Third dam breaks in Pfaffenhofen region at 08:41
The Paar river dam in the Ilm district of Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen has shattered at three sites, according to district administration spokeswoman. Residents in Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching have been ordered to relocate to the higher floors of their houses or apartments. Around 800 residents were evacuated from Baar-Ebenhausen, and about 250 displaced people were housed in the primary and middle school in Reichertshofen, as the district administration stated. The lower Paar, a tributary that flows into the Danube, is being closely monitored in Vohburg. The Danube is currently experiencing increased monitoring and security measures. The A9 motorway is still closed between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck.
8:21 Dams in other locations broken
Another dam in Manching, Pfaffenhofen district, broke, according to several media reports quoting district administration. Residents were instructed to migrate to higher levels of their houses, and to follow evacuation orders from the fire department. Affected streets include Benediktstrasse, Martinstraße, and Peterstrasse.
8:01 Firefighting personnel trapped by water in Rudersberg
In Rudersberg, Rems-Murr district, Baden-Württemberg, even the firefighting team was caught off guard by the rapidly rising water, as an on-site ntv reporter reported. Firefighters abandoned attempts to rescue residents when they found themselves underwater while trying to help people. The fire station was submerged as well, based on the fire department's information. Vehicles were driven onto higher ground, but they were flooded very quickly. Two vehicles couldn't be saved.
7:39 Regensburg declares disaster status
The water level of the Danube continues to rise. Regensburg has now declared a disaster situation because the water level at the Eiserne Brücke measuring point has reached a height of 5.90 meters. The Bavarian High Water Information Service reported that on Tuesday of last week, the average water level was about 2.70 meters. Experts' data shows that the water level during the previous major flood in June 4, 2013 was exactly 6.82 meters.
7:20 Water police save twelve in Günzburg by helicopter
In Günzburg, Bavaria, water rescue specialists from the Water Police rescued twelve people from balconies and rooftops using a police helicopter. Due to massive water floods, rescue using boats was no longer possible. In one instance, the rescue involved a family with three children, one of whom was only a week old. The family needed to be saved as their home became inundated.
6:50 Fears of a dam break in Manching
The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt issued a warning for a possible dam break in Manching in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are advised to remain on upper floors and avoid cellars and underground garages. A dam previously broke in Baar-Ebenhausen.
6:16 Evacuations for homes near Stuttgart due to flooding
Homes in Uhingen, south of Stuttgart, Göppingen district, have been evacuated due to flooding in the Filstal. Early in the morning, a police spokesperson reported that evacuations had taken place in the town. There were no injuries. Uhingen is east of Ebersbach an der Fils, where, according to the Göppingen district administration, many people remain at risk. The flooding in Uhingen is affecting a residential area. An extraordinary operation has been ordered, as the Göppingen district administration notified.
5:33 Ostalbkreis communities evacuated due to floods
The flood situation is worsening in the Baden-Württemberg Ostalbkreis. A spokeswoman for the crisis staff reported that people were evacuated from parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen and Göggingen overnight into Monday. Täferrot is expected to be fully evacuated. The first floods had already reached the town in the morning, it was explained. Around 250 to 300 people were moved to safer locations during the night.
5:13 Baden-Württemberg sending relief personnel to Bavaria
In response to the ongoing flood situation, Baden-Württemberg is sending emergency personnel to support neighboring Bavaria's Günzburg district. At the request of the Free State of Bavaria, three "Sanitation and Care" units and a water rescue unit from Ulm will be deployed in Günzburg to help with evacuating people from their homes. These emergency personnel are responsible for providing care and supplies for those that had to abandon their homes and houses.
The city of Esslingen am Neckar is constructing an emergency dam to avert anticipated flooding within its inner regions. The crest is projected to appear early in the morning, possibly resulting in canal inundations in the city center, as reported by the city. Sixteen hundred tons of gravel and rocks were amassed near a waterworks at a canal during the night and on Monday morning. Expect traffic disruptions nearby due to the construction, as the municipality advises. The city in the Stuttgart region had previously recommended staying clear of subterranean parking garages and basements in the inner city and in Oberesslingen owing to the critical flood situation.
03:26 Ebersbach an der Fils embarks on select evacuations
Affected by the flood, Ebersbach an der Fils south of Stuttgart is arranging for some residents to vacate their homes. Inhabitants from certain areas are being asked to gather documents and vital personal belongings in preparation for an overnight stay away from their residences, according to the city's Facebook statement. They advise staying in upper floors. The fire department of Ebersbach is coming to the neighborhood.
03:11 Weather service raises caution - Heavy rains remain a possibility
The German Weather Service (DWD) has canceled all severe thunderstorm warnings with significant rainfall for Germany. However, there could be localized heavy rain showers with the potential for heavy rainfall. Beginning from noon, regions south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest will be impacted. A few localized areas may also experience thunderstorms that might not be ruled out.
02:04 Augsburg district addresses flooding visitors
Flood sightseers are complicating rescue efforts in the Augsburg district. Emergency crews are being overwhelmed with saving those who visited dikes, underpasses, and other waterfront locations despite the numerous warnings. To support the rescue teams, people should avoid these locations. "Be cautious of flood waves which can catch you off guard, and the banks can collapse," warns the administration. Drivers and pedestrians should shun flooded streets, as well as submerged underpasses. Manhole covers may be lifted by the pressure in the sewers, potentially sucking in people.
01:14 Kretschmann and Strobl slated to review flood-stricken regions
Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl plan to inspect two flood-hit regions in the state on Monday. They plan to visit Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning, and later will tour Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis, as per a state government spokesperson. Kretschmann opted not to survey the scenario on-site on Sunday. "I decided not to go to the site in the acute situation, where every hand is needed and every sandbag can make a difference, but instead would keep myself updated and closely monitor the situation," he stated on Sunday afternoon. The rescue teams are currently stretched to their limits, he said then.
23:50 Ebersbach an der Fils sends out an urgent alarm - Noise barrier breaks
In Ebersbach an der Fils near Stuttgart, a full-alert was issued on Sunday evening due to the flood. This implies that all firefighters are on standby. At the federal highway 10, water masses breached a noise barrier, inundating the road, as shown in a video on the city's Facebook page. The captivated public were sternly cautioned: "Please remain at home (sic!) and do not approach the disaster zones. There are risks to life, as evidenced on the video. Please refrain from entering the waters, as the manhole covers could be concealed and this may lead to tragedy." People should not enter their basements and remain on the upper floors, the statement reads.
23:16 48-year-old missing person's lifeless body discovered in a cellar
Per Bayerischer Rundfunk, the flood in Southern Germany has claimed yet another life. A 48-year-old missing person was discovered dead in a cellar.
22:16 Lightning hits signal box - Local train traffic hindered near Dresden momentarily
A signal box breakdown due to a lightning strike disrupted local train traffic in the Dresden vicinity. The chief spokesperson for the railway said that the regional train from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz was mainly disrupted. A storm hit the signal box in Radeberg, east of the state capital, around 5pm. It was repaired in the evening. Train operations resumed about two hours later, as the spokesperson confirmed.
22:00 Evacuation underway for Lauingen nursing home
A care home situated close to the Danube in Swabian Lauingen is evacuated as a precautionary step due to the flood. The municipality's website announces that they wish to ensure an ongoing supply for the inhabitants. The elderly could all be housed and taken care of in an educational center.
A number of communities near the Danube and Schmutter in Swabian District of Donau-Ries need to be evacuated. The local administration in Donauwörth provides a few reasons, including the massive bursting of a dam. The places involved are Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, plus parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The authority encourages people to stay calm, gather necessary items, and follow the instructions of the emergency services. Additionally, emergency shelters are provided.
21:03 Faeser travels to the Bavarian flood area as well
As more areas in South Germany get flooded, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are set to visit the Bavarian flood region on Monday. They plan to assess the situation along with Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in Reichertshofen in Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. The head of the Technical Relief Service, Sabine Lackner, is expected to join the discussion.
20:30 Numerous schools remain closed on Monday
At least 40 schools in eight Bavarian districts will not hold classes in the new week due to the flood condition. As per the Bavarian Ministry of Education, this includes districts of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. On Monday, for instance, there will be no classes at all Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools in district of Aichach-Friedberg along with their gymnasiums, vocational schools, and special schools. Wertingen in the district of Dillingen will have no classes. Some kindergartens in Pfaffenhofen will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday. According to Pfaffenhofen's district administration, there will be no classes at Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools in Schrobenhausen, as well as vocational school, special school, and gymnasium on Monday and Tuesday.
19:49 Several hundred towns experience power outages in Swabia
Approximately 30 towns within Swabia are experiencing power outages. This was publicized by the network operator LEW. There are also outages within the local grids (low voltage) in individual streets and households, according to the declaration. The outages apparently concentrate on the districts of Günzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. "The emergency teams are striving to maintain the power supply by switching to other lines as much as possible under the present circumstances," the network operator says. The duration of each outage depends on the on-site situation.
19:11 Over a thousand residents in Günzburg taken to halls and Legoland
More than a thousand people have been evacuated to safety in the Bavarian Günzburg, according to a statement by Günzburg's district administrator Hans Reichart to Bayerischer Rundfunk. Those affected will be housed at sports halls and partially at Legoland. The additional evacuation measures were due to the significant rise in the level of the Günz River in the last few hours.
18:42 Weather service warns of further heavy rain in southern Germany
The German Weather Service (DWD) cautions of additional heavy rainfall, mainly in the south of Germany. DWD meteorologists in Offenbach anticipate severe rainfall, specifically in the Stuttgart area, on Sunday evening. Additionally, there may be heavy storms with heavy rain in the Alps, from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin. In the night, the Black Forest, Swabian Jura, and Alpine foothills to Bavarian Forest may be affected by heavy storms, with locally heavy rainfall of up to 40 liters per square meter per hour. For Monday morning, meteorologists in the Alpine foothills south of the Danube predict showers from early morning, strong storms from noon, and then, also, in the Bavarian Forest. There is again the risk of heavy rain, locally up to 40 liters per square meter per hour.
18:07 Disaster alert declared in Straubing
Due to the worsening flood condition along the Danube, Straubing's Mayor Markus Pannermayr has announced a disaster alert. This is because of the extent and complexity of the demands and the associated manpower, as a representative mentioned. The Danube level in Straubing has increased to more than 6 meters. The town estimates level 4 alert to be surpassed within the next few hours. There are four alert levels for flooding. Level 1 indicates slight overflows expected, while level 4 indicates large areas can be flooded. Safety measures are progressing well and will continue. In some instances, streets have already been blocked due to the flood.
5:34 Flood-hit community warns against flood tourism
The partially flooded Bodenseekreis community of Meckenbeuren has cautioned against flood tourism.visitors might obstruct emergency personnel and put themselves and others in harm's way, according to the community of Friedrichshafen. "Even if it's currently raining less or not at all, on Sundays, idle walkers are requested to stay clear of the flood region, to respect the barricades on bridges and roads," a spokesperson indicated. Police and firefighters have repeatedly had to remind adults and kids of the risky current. The Schussen river overflowed onto the shoreline on Saturday night, inundating streets and houses in the neighbourhoods of Kehlen and Brochenzell.
16:11 Severe thunderstorms portend in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree region
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has minted an official admonition for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Until Sunday afternoon, there looms a danger of lightning bolts, uprooted trees, severe wind gusts, or falling objects at the second-highest alert level. Residential property damage is possible, along with landslides and hail.
15:53 More districts decree a state of emergency
As a result of the flood, the districts of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a state of emergency. "Given the present circumstances, given the predictions on water levels, we desire to guarantee that relief operations can be coordinated and delivered as efficiently as possible," opines Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl shares similar thoughts. They deem it necessary, since the local resources are past their limit to deal with several crisis scenes in the impendent hours, states Löwl. Now, relief operations can also be sent to the district from elsewhere.
15:24 Train expects restrictions on Monday
Passengers might also face constraints in rail transportation on Monday due to the weather in southern Germany. The Deutsche Bahn has announced the extension of its leniency regulation until Monday: Those who procured a ticket for travel from Sunday to this Monday and want to postpone their excursion due to weather damage can travel at a later time. The ticket is being declared null & void for these journeys. The degree to which the traffic will be disrupted is unclear, considering a spokesperson. Multiple long-distance routes in the south have been affected. Train services have been canceled, for example, on the tracks Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway suggests avoiding traveling in areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg impacted by flooding.
16:05 Roughly 3,000 individuals in Bavaria evacuated
In Bavaria, around 3,000 people have been impacted by evacuations owing to flooding. This information was disclosed by a spokesperson for the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. For the numerous flood-related operations, near 20,000 personnel are now busy, while 40,000 personnel have been engaged since the outset of the scenario.
15:48 Weather expert: "I can't even conceive of the harm"
According to meteorologist Bernd Fuchs, it can't be expected that the flood situation in the south will alleviate gradually. "Every drop seem excessive," he stressed on ntv. He was asked about a link to the climate crisis and perceived the current state as a "blatant reflection of where the journey could be going."
15:12 Multiple injured during flood work
A person endured a substantial injury from an electrical shock whilst undertaking work in the flooded area of the Upper Bavarian district of Freising. An officer for the Bavarian Police Presidium Upper Bavaria North reported that a 27-year-old employee of an electrical company encountered an electrical shock. The man was extricated from a flooded location near the town hall in Allershausen and airlifted to the hospital by a rescue helicopter. The work was speculated to be closely associated with the flood.
14:42 Shipping on the Upper Rhine is temporary halted
As a result of substantial rainfall in southern Germany, water levels along the Rhine have escalated, and shipping has been temporally halted. Pursuant to the Rhine Flood Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate, shipping has been suspended on a segment of the Upper Rhine between Karlsruhe since Saturday. The water level at the Maximiliansau gauge on Saturday evening surpassed the critical shipping level II of 7.50 meters. On Sunday afternoon, the level was 8.20 meters, but it was assumed to drop once more during the night. Nevertheless, growing water levels are predicted in the coming days further downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. Torrid water levels may pose a hazard to shipping on the significant waterway in the following days on the Middle and Lower Rhine. At the Koblenz gauge, for instance, a level of around 6.10 meters is expected on Tuesday, surpassing which ships can't navigate. On Wednesday, the greatest levels are predicted in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
The Autobahn A9 in Lower Bavaria is closed over a distance of approximately 50 kilometers due to a dam burst. This closure affects the stretch between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. The road is partially submerged in water, and this represents a new challenge for the local law enforcement in the area. There are also ongoing power outages. A significant number of people are impacted by this incident. Steps are being taken to address the situation. Residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are advised by the district administration to evacuate their homes and move to the upper floors.
At 3:23 PM, the Autobahn GmbH stated that the section between Ingolstadt-Süd and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Additionally, there are considerable restrictions on traffic in the area between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahnkreuz Neufahrn. It is advised that the entire region be avoided. There are also further impediments due to flooding on the A8, leading towards Munich, in the region of Sulzemoos.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck links the heavy rains experienced in southern Germany to climate change. He urges greater efforts for climate protection once the flood situation in this area has been alleviated. "The restriction of CO2 emissions is of utmost importance, as time is needed for adaptation. This should not be dismissed or suppressed," Habeck says, during his visit to the severely impacted city of Reichertshofen in Bavaria. The frequency of natural disasters, he adds, is "an obvious indicator that nature and climate are changing." Centennial floods are now happening "every few years," the minister observes.
On Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the areas hit by flooding to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground.
In Offingen, a 22-year-old firefighter remains missing after a rescue operation during the night. This was announced by a spokesperson for the Police Presidium Schwaben South-West. The man, along with a fellow firefighter and three volunteers from the DLRG, was in a boat heading for an evacuation mission around 2:50 AM, when the vessel capsized. Four of the helpers were rescued from the water, but the 22-year-old remains unaccounted for. Two helicopters have been deployed for the search since then. A 42-year-old fireman had already died in the flood operation previously.
Weather conditions are not likely to improve soon in the flood-hit regions of southern Germany. Despite the heaviest rain subsiding, local storms have cropped up, according to ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander.
There's a potential dam break at the Paar. Affected communities include Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are requested to immediately move to higher floors, with the basement and cellar being off-limits. Evacuees must call the fire department at the emergency number 112 if they face any acute emergencies.
The Premier of Bavaria, Markus Söder, has estimated that roughly 40,000 personnel are involved in the relief efforts across the whole state. Söder, who visited Upper Bavaria's Reichertshofen, noted that the primary goal is to organize these efforts efficiently in the next few hours. "Those who have been in service for an extended period need to be relieved," Söder emphasized. "The longer someone works without relief, the higher the risk of making a mistake, becoming exhausted, and thereby endangering their own life and safety."
Starting at 3 PM, dam guards will be stationed in Straubing, as the Donau water level is projected to surpass the highest warning level four. City officials state that fire department personnel will conduct in-person monitoring of the dam, while reporting both the water level and any related damage. Additional sandbags are also being filled.
In Baar-Ebenhausen, within the Pfaffenhofen district, a dam has burst. The associated communities of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching are directed to exit their ground-floor homes and apartments for their safety.
The Autobahn A9 has been shut in both directions between Langenbruck and Ingolstadt-Süd, and it's recommended to stay clear of the area. Further issues with traffic are reported on the A8 near Sulzemoos due to flooding.
In Oppingen, the Donau's rising water level in Straubing necessitates the arrangement of dam guards, starting at 3 PM. The fire department will be stationed to monitor the dam conditions, besides reporting the water's advancing levels and any related damages.
11:37 Chancellor Scholz expresses gratitude to rescuers in flooded regions
The Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, acknowledges the efforts of the rescue workers and assistants in the flood-affected areas. "I'm saddened by the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen," mentions Scholz on a platform. He empathizes with the loss and adds, "My thoughts are with his family and colleagues." In the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, a firefighter lost his life during a relief effort amidst a night-time rescue operation.
11:25 Catholic Day in Erfurt discusses floods
The head of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzinger, extends his greetings to those impacted by the recent storms, particularly those in the southern parts of the country who are currently clearing up or still battling the floods. At the final mass of the Catholic Day in Erfurt before the Erfurt Cathedral, he shared, "We hope that human lives are saved and protected."
10:59 Meckenbeuren regions inundated with water in Bodenseekreis
The communities of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the town of Meckenbeuren in Bodenseekreis are submerged by water. The Schussen river has overflowed and flooded the streets. A spokesperson for the district informs, "About 1,300 people have willingly evacuated their homes to find safety elsewhere on Saturday, while some residents remained in their homes and moved to upper floors." The Schussen's water level reached a record high of 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, surpassing its usual depth of 45 centimeters.
10:34 Bavarian Prime Minister Söder honors fallen firefighter
The Bavarian Prime Minister, Markus Söder, pays homage to a volunteer firefighter who lost his life in a flood relief mission in Bavaria. Reflecting in a post on a platform, Söder says, "His service and dedication to others will be forever remembered." Showing his deep condolences, Söder adds, "We share their grief and pain. This is truly heartbreaking." Reportedly, the firefighter died when a rescue boat overturned due to a submerged house near the towns of Affalterbach and Kempten.
10:09 Ukrainian football team's training postponed due to heavy rainfall
The Ukrainian national football team's final practice before the European Championship qualifier against the German team has been moved from the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg. The shift, which occurred at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, was carried out with the intent to preserve the stadium's lawn. The convenient alternative location for training is Erlangen. Ukraine will face the German national football team on Monday at 8:45 p.m. live on ARD.
09:52 Munich already has 290 firefighting operations due to flooding
Due to continued heavy rainfall, the Munich area is experiencing its share of flooding. Since Saturday at 6:00 a.m., the Munich Fire Department has answered over 290 calls for assistance. Firefighters have primarily focused on pumping floodwater from basements and cellars, and in addition, several fallen trees have made it necessary to close roads. The Isar's water level has surpassed normal levels on Saturday evening.
09:24 Water levels decreasing in Anhausen after dam break
Anhausen's flood situation is gradually improving after a 5-kilometer-away dam broke, causing a rapid surge of water in the area. According to NTV reporter Niklas Diemer, evacuated residents are starting to return. Nonetheless, the water level remains a concern in other areas.
09:08 Technical Relief Organization (THW) dispatches further assistance to flooded southern Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has dispatched additional personnel to the southern German regions affected by flooding. Over the course of the day, more than 1,800 personnel have been mobilized. The assistance network involves securing dams, filling sandbags, and providing aid in evacuating residents in flooded areas. Concurrently, firefighters and other emergency units continue their operations.
08:47 Heavy rainfall poses risks in southern Baden-Wuerttemberg
Continuous rainfall impacts many in Germany's southern regions, particularly East Baden-Wuerttemberg, where there's a possible risk of a devastating flood. Rescuers and helpers are exhausting their resources in managing the ongoing flood situation.
08:13 ICE train to be rescued after morning landslide
Though a railroad line was damaged in Schwäbisch Gmünd by a landslide in Baden-Wuerttemberg, the rescue of the affected ICE train is anticipated for the morning. A spokesperson informs that a rescue locomotive has joined the effort. Uncertainty remains regarding the timeline of the closure. In the meantime, a regional train has successfully navigated through the area bypassing the ICE train. On Saturday, an ICE train, carrying 185 passengers, derailed after a landslide.
An individual is unaccounted for in Schrobenhausen. It is presumed they were in the basement of a house when the deluge arrived. The cellar and parts of the higher level are now submerged, confirmed a spokesperson from the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district office. Emergency services are unable to access the residence at present.
07:44 A firefighter perishes in the floods of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
In Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, a firefighter succumbs in the floods. He overturned with three colleagues in a rescue boat and was found deceased following sunrise, stated a representative of the district office.
07:29 The water levels move downstream - further level 4 alerts in numerous locations
In Bavaria, there remain high water levels at several gauges with alert level 4. The focus remains on the southern tributaries Donau-Nebenflüsse Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Donau. The peak was attained during the night. The direction of the movement of the floodwater is towards Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potentially affected are Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, Straubing, among others. The peak is projected to reach these regions early next week. In particular, Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, as well as Abensberg in the Kelheim district, are expected to experience rising water levels on Sunday.
06:54 Weather service anticipates additional heavy rain in the south
Extensive regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg face a risk of further thunderstorms and heavy rain, according to the forecast provided by the German Weather Service (DWD) on Sunday. From midday through Monday night, there is a possibility of even more thunderstorms. Additional flooded streets and basements are possible. There is also a likelihood of damage from strikes of lightning.
05:39 Augsburg district amplifies evacuation directives
In the flooded areas of the Bavarian district of Augsburg, authorities have issued more evacuation alerts. The residents of the communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen are mandated to leave their homes at once, cautions the Integrated Control Center early in the morning. Busses are being provided for people who are unable to evacuate the zones on their own. Also, other sections of the district were previously summoned to leave their homes on Saturday evening and all through the night. Under threat are predominantly communities along the Schmutter river, a sub-river of the Danube.
05:05 Wiesbaden gets ready for advancing water levels from the Rhine and Main rivers
Officials in Wiesbaden are taking preemptive actions against advancing water levels from the Rhine and Main rivers. The fire department reports that a flood barrier has been installed in the Kostheim area, and a pump has been positioned in the riverside district of Schierstein. Areas close to the river should be avoided in the next few days, the fire department cautions. There is presently no anticipation that additional interventions will be required.
04:04 Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is suspended
On account of a landslide in the Baden-Wuertemberg town of Schwaebisch Gmuend, there is currently cessation of long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. A railway spokesperson could not ascertain how long the line would stay shut in the early morning. The landslide obstructs the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, as there was previously no long-distance transport feasible between Ulm and Augsburg due to the flood in southern Germany, and prolonged trains had to be re-routed.
03:13 THW in Ulm fills 30,000 sandbags
In a nocturnal operation, forces of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm amassed 30,000 sandbags for swamped and flood-prone areas in Baden-Wuertemberg and Bavaria. 30,000 sandbags were to be transported on Sunday night, reported Bernd Urban, head of the THW logistics center. "We currently can fill 400 sandbags per hour." Sandbags are sought by assorted districts of operation in the southwest and not only from the neighboring federal state. Persistent rainfall has brought about significantly swollen water levels in Baden-Wuertemberg and Bavaria at various locations.
02:25 Red Cross sends water rescuers to Gunzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is deploying water rescuers from Unterfranken to the aid operations in Swabia. The water rescue unit is slated to be situated in the significantly impacted area of Gunzburg, as the Red Cross announced in the evening. The water rescue teams from the entire Unterfranken region are proficient in flood relief operations, including two boat and diving teams. In the Swabian district of Gunzburg, several streams have attained the levels of a century-flood. This signifies a flood that transpires on average once in 100 years.
Recently, a train with 185 passengers derailed in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Baden-Wuerttemberg, due to a landslide. Fortunately, everyone remained unharmed. The two wagons at the front of the ICE train came off the tracks around 23:20 without tipping over. The landslide spanned about 30 meters across. Passengers will be staying in a nearby kindergarten temporarily before being bussed to Plüderhausen.
In Schwaebisch Gmuend, a car encountered a landslide, but the driver escaped injury. The landslide happened by the road and rail tracks in this town located approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, heavy rain has been a common occurrence in the area, including Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Neu-Ulm surpassed the maximum flooding on the Danube and Iller rivers, as estimated by the city administration. Although the high-water levels were substantial, the 100-year flood didn't happen. The Donauuferweg and Radweg along the Danube and Iller rivers remain closed at this time.
In Munich, the Fire Department has issued a warning about potential hazards at the Isar riverbank due to the high water levels. Two popular walking paths near the river have been closed, and the Isar has reached alert level 2, which includes flooding on non-built areas or disruptions on roads due to high water.
At the same time, the authorities in Upper Bavaria are readying to evacuate 670 individuals in Schrobenhausen. The fire department and rescue services are using excavators and boats in the Mühlried district and a street along the Weilach River for this operation. The hotline for emergency situations has also been activated. The district had issued a state of emergency earlier. The district administrator, Peter von der Grün, notes the situation is most pressing in the southern section of Upper Bavaria.
Eastern Thuringia has witnessed numerous fire brigade interventions due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Gera's control center has confirmed this. Ronneburg in the Greiz district is one of the locations significantly impacted by the events, with flooded roads, fields, and cellars. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a small stream exceeded its banks.
While heavy rain is predicted to subside in the south, no significant relief is yet visible, according to the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Though massive rainfall is not expected tonight, new showers and thunderstorms will approach from the north, increasing the potential for localized flooding. These showers might be intense and move slowly, making the ground more susceptible to flooding if they hit the already-saturated landscape. High-risk zones include the Swabian Alb, as well as regions around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
Freising has also declared a disaster situation as a result of the overflowing rivers and streams. The district expects record-breaking water levels on the Amper and Glonn rivers. The district office cautions that the town of Hohenkammer and all its neighboring towns along the Amper River are at risk considering the expected large-scale flood. The district encourages residents to prepare for this extreme situation, such as emptying their cellars. A total of ten Bavarian districts have now issued disaster declarations.
Consequently, Dillingen in southern Bavaria has initiated a disaster situation due to the unceasing rainfall. The Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, has worsened its condition, as reported by the district office. The district is requesting help from the Bundeswehr as it anticipates a 100-year flood on the small river, which could affect Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While plans are made to release water from the swollen Danube into Riedstrom, the former natural floodplain of the river, the district office advises farmers to keep their animals in secure stables.
9:09 PM: Eighth commune in Bavaria declares disaster status
The district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen in Bavaria has announced a disaster due to the rising Donau and its tributaries, as reported by the district's office. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt expects level 4 at the Neuburg gauge tonight. The situation at the Paar, which is a Donau tributary, and the Weilach, which then flows into the Paar, is particularly dire. According to the district office, the Weilach has already overflowed in the Schrobenhausen district of Mühldorf and has flooded a residential area. The authorities are preparing to evacuate residents there, as per the district administrator, Peter von der Grün. The situation is alarming, especially in the southern region of the district. Von der Grün emphasized that protecting roads, bridges, and paths is a top priority. "Only then can the fire departments continue to be deployed for operations," he said.
7:34 PM: Life-threatening situation: Red Cross rescues people from roofs using helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has rescued two individuals from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. According to a BRK spokesperson, the individuals were in a life-threatening situation. Their house in the district of Unterallgäu was at risk of collapsing due to the massive volumes of water. Other people were also evacuated from their homes using inflatable boats. The rescue teams helped over 100 people to safety, including dozens of children.
7:13 PM: People are urged to leave their homes in several places near Augsburg
Water rescuers had to extract people from their cars, who could not open their doors due to the water masses. According to the spokesperson, a situation like this can quickly become life-threatening due to the current and the rising water in the car.
In several municipalities of the Augsburg district, people are being asked to leave their homes and apartments due to the imminent flooding. The situation will worsen in the northern part of the district later, says a spokeswoman for the Augsburg district administration. Areas affected include parts of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has set up a refuge at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
6:48 PM: Bundeswehr aid in flood-affected areas in Bavaria
Bundeswehr soldiers are offering support in the fight against the floods in Bavaria. "The Bundeswehr is aiding the two districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg since both districts have requested assistance," says a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Army Command to the radio station Antenne Bayern. "In the area around Günzburg, blankets and mattresses are being distributed. In the Aichach-Friedberg district, approximately 50 female and male Bundeswehr soldiers are expected in the next few hours. In addition, two Bundeswehr vehicles are in use."
6:20 PM: Faeser promises additional support
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has assured the regions affected by flooding in southern Germany of further support. "Due to the heavy, persistent rain and impending floods, the THW is prepared nationwide to deploy additional forces," says the SPD politician in Berlin, referring to the Technical Relief Organization (THW). "We will continuously support the affected federal states with all available forces." According to Faeser, there are currently 520 THW helpers and employees in action. They have saved people, secured dikes, and pumped water. Faeser also thanked all volunteers: "I would like to thank all the volunteers very much who are currently fighting against the water masses and tirelessly work to save lives." People in the Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions affected by flooding should heed the warnings and instructions of the authorities, Faeser stated. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
6:08 PM: Rescue of 29 climbers at Zugspitze
The climbers in distress at Zugspitze (see Live Ticker entry at 3:15 PM) have been rescued. 29 individuals have been escorted to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at the Zugspitzplatt by the mountain rescue service, the mountain rescue service reported. From different groups, distress calls were made. They were not able to continue further on about 2500 meters altitude, about 900 meters before the Sonnalpin, due to poor weather and new snow. The mountain rescue service responded. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also en route with snow groomers to search for the climbers, says a spokeswoman for the Zugspitzbahn.
5:42 PM: Weather warning for areas of Brandenburg
The German Weather Service (DWD) warns about the dangers of severe thunderstorms for parts of Brandenburg. For the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree, the second highest warning level applies until the night, the DWD reports. There may be lightning strikes, falling trees or high-voltage lines, falling objects, swift flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
18:11 Water on the motorway - Part of A3 closed in Bavaria
The A3 motorway in Bavaria, near Regensburg, is currently closed in both directions over a stretch of approximately ten kilometers between Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The road surface is flooded, according to the Police Presidium Upper Palatinate. A spokesperson explains that the water is pushing onto the motorway from the surrounding fields. The traffic police in Regensburg, Autobahnmeisterei, fire department, and police are all present at the scene. The authorities plan to divert traffic, the spokesperson adds.
17:51 Prison in Memmingen evacuated due to flooding
The prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated due to the risk of flooding. Nonstopnews reports that up to 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach, a small river that flows directly past the prison, has swollen into a raging stream and threatens to flood the prison. Parts of the prison's courtyard are already submerged in water. This could lead to a power outage, prompting the prison administration to make the decision to evacuate. The police have arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to carry out the evacuation. However, it had to be done along flooded streets, as the approach road was also flooded. The fire department is also on hand to help, using pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35 Torrential rain leads to water levels reaching level 4
Heavy rain is causing water levels to rise to Level 4 at several locations in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are swelling at an alarming rate. The Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Fischach (Schmutter) gauges, as reported by the flood warning service (HND), have already exceeded Level 4. The same is true for the Regen in Cham in the Upper Palatinate. Centuries-old floods have been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).
The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is expected to reach its peak in Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, although the water levels are already starting to recede in the lower Iller. Travelers should expect Meldestufe 3 in the northern tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, with some gauges experiencing Meldestufe 1 and 2 levels, increased over time. The water levels between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 during the day, followed by the Pegel Kelheim at night. The further course of the Danube to Passau is also expected to experience increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2.
17:23 Munich Airport's flight operations continue despite heavy rain
Despite heavy rainfall in many areas of Bavaria, Munich Airport is still able to operate normally. So far, no flights have needed to be canceled. There are several reasons for this. "We can see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways," said airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm to Bayerischer Rundfunk. The airport is built slightly higher, and its runways are sunken on the sides, allowing water to drain off. In addition, the runways are "grooved," which helps accelerate water runoff. Wilhelm also noted that there is currently no danger of aquaplaning at the airport.
17:07 Söder: "This is where the real action begins"
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder is witnessing the situation firsthand in the areas most affected by the storm. He expressed his gratitude to the helpers and officials during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Bavaria is "crisis-tested," Söder said, with Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann in attendance. The situation is an "extreme burden" for the citizens, the Minister-President adds. And he continued, "This is not yet over. This is where the real action begins." The focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, so resources, such as sandbags, are being gathered there. "Without helpers, we would have no chance," Söder said to the rescue services, including the fire department, Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. They all demonstrated outstanding commitment. Söder also spoke to the citizens, urging them to follow safety rules. Evacuation orders should be obeyed, not to return to the cellar or attempt to drive the car out of the garage.
16:35 No trains running anymore due to storms and floods
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also disrupting rail travel. According to Deutsche Bahn, there are train disruptions and cancellations in Southern Germany. Two ICE lines are particularly affected, as a spokeswoman confirms. There will be no trains running between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. For more information on track closures, cancellations, and delays, please visit the DB website.
The disaster situation has expanded to the Bavarian region of Unterallgäu. In the town of Babenhausen, a portion of the mobile network has gone down. People who need assistance and are unable to make a call should put up a white cloth or sheet through their window to signal their need for help, as suggested by the district's administration. Babenhausen has already seen people being saved from their homes with inflatable boats.
In relation to the storms happening in South Germany, approximately 400 teams from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently assisting. The THW in Bonn released this information. They are pumping out water, securing dams, and evacuating people preemptively. "With persistent and heavy rain, the THW is preparing to deploy even more THW forces," they mentioned. In the affected areas, mobile flood monitors will be installed and tracked, the THW continued. "Due to further weather predictions and the imminent flooding in the near future, the THW is preparing to deploy more THW forces." Teams are, therefore, on standby throughout the country. Each rescue team encompasses 40 THW members who operate 3 sewage pumps, a generator, an exploration vehicle, and a command post. Each rescue team is capable of pumping up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
Here's a map that shows all the current flood alerts. The map is updated frequently.
A 26-person mountain climbing group is believed to be trapped several hundred meters short of the Zugspitze's summit. As per BR, 60 centimeters of fresh snow have accumulated on the mountain, while it's raining continuously in the valley. It's significantly colder than freezing, with visibility being around 100 meters. Several rescue teams have set out in the blizzard to locate the climbers, according to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountain Rescue Service. The group is physically drained and may not be well-equipped. No reason has been given for why they attempted to ascend the Zugspitze despite the inclement weather conditions.
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has declared a state of disaster. This measure is intended to "bring together all forces so that the anticipated water levels can be addressed more swiftly and effectively," explained District Administrator Stefan Rössle in a statement. "It's crucial to stay composed and, if feasible, stay away from low-lying areas at this time," Rössle added.
Disaster has been declared in the Swabian district of Augsburg. This move is aimed to "bring all forces together to speed up and improve the preparation process for the predicted water levels," Donau-Ries District Administrator Martin Sailer said in a statement. "Please maintain your composure and, if possible, stay away from low-lying areas," Sailer urged.
A dam break has occurred near Augsburg, along with a dike breach. The district administration in Augsburg has reported this. Residents in certain streets in Diedorf must leave their homes. Arrangements are being made for an evacuation in the Anhausen neighborhood of Diedorf. "It is no longer safe to move to higher floors," the district administration in Augsburg said. A dam in Burgwalden has broken, and a dike in Anhauser Weiher has also failed. All occupants of the affected districts are instructed to leave their homes independently within the next hour and go to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. An evacuation is being arranged. Authorities also urge people to steer clear of train underpasses. The risk to life is high.
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann will visit the flood area in the Augsburg District on Saturday. The two CSU politicians want to see the flood scenario firsthand in Diedorf. District Administrator Martin Sailer will accompany them. The location for their visit was changed due to circumstances. In Diedorf, the evacuation of residents is under way. The flood situation in Bavaria is especially severe in Swabia. The districts of Augsburg and Aichach-Friedberg have now joined Günzburg in declaring a disaster situation.
The situation in Meckenbeuren remains tense. The Schussen river in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis continues to rise. The river was at a level of 4.72 meters in the afternoon, according to a municipality official. Here's hoping that the crest will emerge soon. The flood in Meckenbeuren in 2021 saw the river reach a height of 4.50 meters. The river usually only handles 45 centimeters of water at this point. On Friday evening, Meckenbeuren informed roughly 1,300 people to leave their homes as a precaution. Most of them went to stay with friends or relatives. Only a limited number of individuals chose the emergency shelter. In the municipality of 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed as a precaution.
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The 'Live ticker' updates continue to report on the ongoing flood situation in various regions of Germany.
In the third update at 08:41, it was announced that the Paar river dam in the Ilm district of Upper Bavaria's Pfaffenhofen had broken at three sites, leading to evacuations and displacement of residents.
Later, at 08:21, another dam in Manching, also part of the Pfaffenhofen district, broke, necessitating similar evacuation measures as the previous incident.
Furthermore, the 'Live ticker' mentioned that at 06:16, evacuations were ordered for homes near Stuttgart due to flooding in the Filstal area, and at 05:33, people were evacuated from parts of Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen in the Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg, due to worsening floods.
