, as a spokesperson revealed. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. Additional details on tracks closures, cancellations, and delays can be found on the railway's official website.
15:15 Unterallgäu disaster area - Those needing help should cause a visible commotion
The disaster situation now encompasses the district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria. In the town of Babenhausen, part of the mobile phone network is out. Those requiring assistance and unable to make phone calls should hang a white sheet or cloth out of the window or, if possible, make themselves noticeable at the window to draw attention to their requirement for help, the district administration reported. In Babenhausen, people are already being rescued from their homes by inflatable boats.
15:00 Approximately 400 officials from THW currently assisting in South Germany
Regarding the current storm events in South Germany, approximately 400 employees of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are actively engaged. The THW in Bonn stated this. They are draining water, securing embankments, and evacuating individuals in a precautionary manner, per their news release. THW is ready to deploy additional units specifically due to the consistent and sometimes heavy rainfall. In the impacted areas, they will install mobile flood sensors and monitor them. In light of the weather forecast and anticipated flooding in the coming hours, THW is prepared to send more forces. Units are nationwide on standby. Each relief group comprises roughly 40 THW members responsible for three sullage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief group can pump up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
14:45: Map: An overview of all current flood warnings
Discover all the current flood warnings in this map, which is updated frequently.
14:30 Incident: Mountain climbing group of 26 participants trapped under Zugspitze
A group of 26 mountain climbers is reportedly stranded several hundred meters short of the Zugspitze summit. According to broadcaster BR, 60 centimeters of new snow have settled on the Zugspitze in the past few hours, while heavy rain falls in the valley. Temperatures are below freezing, and visibility is around 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the climbers amidst the blizzard, as per the BR, citing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue. The group seems exhausted and rather underprepared. It is unknown why they opted to climb the Zugspitze despite the severe weather forecast.
13:58 Disaster situation in Donau-Ries district
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has also officially declared a disaster. This measure facilitates the consolidation of efforts and better prepares us for the expected water levels, asserted District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It is crucial to maintain composure and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible at the moment."
13:25 Officials working to handle the crisis in South Germany
In connection to the storms in South Germany, more than 400 personnel from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are presently involved in efforts. The THW in Bonn provided the update. They are pumping water out, maintaining embankments, and carrying out preemptive evacuations. "Considering the persistent and sometimes heavy rain, the THW is prepared to summon more THW squads," explained the announcement. In the affected zones, they'll establish mobile flood sensors and track them. "Thoroughly prepared for further weather predictions and incoming floods in the upcoming hours, the THW is anticipating mobilizing further forces." Units are on standby nationally. Every relief crew consists of about 40 THW individuals who operate three sulage pumps, a power generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each relief crew can pump up to 30,000 liters of water each minute.
A dyke and a dam have come crumbling down in the Swabian district of Augsburg. This was confirmed by the local authorities. Residents in certain streets in Diedorf must pack up and leave their homes. Preparations for evacuations are happening in Anhausen district of Diedorf. "Moving to higher floors is no longer enough," an official statement read. A dam failed in Burgwalden, and a dyke by Anhauser Weiher made way. People living in the affected areas are being told to vacate their homes right away and make their way to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle within the hour. The authorities are also sharing a warning about avoiding road underpasses near railways, as the portent of flooding looms. Life is at stake.
Soeder and Herrmann head to the disaster zone
Minister President of Bavaria, Markus Soeder, and Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, are journeying to the flood-stricken region of Augsburg in the Swabian district on Saturday. The CSU duo seeks to inspect the goings-on with their own eyes. The Ministry of the Interior shared the schedule. District Administrator Martin Sailer is also tagging along. The site of their visit has been switched up due to the circumstances. Earlier, they planned to witness the flooded city of Fischach. In Diedorf, urgency to evacuate residents is top priority. The flood situation is getting quite precarious in Swabia as the water levels are rising at a rapid pace. After Günzburg district, Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg districts have declared a state of emergency.
The tense flood situation in Meckenbeuren still persists. The Schussen river water level in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis is gradually rising. The height of the water, as of the afternoon, was 4.72 meters, as per a spokesperson for the municipality. There's hope that the peak will be reached soon. In the 2021 floods, the river reached up to 4.50 meters. In regular times, the river only carries 45 cm of water. Close to 1300 people were urged, precautionarily, to leave their houses on Friday evening. Most of them went to stay with friends or relatives. But a handful of people opted for the emergency shelter. To forestall potential damages from flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were emptied out in advance. The municipality has 14,000 inhabitants. Bridges were also shut off to prevent any damage.
