Torrents of water engulf automobiles in Rudersberg at 14:29.
Severe flooding in Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg has swept away numerous vehicles including some that ended up on train tracks and in a well. Remnants of households are scattered across the streets. A significant amount of debris has amassed on a bridge. This area in the Rems-Murr district has been largely impacted by the floods due to heavy rain.
14:04 After an eleven-year hiatus, the Donau dam is at risk of collapseResidents of Niederalteich have witnessed a flood disaster nearly a decade ago. Over the years, the dam has been repaired, but one section is still incomplete. The dam is now in danger of breaking at this precise location.
13:38 Traffic on A9 restored - congestion control towards MunichThe A9, which was partially shut down due to a dam burst in Upper Bavaria, has been reopened for traffic. However, a traffic control system has been implemented in the direction of Munich, as stated by a police spokesperson. Only 300 vehicles are currently permitted to drive through the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck. Later, the road will be closed for a while. The police spokesperson couldn't provide an explanation for this decision initially. The A9 towards Nuremberg opened earlier. "Please remember that this could change again!" warns the police.
13:11 Scholz: Solidarity is essentialFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his thoughts during a visit to the flooded Bavarian area: "Nature's force is enormous," says the SPD politician in Reichertshofen south of Ingolstadt. Solidarity is necessary right now. Assistance should also persist from the federal government. Numerous emergency services, including those from the Bundeswehr, are already on-site. Scholz expresses gratitude to all helpers and commemorates a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. Such flood incidents are occurring with increasing frequency due to climate change. He's been to an aid location four times this year.
12:44 Fire department extracts tour bus driver from a flooded streetThe fire department has saved an 81-year-old driver from the flood in the Upper Palatinate. The man parked his vehicle on a flooded street in the Market town of Hahnbach near Nuremberg to observe the inundation of the Vils. However, his car became trapped in the water. The driver managed to climb onto the roof of his car via the sunroof and requested assistance. A passerby alerted the authorities. The fire department dispatched a specialized vehicle and rescued both the car and driver from the water.
12:10 Danube cruise ship evacuation underway in DeggendorfAccording to Bavarian Broadcasting (BR), evacuation efforts continue for a Danube cruise ship in Deggendorf. The ship, carrying 150 passengers from the US and England, cannot continue its voyage on the Danube due to the flooding. Thomas Kindel, head of disaster control at the Deggendorf district office, says a workboat has been tied to the harbor, capable of transporting 25-30 people to shore at a time.
11:51 The Danube's floodwater level is comparable to the 2002 disaster - possibly causing a second surge
The Danube's water level is increasing more and more: The Danube Flood Warning Service Bavaria anticipates that the Danube downstream of Regensburg will have the same volume of water as the 2002 flood. This is evident in the Isar's flooding into the Danube in Deggendorf, says a spokesperson for the flood warning service. The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe with a total length of 2,850 kilometers. In Passau, a water level of 10.80 meters was recorded at the Ilzstadt gauging station on August 13, 2002. By Monday morning, the level was 7.77 meters - increasing steadily. Weather expert Paul Heger provides a summary of the precarious flooding situation and forecasts the potential dangers for the next couple of days.
11:23 Body of missing woman found in flooded basementSearch and rescue teams have retrieved the body of a 43-year-old woman from a flooded cellar in extensively flooded Upper Bavaria, Schrobenhausen. She had been missing since Sunday, according to a police spokesperson.
11:21 Water levels of Rems and Murr continue to rise - nursing home evacuatedDespite the lack of heavy rainfall, officials undergo precautionary measures and expect a hazardous situation with rising water levels in the Ludwigsburg district. "Even though heavy rainfall has stopped at the moment, we anticipate an increase in Rems and Murr water levels," says the district administrator, Dietmar Allgaier. Authorities in Remseck anticipate the peak of the Rems has not yet been reached. The emergency management team is monitoring the situation and collaborating with rescue services. Approximately 250 firefighters are actively involved. A nursing home in Steinheim an der Murr was evacuated on Monday morning, and residents were distributed to alternative accommodations.
With excessive rainfall, the main waterway in Germany, the Rhine, is partially shut down for inland shipping. "Inland shipping on the Upper Rhine has been halted," said a rep from the Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSA). "Key water marks have been exceeded at the peg levels." Those regions affected are Maxau near Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Worms. At the Middle Rhine, which is the area between Mainz and Bonn, there might be closures on Tuesday or Wednesday. "The forecast suggests the closures won't be long," stated the rep. The intention behind the closures is to prevent damage to the water banks instigated by the waves from the ships, which can cause flooding in areas like basements. The ships create waves that can erode the banks and cause floods.
10:27: North Rhine-Westphalia dispatches aid to the Bavarian flood zone
North Rhine-Westphalia is sending five water rescue units encompassing forty-eight helpers, ten vehicles, eight trailers, and six boats to the flood area near Landau an der Isar. The request to assist was granted by the Bavarian government on Sunday night. The rescue teams were subsequently sent.
10:04: Residents evacuated in Ebersbach an der Fils
In the heavily impacted town of Ebersbach an der Fils to the south of Stuttgart, inhabitants of multiple streets are being moved to safer zones. A town spokesperson is unable to determine how many people are affected currently. The residents had been contacted previously and instructed to pack crucial documents and essential items in anticipation of the flooding. Due to the flooding circumstances, all schools and municipal kindergartens will be closed for the day, according to an announcement on the town's Facebook page.
09:41: Rescuers seek 43-year-old in Schrobenhausen
In Schrobenhausen, a location in the Pfaffenhofen district, another missing woman, 43-years-old, is being searched for by police using a helicopter and divers. It was previously reported that she was found dead, but the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation has since retracted this information, asserting that the woman is still missing. An officer from the police department mentioned that since divers couldn't penetrate the flooded basement of the house the previous day, pumps are now being used in the building, expressing their hope to find the 43-year-old, who was last seen in the basement of her house.
09:12: Söder: The Bavaria flood crisis will continue for several more days
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder expects the flood crisis to continue occupying the state's disaster control authorities for an additional few days. "It is improving a bit, but it is not over," he stated on Monday morning on Deutschlandfunk. Even if the rain stops, the water levels of the larger rivers will still rise due to the inflow, he accentuated. "Most people assume it will last until Wednesday or Thursday."
08:41: Third dam bursts in the Pfaffenhofen district
The dam of the river Paar in the Upper Bavarian Pfaffenhofen district has now broken at three locations. As stated by a representative for the district administration. The inhabitants of Baar-Ebenhausen and Manching have been advised to vacate their ground floors and find refuge in higher ones. Over 800 people were evacuated from Baar-Ebenhausen. In the Grund- and Mittelschule Reichertshofen, around 250 affected individuals were accommodated. The Paar is a tributary of the Danube. In Vohburg, the Danube is being monitored more intently, safety measures are being taken. The A9 motorway remains shut in both directions between Ingolstadt and Langenbruck, per the information.
08:21: Dam in Manching has ruptured
In Manching-Pichl in the Pfaffenhofen district, yet another dam has fractured, as reported by a district administration spokeswoman. Inhabitants are being told to leave the ground floors of their homes and seek shelter in higher levels, as well as to heed any evacuation orders from the fire department. Impacted streets are said to be Benediktstraße, Martinstraße, and Peterstraße.
08:01: Firefighters trapped by water in Rudersberg
In Rudersberg within the Rems-Murr-Kreis of Baden-Württemberg, even the firefighters were taken by surprise by the quickly rising water. Firefighters attempted to save residents but were forced to abandon their rescue efforts due to the rapidly increasing floods. The fire department members were able to escape to the upper floors of buildings and had to remain there for several hours. The fire station itself was also submerged under water. Vehicles were moved to higher areas, but these were also flooded moments later. Two vehicles could not be moved in a manner that was considered safe.
The water levels of the Danube are rising rapidly, prompting Regensburg to declare a disaster. The Eiserne Brücke gauge has reached a height of 5.90 meters, according to the Bavarian flood warning service. On Tuesday, the average was approximately 2.70 meters. The gauge from the last major flood on June 4, 2013 recorded a water level of 6.82 meters.
In other news, emergency responders in Günzburg used a police helicopter to rescue twelve individuals from balconies and rooftops due to rising water masses. This included a family with three children, one of whom was only a week old. Boat rescue was no longer feasible due to the flooding.
Rescue services in Manching fear a potential dam break. The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt has issued a warning for residents to remain on upper floors and avoid basements and underground garages. The previous day, a dam had broken in Baar-Ebenhausen.
In Uhingen, located south of Stuttgart, people were evacuated from houses due to flooding in the Filstal. There have been no injuries reported, but an extraordinary emergency situation has been declared. The neighborhood in question is in the midst of the Fils, where Göppingen district administration estimates that many individuals could be in perilous situations.
The situation is worsening in the Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg, with evacuations taking place in various communities, including Leinzell, Heuchlingen, and Göggingen. Leinzell is considering evacuating the entire town. About 250 to 300 people have been taken to safe locations.
Baden-Württemberg has sent emergency response teams to assist neighboring Bavaria. Three "Sanitation and Care" units have been deployed to support people who had to leave their homes due to the floods. A water rescue vehicle from Ulm will also be used to aid in the evacuation of residents.
Esslingen is taking precautions by building a provisional dam to prevent potential flooding within the city. The peak is expected in the early morning hour, and possible flooding in the canals could be the result. Nearly 1,500 tons of stone and sand will be piled up during the night and Monday morning. Traffic disruptions can be expected in the vicinity. The city has advised residents in inner city and Oberesslingen against entering cellars and underground garages due to the volatile flood situation.
In Ebersbach an der Fils, certain residents are being prepared for evacuation. The city has asked people from certain streets to pack their important documents and belongings, with the fire department Ebersbach set to assist.
All weather warnings for heavy thunderstorms with intense rain have been lifted, yet there are still potential for heavy rain in southern Germany. Starting from noon, areas south of the Danube and around the Bavarian Forest are at risk. Sporadic thunderstorms are also a possible outcome.
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Armed response teams in Günzburg employed a helicopter to save twelve people from balconies and rooftops as waters inundated the city. A family with three children, one being only a week old, was among those rescued. Due to the surging water, boat rescue was no longer viable.
The Integrated Control Center Ingolstadt has predicted a potential breach in the dam at Manching. They urge residents to stay on higher floors, steering clear of basements and underground parking garages. On the preceding day, a dam collapse transpired in Baar-Ebenhausen.
As disaster strikes Uhingen, a town south of Stuttgart, residents had to be relocated due to flooding in the Filstal. No injuries have been reported, and the town imposed an extra emergency state. Evacuations took place in areas deemed high-risk.
Baden-Württemberg has pitched in to assist nearby Bavaria by dispatching emergency crews. Three "Sanitation and Care" units have been dispatched, in addition to a water rescue vehicle from Ulm in support of the evacuation of citizens.
Esslingen is constructing a temporary dam to prevent forecasted inundation. The city warned that peak hours would be early morning, and intermittent flooding in the canals could result. Approximately 1,500 tons of stone and sand will be used to create the improvised barrier throughout the night and Monday morning. Traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area.
Ebersbach an der Fils, a town to the south of Stuttgart, has urged certain residents to prepare for evacuation. They are advised to gather necessary documents and essentials in anticipation of a precautionary move. The city urged that people occupy higher floors in their dwellings.
After lifting all severe warnings for thunderstorms with heavy rainfall in Germany, the German Weather Service cautions that southern areas might still confront heavy showers that could lead to torrential downpours.
4:04 Officials complain about tourists causing issues during the flood rescue operations in Augsburg.
The tourists are causing problems for the emergency responders in Augsburg by visiting areas that are potentially dangerous. The authorities warn people to stay away from these areas, as the high flood waves can easily surprise and the banks can collapse. They also advise against going to flooded roads and underpasses as the manhole covers might be lifted by the pressure in the sewer.
01:14 Baden-Württemberg's leaders to visit flood-stricken areas.
On Monday, Baden-Württemberg's minister president Winfried Kretschmann and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl will visit two different flood-affected areas in the state. They will start in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis in the morning and then visit Erbach in the Alb-Donau-Kreis later. Kretschmann had initially planned to visit the affected areas immediately but then decided against it due to the rescue teams being overwhelmed and limiting their resources.
23:50 Emergency in Ebersbach an der Fils due to flooding.
The small town of Ebersbach an der Fils has declared a full alarm Sunday evening due to the flood. All firefighters are on duty as water masses have broken through a noise barrier on the B10 and flooded the road. The residents were given a stern warning not to visit the flooded areas or run into the water as it might contain unseen manhole covers that can cause a significant danger. The people were also advised not to go into their basements and to stay on the upper floors.
23:16 Another casualty in the storm in South Germany.
Due to the storm in South Germany, a 43-year-old person has unfortunately lost their life.
Correction: Previously, it was incorrectly reported that the person found was female. The accurate report is that the missing person is a 43-year-old person who is still being searched for.
22:16 Blitz strikes signal box causing disruption in train traffic near Dresden.
As a result of a lightning strike that damaged the signal box, the railway traffic was disrupted in the Dresden area in the evening. This mainly affected the regional train service from Dresden to Bautzen and Görlitz. The affected signal box in Radeberg, located east of the state capital, was repaired within a couple of hours, and train traffic was back to normal.
22:00 A nursing home in Lauingen is being evacuated.
A nursing home located near the Danube in Lauingen is being evacuated to ensure the permanent care of the residents.
21:30 Multiple communities near the Danube and Schmutter must be evacuated due to a dam breach.
Several communities near the Danube and Schmutter in Donau-Ries district have been evacuated due to the massive breach of a dam. These communities include Auchsesheim, Heißesheim, parts of Nordheim, Mertingen, Asbach-Bäumenheim, and Urfahrhof. The district office urges people to remain calm, pack their belongings, and follow the instructions of the emergency services. Additionally, emergency shelters are provided.
21:03 Scholz and Faeser to visit flood area in northern Bavaria.Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will visit the Bavarian flood area on Monday, along with Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, and the President of the Technical Relief Organization, Sabine Lackner, in Reichertshofen in the Upper Bavarian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.
Approximately 40 schools in eight districts in Bavaria will be closed for in-person classes during the upcoming week due to the current flooding conditions. These districts include Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Aichach-Friedberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Dachau, Dillingen, and Augsburg. In Aichach-Friedberg, for instance, all Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools will not have in-person classes on Monday, along with the district's grammar schools, vocational and professional high schools, and special education centers. Wertingen in the district of Dillingen will also have all schools shut down. Some kindergartens in Pfaffenhofen will remain closed on Monday, as well. In Schrobenhausen, in-person classes will be canceled at Grund-, Mittel- and Realschools, as well as the vocational school, the special education center, and the gymnasium on Monday and Tuesday.
19:49 Around 30 towns in Swabia are experiencing power outages. Power provider LEW reports these disruptive incidents, which are primarily observed in districts such as Gunzburg, Augsburg, and Dillingen. Emergency crews are working to restore power service by switching to alternative power lines, leveraging their capabilities given the circumstances. The duration of individual outages varies depending on the on-site conditions.
19:11 More than 1,000 individuals have been evacuated and relocated to gyms and Legoland in the Bavarian town of Günzburg. District Administrator Hans Reichart shared this news with Bayerischer Rundfunk. Günzburg's escalating flood scenario necessitated additional evacuation efforts. River levels had risen significantly in recent hours, necessitating the evacuation of these individuals for their safety.
18:42 The Meteorological Service (DWD) in Germany advises citizens to be prepared for substantial rainfall, predominantly in the southern regions. Anticipating extreme rainfall on Sunday evening, meteorologists in Offenbach highlight areas such as Stuttgart, where the potential for torrential rain is higher. The Alps, stretching from Saxony to southern Brandenburg and Berlin, may experience heavy rainfall alongside potentially severe thunderstorms. The Black Forest, Swabian Alb, and the Alpine Foreland to the Bavarian Forest regions are likely to encounter powerful thunderstorms, with rainfall accumulations between 39-40 liters per square meter per hour. On Monday morning, meteorologists expect showers in the Alpine Foreland south of the Danube, followed by heavy rainfalls later in the Bavarian Forest.
18:07 The Mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, has declared a disaster alert, owing to the worsening flood situation in the Danube region. The growing demands and resulting need for additional manpower precipitated this declaration. Straubing's Danube water level surpassed six meters, and the disaster level is forecasted to surpass three in the near future. The flood warning service issues four levels of warning: at level 1, expect minor overflows, while at level 4, extensive flooding can occur in built-up areas. Concomitant safety measures are progressing well, but some road closures due to flooding have already been enacted.
17:34 Meckenbeuren, a partially flooded community in Friedrichshafen, warns against high water tourism. The community asserts that curious onlookers would impede rescue operations and put themselves and others at risk. Instruction: stay clear of the flood area and strictly adhere to road and bridge closures. The Schussen river overflowed its banks, flooding streets and homes in the communities of Kehlen and Brochenzell on Saturday night.
17:11 The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issues an official warning for severe thunderstorms in the Brandenburg Oder-Spree district. Heavy downpours, lightning strikes, strong winds, and falling objects are potential dangers with the second-highest warning level extending through Sunday afternoon. This warning also includes the likelihood of house damage, landslides, and hail.
The districts of Dachau and Kelheim have been affected by floods, prompting them to declare a disaster. "Our current situation, coupled with the impending water level forecasts, is still tense," explains Kelheim's district administrator Martin Neumeyer. "We want to ensure that our relief efforts are as well-coordinated and well-equipped as possible," he adds. Dachau's district administrator Stefan Löwl echoes these sentiments, stating that the situation called for this measure as local forces are no longer enough to handle the many deployment sites in the upcoming hours. This decision allows for reinforcements to be sent to the district.
Train travelers should anticipate constraints on Monday due to the weather in southern Germany. The German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) will extend their leniency rule for tickets purchased from Sunday to Monday. Those who need to postpone their journey due to weather-related damage can travel at a later time. The extent of the traffic disruption is still undetermined, but several long-distance tracks in the south are affected. Canceled trains include the Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and the Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich lines. The railway advises against traveling in areas impacted by flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Approximately 3,000 people in Bavaria have been affected by evacuations due to flooding, according to a spokeswoman from the Bavarian Interior Ministry in Munich. A force of about 20,000 people is currently involved in flood relief efforts, with a total of 40,000 forces engaged in the situation.
Meteorologist Bernd Fuchs warns that the high water situation in the south may not improve. "I can't even imagine the damage," he says. Asked about the potential link between the weather situation and the climate crisis, he states that "this is a clear sign of where we're heading."
During efforts to manage the floods in the Upper Bavarian district of Freising, a man sustained life-threatening injuries from an electric shock. A spokesman for the Upper Bavaria North Police Department revealed that a 27-year-old employee of an energy company had a power outage. The man was rescued from a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen and was flown to a hospital by a rescue helicopter. It is presumed that the work was related to the floods.
Shipping on the Upper Rhine has been temporarily suspended due to the heavy rainfall in South Germany. On a segment of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe, boats cannot sail since Saturday, as stated by the High Water Forecasting Center Rhineland-Palatinate. The water level in Maximiliansau reached the critical shipping high water mark II of 7.50 meters on Saturday evening. By Sunday afternoon, it was recorded at 8.20 meters, but it was forecasted to drop again at night on Monday. However, increasing water levels are expected downstream: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. On the Middle and Lower Rhine, high water levels could also develop in the coming days, posing a threat to shipping on this significant waterway. At the Koblenz gauge, a Tuesday level of about 6.10 meters is expected, above which no ships can navigate. Additionally, on Wednesday, the highest levels are predicted in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
The Autobahn A9 is closed on a 50-kilometer section in the Pfaffenhofen district due to a dam break. The affected stretch covers the road between Allershausen and Ingolstadt. A spokesman for the Upper Bavaria North police headquarters reports that the area is flooded, and there are also power outages. Numerous people are affected, and efforts are being made to resolve the issue. The district administration has urged residents of the towns of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to leave their ground floor homes and move to higher levels.
Update 3:23 p.m.: The Autobahn GmbH reports that the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. Additionally, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn interchange Neufahrn is severely constricted. It is advised to bypass the entire zone.
Minister of Economy, Robert Habeck, urges increased efforts towards climate protection shortly after the flood disaster in South Germany is dealt with. "The containment of CO2 emissions, ensuring we have adequate time to adjust, should not be underplayed or overlooked, yet remains our utmost priority," he states during a visit to Bavaria's Reichertshofen. He adds, "The frequency of these natural disasters is a stark indication that nature and climate are evolving rapidly." Once every few years, these extreme events, commonly referred to as 'century floods,' occur.
At 10:59 a.m., Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to review the flood-hit locations on Monday. He aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the situation.
At 10:34 a.m., a 22-year-old firefighter has mysteriously vanished during an evacuation mission in Offingen, in the Gunzburg region. According to the spokesperson from the Swabia South police station, the missing man was with a comrade and three lifeguards. They were all in a watercraft during the evacuation that capsized at approximately 2:50 a.m. Four people were rescued, but the 22-year-old firefighter is still missing. Every hour, helicopters were dispatched to assist in the search. A 42-year-old firefighter had already perished during these flood relief efforts.
The meteorologist, Bjoern Alexander, notes that the heavy rain continues, "the continuous and widespread rain is still prevalent." However, some areas have experienced the formation of thunderstorms.
Approximately 220,000 gallons per minute are leaking from a dam in the Rottmannshart municipality, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf parts of Pfaffenhofen. Residents are asked to shift to higher floors. The ground floor and basement should be avoided, as instructed by authorities. They have requested that the fire department be contacted in case of any exigencies at 112.
Soeder, the Bavarian Minister President, details that approximately 40,000 emergency personnel are engaged in Bavaria for the ongoing floods. "It is now crucial to efficiently manage the rescue efforts in the upcoming hours," he said, emphasizing the importance of relieving those who have been working for a long time. Fatigue, he added, might fuel grave errors and increase the jeopardy.
At 11:48 a.m., the authorities in Straubing deploy dam guards to monitor the Donaupegel, which is rising. They are alerted that it will reach its highest level 4 imminently. Three personnel will monitor the dam and constantly report any water levels and any structural damages. More sandbags are being filled.
A dam in Baar-Ebenhausen, Pfaffenhofen's Landkreis, breaches. The affected municipalities include Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. Residents are advised to leave their ground floors immediately.
Scholz, the German Chancellor, expresses gratitude and respect for the rescue workers and helpers in the flood-stricken regions, regretting the loss of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen who succumbed to an unexpected incident during a rescue operation.
At 10 a.m., Bätzing, the prominent political figure of the German Bishops' Conference, delivers a message for the affected victims during the closing event at Erfurt's Catholic Day, "we pray for the safety and well-being of the individuals struck by the natural calamities when addressing the Erfurt Cathedral's mass."
Flooding in Meckenbeuren: Kehlen and Brochenzell Districts Underwater
In Meckenbeuren, the districts of Kehlen and Brochenzell are completely submerged, with the Schussen river overflowing and flooding the streets. According to a community spokesperson, around 1300 people have been evacuated voluntarily, whilst some residents have taken refuge in the upper floors of their homes. The water level reached over 4.86 meters on Saturday evening, significantly higher than the usual 45 centimeters. However, it has since started to fall.
10:34 Minister-President Söder Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter
Mourning the loss of a volunteer firefighter who died during a rescue operation in the Bavarian flood area, Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, in a statement, said, "his commitment and dedication to fellow humans will always be remembered". Offering his deepest sympathy and thoughts to his colleagues and family, he adds, "we are all in mourning; this is really painful". As per latest reports, the firefighter from Affalterbach and Uttenhofen, aged 42, perished when a rescue boat capsized.
10:09 Ukrainian Football Team Moves Training Venue to Erlangen
The Ukrainian national football team has had to change their training venue due to heavy rain showers, just before their EM test match against the German national football team. They will now train at Erlangen, as the Max-Morlock-Stadion's lawn is being spared. The match is scheduled for Monday at 8:45 p.m./ARD in Nuremberg.
09:52 Munich has Already Experienced Over 290 Firefighter Interventions due to Flooding
Munich is also suffering, with the Munich Fire Department deploying over 290 times in the last 24 hours to pump out full basements, underground garages, deal with uprooted trees, and close streets. The flood warning level 2 of the Isar was exceeded on Saturday evening.
09:24 Anhausen: Water Levels Still Critical After Dam Break
The flood situation in Anhausen is slowly improving following a dam break just five kilometers away that flooded the region within a short timeframe. According to NTV reporter Niklas Diemer, people who had to evacuate are now returning, albeit with water levels being urgently monitored in other areas.
09:08 THW Sends Additional Rescue Teams to Flooded Areas in Southern Germany
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) has dispatched more rescuers to the affected regions in southern Germany. With over 1,800 people already deployed, these teams are securing dams, helping to fill sandbags, and aiding in the evacuation of residents from flooded areas. The fire department, along with other emergency services, are also actively responding to the crisis.
08:47 Baden-Württemberg: Landslide Affects Train and Car; Threat of Century-Old Flood
Rain-induced landslides continue to cause trouble in certain parts of Germany, with the south particularly hard-hit. In Baden-Württemberg, the danger of a century-old flood is looming. Local rescue teams and helpers are feeling the strain as they work around the clock.
08:30 ICE Recovery Starts in the Morning; Landslide Disrupts Train Route
The recovery of the affected ICE train is scheduled to begin in the morning, with the regional train unable to pass the track due to ongoing work. With a rescue locomotive helping the process, the duration of the closure is currently unknown. On Saturday evening, two wagons of an ICE with 185 passengers on board derailed in Baden-Württemberg due to a landslide.
08:16 A Person Missing in Schrobenhausen
In Schrobenhausen, a person is reported missing, trapped in the cellar of a house when the flood inundated the area. The affected house is now submerged, and the rescue teams are unable to reach it. The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration has issued a statement informing of the situation.
07:44 Tragic Accident in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria
A firefighter has lost his life in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria, during a flood mission. He was part of a team assisting people with a fireboat when the capsized, resulting in his death. The Landratsamt has confirmed the unfortunate incident.
07:29 Flooding progressing downstream, numerous level 4 warnings issued in Bavaria
In Bavaria, there are currently several level 4 flood situations reported by the flood warning service. Affected rivers include the Gunz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper, as well as the upper Danube. These high water levels were reached overnight and have caused the focus of attention to shift further downstream - from near Swabia to Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Cities like Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing could be impacted, but the main wave is not expected until early next week. Additional areas with rising water levels include Muhlried in the Schrobenhausen district, Manching and Geisenfeld in Upper Bavaria, and Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.
06:54 German Weather Service forecasts further heavy rain in southern regions
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), there's a high risk of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg on Sunday. The DWD predicts these storms will last from noon through Monday night, potentially resulting in recurrent flooding and cellar damage. There's also a chance of lightning strikes causing additional damage.
05:39 Augsburg district increasing evacuation calls
In flood-prone communities like Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen within the Augsburg district of Bavaria, authorities are urging residents to leave immediately. The integrated control center made this recommendation early in the morning, with buses available for those unable to depart on their own. Additionally, residents in other parts of the district were advised to leave their homes and apartments on Saturday night and Sunday morning, particularly near the Schmutter River, a Danube tributary.
05:05 Wiesbaden authorities preparing for potential water level rise
Wiesbaden officials are enacting measures to counteract the possibility of rising water levels on the Rhine and Main rivers. The Kostheim district has seen the construction of a flood protection wall, while the Schierstein district has installed a pump. Residents are advised to avoid parking lots along the rivers in the coming days. Although no additional measures are anticipated at this time, authorities remain vigilant.
04:04 Stuttgart-Munich train line suspended due to landslide
The landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has suspended long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich. Although a railway spokesperson cannot provide an estimated time for reopening the line, they noted that a bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart has been closed due to the localized flooding in the region. Long-distance trains have been menageréd through the detour between Ulm and Augsburg.
03:13 Ulm's THW fills over 30,000 sandbags
The Technical Relief Organization (THW) in Ulm carried out a nighttime operation to produce 30,000 sandbags for flood-prone regions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, says THW Logistics Center head Bernd Urban. Given that the operation can currently churn out 400 sandbags per hour, they anticipate having sufficient materials to fill requests from various locations across the two states. Persistent rain has resulted in elevated water levels at many locations in these regions.
02:25 Red Cross sends underwater rescue team from Unterfranken to Günzburg
The Bavarian Red Cross is dispatching a water rescue team from Unterfranken to assist in the aid mission in Swabia. This unit is expected to be assigned to the Günzburg district, where multiple rivers have reached the level of a hundred-year flood. With two boat and diving teams, this group is specially trained for flood relief.
11:59 Car hit by landslide in Schwäbisch GmündA landslide in the Bavarian town of Schwäbisch Gmünd has struck a car. The local police report that the driver of the vehicle has not been injured. The landslide occurred along a road where it runs parallel to a railway line. Schwäbisch Gmünd is around 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Heavy rainfall has been falling in wide areas of Baden-Württemberg since Friday.
23:14 Neu-Ulm surpasses high water mark - extent of damage unknownThe city of Neu-Ulm has gone past the high water mark of the Danube and Iller, according to an assessment by the local officials. Although the rivers have swelled significantly, the 100-year flood has been averted. "The true extent of the damage will only be clear once the situation stabilizes again," states Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Donau embankments, and bike trails along the Danube and Iller are anticipated to be closed temporarily.
22:44 Munich: Danger at the Isar River Bank due to floodingThe Munich Fire Department has issued a warning regarding the Isar River Bank due to flooding. Additionally, two popular walking trails along the river have been closed. The river is at a flood level of 2 in Munich, as the Fire Department informs through the X platform. Flood Stage 2 encompasses flooding in unbuilt areas or traffic interruptions caused by water on roads.
22:03 Upper Bavaria: 670 individuals set to be evacuatedFirefighters and rescue teams are getting ready to evacuate 670 people in Schrobenhausen, an Upper Bavarian community. Excavators and boats are being utilized in the region of Mühldorf and alongside the river Weilach. The local administration organized a citizen hotline for emergencies. The town had previously announced a disaster situation. The situation is particularly worrisome in the southern area of the Upper Bavarian district, remarks District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
21:33 Numerous firefighter interventions in Eastern ThuringiaHeavy rain and thunderstorms are prompting many firefighter interventions in Eastern Thuringia, confirms the Gera control center. The Ronneburg region in the Greiz district is mainly affected. There are flooded streets, fields, and flooded basements. In the Gera district, a small creek has also overflowed.
21:10 Lighter rainfall in the south - no warning yetThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) indicates a calmer rainfall situation in flood-threatened and affected areas in South Germany. A DWD meteorologist explains that the severe rain will not be as intense tonight as it was the preceding night. "We will not observe the substantial rainfall volumes we had last night," he notes. However, fresh showers and thunderstorms from the north are arriving, which could result in local flooding once more on Sunday afternoon. These showers might be quite vigorous and gradually disperse. "If they impact the already moistened soil, there will again be flooding," the meteorologist says. The areas most endangered by these showers and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, areas slightly north of it, and the region around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
20:45 Disaster situation also in FreisingThe Freising district in Upper Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation due to overflowing rivers and creeks. The district administration in the Freising community cautions of record-breaking water levels, as stipulated in the evening. The authority anticipates extreme flooding in the town of Hohenkammer as well as in all the neighboring towns along the Amper. Residents are encouraged to prepare for such an extreme circumstance early on and, for instance, also vacate their cellars. A total of ten Bavarian districts have proclaimed a disaster situation.
20:00 Dillingen district declares disaster emergencyDue to constant rainfall, the Dillingen district in Bavaria's Swabia region has now also declared a disaster emergency. The situation at the Zusam River, a Danube tributary, has intensified in the evening, reports the authority. The crisis management team in the area has sought assistance from the Bundeswehr. Experts anticipate a 100-year flood on the small river, which could impact the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, authorities are organizing plans to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former Danube floodplain. The district administration is urging local farmers to keep their livestock in secure stables.
19:22 Danger at the Isar River Bank in MunichThe Munich Fire Department is alerting people to the hazard at the Isar River Bank due to flooding. In addition, the city administration has shut down two popular walking paths close to the river. The river has attained flood level 2 in Munich, as the Fire Department updates on the X platform. Flood Level 2 encompasses flooding within unbuilt zones or traffic disruptions due to water on roads.
8:09 The eighth municipality in Bavaria declares a state of emergency due to rising river levels
The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency as the eighth municipality in the region. Officials from the Upper Bavarian municipality report that the Danube River and its tributaries are swelling. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt anticipates a level 4 rating at the Neuburg gauge overnight. The situation along the Paar, one of the Danube tributaries, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar, is even more critical. In the Schrobenhausen district of Muhlried, the Weilach has overrun its banks, flooding a residential area. Emergency services are preparing to evacuate residents, as reported by District Administrator Peter von der Gruen. The situation is particularly alarming in the southern part of the district. Von der Gruen stressed the need to protect roads, bridges, and pathways, stating that only then can the fire department continue to respond to emergencies.
7:34 Life-threatening circumstances: The Red Cross uses a helicopter to rescue two individuals
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) has utilized a helicopter to rescue two individuals from the roof of their home in Babenhausen. The spokesperson for the BRK explains that the pair was in a life-threatening situation. Their house in the Unterallgaeu region was at risk of collapsing due to the excessive water mass. Other people were also saved from their homes using inflatable boats. The rescue teams assisted over one hundred people, including many children, to safety.
7:13 People in various communities surrounding Augsburg are asked to vacate their homes
Water rescuers also needed to free people trapped in their vehicles, unable to open their car doors due to the water masses. The spokesperson stated that a hazardous situation could quickly arise due to the current and rising water in the car.
Residents in several towns within the Augsburg district have been instructed to leave their homes because of the impending flood emergency. The situation in the district's northern region is expected to worsen in the evening, according to an Augsburg district administration spokesperson. Affected areas include Babenhausen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire community of Nordendorf. The Swabia government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
6:48 The Bundeswehr responds to the flooded regions in Bavaria
Bundeswehr troops have mobilized to deal with the flooding in Bavaria. The Bavarian Bundeswehr Command spokesperson revealed, "The Bundeswehr is assisting the two districts of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg following their official request." At Gunzburg, blankets and field beds are being delivered. In the Aichach-Friedberg area, about 50 Bundeswehr personnel are to arrive shortly as “assistance” in addition to two Bundeswehr trucks.
6:20 Faeser pledges more assistance
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has promised further support to the flood-stricken areas in southern Germany. She stated, "Given the heavy, continuous rain and impending flooding, the THW is ready to deploy additional personnel." The SPD politician referred to the Technical Relief Organization (THW) forces. "We will continue to support the affected regions with every available resource." According to Faeser, there are currently 520 THW helpers and volunteers in action. They are engaged in rescuing people, fortifying dikes, and pumping water. Faeser thanked all those involved in the rescue efforts: "I'd like to express my gratitude to all the helpers who are tirelessly battling the water masses and are trying to save lives." Faeser also urged residents in the flood-stricken regions to heed warnings and instructions from authorities. "Please take these warnings very seriously!"
5:58 Twenty-nine climbers rescued at Zugspitze
The climbers in distress at Zugspitze (see Live Ticker note at 15:15) have been successfully rescued. The mountain rescue team has successfully transported 29 people to the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Multiple climbing groups called for help. They could no longer progress due to weather conditions and fresh snowfalls about 2,500 meters above sea level, 900 meters before the Sonnalpin. The mountain rescue service responded immediately. Employees of the Zugspitzbahn were also en route to the scene in snow groomers to locate the climbers, noted a Zugspitzbahn spokesperson.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is warning residents in Brandenburg about the impending dangers of severe thunderstorms. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are under a high alert until evening. These storms may bring lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, falling objects, rapid flooding roads, landslides, or hail.
In Bavaria, the A3 motorway near Regensburg remains closed for approximately 10 kilometers between Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The road is flooded, according to the Police Presidium Upper Palatinate. A spokesperson explained, "The water is pressing from the fields onto the motorway." Local authorities, including the traffic police, fire department, and police are on-site to divert traffic.
In Memmingen, Bavaria, a prison has been evacuated due to potential flooding. The prison houses around 150 inmates who will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The small river running in front of the prison, the Memminger Ach, has transformed into a raging stream that could flood the prison. The authorities fear that the power supply may fail and evacuated the prison out of precautions. The prison management sought assistance from the police who, along with emergency vehicles, came to assist in the evacuation process.
The heavy rainfall has led to water levels rising to level 4 at several gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, rivers are escalating with potentially devastating consequences. The flood warning service (HND) has announced that numerous gauges, like Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and more, have exceeded level 4. Dasing (Paar) and the Memminger Ach in the Upper Palatinate are expected to face hundred-year floods.
In the middle of the storm, Munich Airport's flight operations are continuing normally. Despite the heavy rains, no flights have been canceled. The airport's spokesperson, Robert Wilhelm, shared, "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways." The airport was also built slightly higher, making it harder for water to inundate it. Additionally, the runways have grooves to facilitate quick drainage. The runways are also sunken towards the sides. As a result, the water drains away. Wilhelm assured BR that the airport expects no complications over the weekend.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder visited the town of Diedorf in the Augsburg district to assess the situation. He acknowledged the rescue workers' and officials' efforts, appreciating their work. He noted that the situation was an "extreme burden" for the citizens and emphasized that it's not yet over, "Things are really getting started now." He shared that the focus of the storm is currently in Swabia, and resources like sandbags will be directed there. Söder expressed gratitude for the helpers, like the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization, who have all displayed exemplary commitment. He asked the public to follow the rules, like evacuating when ordered to do so, avoiding going back into basements, or attempting to drive their cars out of the garage.
The persistent rain has led to increasing water levels in Bavaria and Swabia. Hundred-year floods have been reported in areas like Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar). The gauges in Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and Füssen (Lech) have already exceeded Meldestufe 1 and 2, with more gauges likely to follow. The water levels in the Danube between Neu-Ulm and Kelheim are expected to peak at Meldestufe 3 during the day, and increasing at night. The further Donau section to Passau is expected to witness Meldestufen 1 and 2 increases. The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicting Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, which is when the water levels will recede. The northern Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab have individual gauges surpassing Meldestufe 1 and 2, with levels continuing to increase.
Despite the chaos, Munich Airport maintains its operation. The airport has introduced measures such as raised terrain, grooved runways, and sunken sides to facilitate water drainage. Additionally, the runways are "grooved," allowing for rapid water runoff. This has resulted in no aquaplaning incidents. Munich Airport is expected to weather the rest of the weekend without major complications. Despite that, Prime Minister Markus Söder has reminded citizens to heed evacuation orders and follow the rules. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Söder praised the helpers for their commitment, suggesting they are crucial in navigating the crisis.
As Markus Söder toured the affected areas, he commended the helpers and officials for their exemplary service. He emphasized that Elbe county is up against a severe crisis and "things are really getting started now." He also thanked the citizens for their compliance with rules and encouraged them to allow for rescue and evacuation efforts to continue unhindered.
The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are causing disruptions in train services. Deutsche Bahn has announced that there are cancellations and delays in rail traffic across South Germany. Two ICE lines are primarily affected; no trains will travel between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich on Saturday due to the floods. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. Visit the Bahn website for more information on track closures, cancellations, and delays.
16:12: Emergency situation in Unterallgäu – Hang a white cloth to signal for help
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1fPdj20P8FUF6Z9t5n-_G7fC2lK3yfEg47-898h8U
The emergency situation has now extended to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. Phone networks in Babenhausen have failed in the town. Residents in need of assistance who cannot make a call are advised to hang a white cloth or sheet out their windows to signal for help, as suggested by the district administration. Rescue efforts are underway in Babenhausen, with people being taken out of their homes using inflatable boats.
15:57: 400 THW members actively providing assistance in South Germany
After the storms hit South Germany, approximately 400 members of the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are now assisting. The THW in Bonn shared this information. Their tasks include pumping water, securing dams, and evacuating residents. The THW is prepared to deploy additional forces from across the country as the weather conditions continue to pose threats. Mobile flood gauges are being installed and monitored in affected areas, with more expected.
15:37: Map displaying all flood warnings updated frequently
This map depicts all ongoing flood warnings. The map is regularly updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1fPdj20P8FUF6Z9t5n-_G7fC2lK3yfEg47-898h8U
15:15: 26-member mountain climbing group stranded near Zugspitze
A mountaineering group of 26 people is reportedly stuck several hundred meters below the Zugspitze summit. The stormy weather in the region has caused over 60 centimeters of fresh snowfall, with heavy rain in the valley. Temperatures are freezing, and visibility is limited to around 100 meters. Authorities are dispatching rescue teams to search for the climbers amidst the blizzard conditions. Reports indicate the climbers are exhausted and likely not equipped for the extreme weather. It remains unclear why they attempted to climb the Zugspitze despite the warnings.
14:52: Donau-Ries District declares disaster
The Donau-Ries District in Bavaria has instituted a disaster state in response to the rising flood levels. Administrator Stefan Roßle explained the necessity of this step: "Bringing together all available forces allows us to better prepare for the expected water levels more quickly and efficiently." Roßle also advised remaining calm and avoiding low-lying areas for safety reasons.
14:20: Dam breaches near Augsburg – Evacuation measures in place
Dikes and a dam have broken near Augsburg. The district administration has made an evacuation announcement, urging residents in certain areas to leave their homes immediately. In Diedorf, preparations are being made for an evacuation in the Anhausen district. A broken dam in Burgwalden and a breached dike at the Anhauser Weiher are the sources of the threatened floods. Residents of these areas are advised to evacuate independently to Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Avoiding railway underpasses is also recommended, as floodwater could fill these spaces.
Minister-President Markus Soeder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann are traveling to the flooded area in the Swabian district of Augsburg on Saturday. Their visit aims to assess the flood situation in Diedorf, where evacuations are currently underway. The emergency situation is worsening in the Swabian district, as water levels rise rapidly. The districts of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have also declared disasters.
The flood conditions in Meckenbeuren are growing dire. The water level of the Schussen river in Meckenbeuren, located in the Bodenseekreis, is increasing. According to a town spokesperson who spoke in the afternoon, the current level stands at 4.72 meters. There's hope the peak will arrive soon. In the last flood in 2021, the river hit a height of 4.50 meters. Typically, it only holds 45 centimeters of water. On Friday evening, the city cautioned approximately 1300 residents to relocate their homes, prompting the majority to stay with friends or relatives. A tiny fraction of people sought shelter. To ward off possible harm due to flooding, schools, kindergartens, and halls were cleared prior to any issues. A municipality of 14,000 inhabitants – bridges were also closed as a precautionary measure.
