The area of Oder-Spree in Brandenburg is facing threats from powerful thunderstorms.

Vigorous thunderstorms pose a threat in the Oder-Spree region of Brandenburg.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an alert for dangerous thunderstorms in the Brandenburg region of Oder-Spree. Until Sunday afternoon, there is a high chance of lightning strikes, fallen trees, strong winds, or objects tumbling down at the second-highest alert level. Houses could also be damaged, as well as landslides and hail.

16:53: Two more counties declare a disaster stateDue to the flood, the counties of Dachau and Kelheim have also declared a state of emergency. "Our current predicament, along with the anticipated water level forecasts, is still tense," says Kelheim's district leader Martin Neumeyer. Kelheim's district leader Martin Neumeyer also claims, "We wish to prioritize the coordination and outfitting of relief efforts as effectively as possible." Dachau's district leader Stefan Löwl echoes the same thoughts. The move was essential due to the sheer number of deployment locations upcoming hours, says Löwl.

16:25: Train firm expects service interruptions on MondayDue to the storms in southern Germany, train passengers should also anticipate service interruptions on Monday. German Railways is expanding its leniency policy to Monday. If you obtained a ticket for travel between Sunday and Monday and wish to postpone your journey due to weather damage, you can travel later. The rail line for these tickets is canceled, the company claims. The extent of the disruption is yet to be determined. Several long-distance tracks in the south are currently affected. Trains have been canceled on routes such as Munich-Nuremberg-Berlin, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg and Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm-Augsburg-Munich. The railway recommends against traveling in flooded locations in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

16:08: More than 3,000 people have been displaced due to floods in BavariaApproximately 3,000 individuals in Bavaria have been impacted by flood evacuations, according to a Bavarian Interior Ministry spokesperson in Munich. Currently, there are around 20,000 forces on the ground, and 40,000 forces have been involved since the start of the situation.

15:51: Weather expert: "It's not calming down any time soon"According to meteorologist Bernd Fuchs, we can't expect the flood scenario in the south to resolve gradually. "Every drop matters," emphasizes the ntv weather expert. When questioned about a potential connection to the climate crisis, he views the current situation as "unequivocal proof of what's to come."

15:22: Man severely injured by lightning during flood work in FreisingIn the Upper Bavarian district of Freising, a male employee of an energy company was seriously hurt by a lightning strike. The 27-year-old was attending to duties in a flooded area near the town hall in Allershausen, and he was flown to a hospital via rescue helicopter by first responders. It seems plausible that the incident was flood-related.

15:02: River shipping on the Upper Rhine temporarily haltedDue to the heavy precipitation in southern Germany, the Rhine's water levels have increased, leading to the partial suspension of river shipping. Since Saturday, a segment of the Upper Rhine near Karlsruhe has disallowed alt ships; the water level at Maximiliansau increased to 8.20 meters on Sunday afternoon, but was anticipated to decline again at night. However, rising water levels are projected further down the river in the following days: in Mannheim, Worms, and Mainz. There is a potential for very high water levels on the Middle and Lower Rhine as well, which might endanger shipping on this critical waterway. In Koblenz, a water level of nearly 6.10 meters is projected for Tuesday, after which no vessels should be able to sail below 6.50 meters. On Wednesday, the highest levels are expected in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

14:38: Autobahn A9 shut down for about 50 kilometersThe Autobahn A9 is closed for about 50 kilometers in the Pfaffenhofen region of Lower Bavaria due to a dam break. A section between Allershausen and Ingolstadt is affected, where the road is partially flooded, states a spokesperson for the Upper Bavaria North Police Department. This is the first time the police have encountered this situation in that area. There are also power outages. The origin of the problem is being addressed. The district administration has urged residents from Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching to shift to higher floors of their homes and apartments.

Update 3:23 pm: The Autobahn GmbH reports that the section between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck is closed in both directions. In addition, the section between Pfaffenhofen and the Autobahn junction Neufahrn is severely restricted. It is advised to avoid the entire area. [Further road closures due to flooding on the A8 near Sulzemoos heading towards Munich.]

1:59 pm: Economy Minister Habeck links heavy rain to climate change

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck calls for more efforts in climate protection after the flooding disaster in southern Germany comes to an end. "Cutting carbon emissions to allow time for adaptation shouldn't be laughed at or disregarded, but should be our top priority," says Habeck during a visit to the heavily affected Reichertshofen in Bavaria. He notes that the frequency of natural disasters serves as clear evidence that nature and climate are changing. Centennial floods now happen "every couple of years," says Habeck.

1:34 pm: Chancellor Scholz to visit flood-stricken areas on Monday

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the flood-affected regions on Monday to assess the situation firsthand. This information has been confirmed by government officials.

1:21 pm: Missing firefighter from Offingen

A 22-year-old firefighter went missing during an evacuation operation in Offingen, located in the Günzburg district. The police spokesperson for Swabia South confirmed this. The young man was with a fellow volunteer firefighter and three DLRG helpers when their boat capsized around 2:50 am, while they were en route to evacuate residents. Four of the helpers were rescued, but the 22-year-old is still missing. Search efforts have been underway since early morning, and two helicopters are being used. A 42-year-old firefighter had already succumbed to flood-related circumstances during the rescue operation.

1:11 pm: Continuous rain from thunderstorms

No respite is in sight for the southern German regions grappling with flooding. Meteorologist Bjoern Alexander from ntv states, "The large and widespread continuous heavy rain is still present, and new localized thunderstorms are forming."

Habeck is traveling in the flood area together with Bavaria's Minister President Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann.

12:52 pm: More communities at risk of dam breach at the Paar

The Paar is in danger of another dam breach, affecting the municipalities of Rottmannshart, Westenhausen, Lindach, Ernsgaden, Irsching, and Knodorf in the Pfaffenhofen district. Residents are instructed to go to higher floors immediately. Basement and ground floor dwellings should be avoided, as directed by the authorities. In an emergency, residents should call 112 for assistance.

12:39 pm: 40,000 emergency personnel in Bavaria managing flood relief

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder reports that approximately 40,000 emergency personnel are currently deployed in Bavaria to deal with the flood situation. While touring the Upper Bavarian Reichertshofen, Söder stresses the need for well-organized relief efforts in the coming hours. "Those who have been in the field for a long time should be relieved to avoid increased risks associated with exhaustion and potential errors," he says.

12:29 pm: Dam guards being set up in Straubing

The water level in Straubing is increasing, according to the Bavarian Flood Warning Service (HND). A warning indicates that it could reach the highest alert level four later today. In response, dam guards will be established from 3 pm in Straubing. Fire department staff will monitor the dam on site and report any water level changes or damage to the HND.

12:03 pm: Dam break in Baar-Ebenhausen

A dam has burst in Baar-Ebenhausen, located in the Pfaffenhofen district. Authorities have issued a warning to the residents of Reichertshofen, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. They are requested to immediately leave their ground-floor homes.

11:37 pm: Chancellor Scholz thanks rescuers in flood-affected regions

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his gratitude to the rescue workers and assistants in the flood-affected areas. "The death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen saddens me deeply," states the SPD politician on X. "My thoughts are with his loved ones and colleagues." A firefighter passed away during a rescue operation in the Upper Bavian district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.

11:25 pm: Flooding tacefronts at the Catholic Day in Erfurt

Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Baetzing, addresses a special message to those impacted by the recent storms at the end of the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We pray that human lives are protected and preserved," Baetzing says in front of the Erfurt Cathedral. [climate change, flood, Environment, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Local Governance]

10:59 Portions of Meckenbeuren within the Bodenseekreis are underwater

Portions of Kehlen and Brochenzell in the community of Meckenbeuren, found within the Bodenseekreis, are submerged. The Schussen has surpassed its banks, flooding the streets according to a spokesperson for the town. Over 1300 individuals had vacated their homes voluntarily on Saturday for safety reasons. Others remained in their dwellings and ventured into the upper levels. The waterline of the Schussen escalated to over 4.86 meters on Saturday evening. Since then, it has been decreasing. Customarily, the Schussen is only 0.45 meters deep in this region.

10:34 Minister President Söder honors fallen firefighter

The Minister President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, commemorates the firefighter that perished in a rescue operation in the Bavarian flood regions in a blog post on X. "His commitment and loyalty to his fellow humans will always be cherished," Söder writes. "Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family and colleagues. We all grieve." The 42-year-old volunteer firefighter passed away, as per police accounts, when a rescue boat overturned near the towns of Affalterbach and Uttenhofen.

Söder during his visit to Reichertshofen.

10:09 Ukraine postpones training due to torrential rain prior to match against Germany

Due to torrential rain, the Ukrainian football national team cannot carry out their final training session on Sunday at 6pm at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg, as scheduled before the EM test match against Germany. Instead, the team will train in Erlangen. The decision was made to shield the pitch at the stadium, mentioned a spokesperson for the Ukrainian team. Ukraine matches up against the German football national team on Monday (8:45pm/ARD) in Nuremberg.

09:52 Munich already 290 firefighter interventions caused by flooding

The Greater Munich area has also been impacted by the persistent rainfall for hours. Since Saturday at 6am, the fire department has been summoned to over 290 interventions, as stated by the Munich fire department. Firefighters have been mainly occupied with pumping out waterlogged cellars and basements. Additionally, several trees were uprooted due to saturated soil, necessitating closures of roads. At one point, the flood warning level 2 of the Isar was transcended.

09:24 Floodwaters propel through after dam rupture in Anhausen

The situation in Anhausen is gradually settling, after a dam erupted five kilometers away and flooded the town rapidly. "Folks that were evacuated here are gradually returning," reports ntv reporter Niklas Diemer. However, the water levels continue to be critical in other locations.

09:08 THW sentries more personnel in flooded areas

The Technical Relief Organization (THW) is dispatching additional personnel to the flooded areas in South Germany. At present, over 1800 rescuers are mobilized, said a THW spokesperson. The helpers are safeguarding dams, filling sandbags, and aiding in the evacuations of residents in flooded areas. Meanwhile, the fire department and other emergency services are also present.

08:47 Landslide in Baden-Wuerttemberg impedes train and car

The flood situation in certain sections of Germany continues to concern residents. Particularly in southern Germany, the water levels are adversely affecting people, while in the eastern region of Baden-Wuerttemberg, there exists the potential for a century-old flood. The rescue services and volunteers are stretching their limits.

08:30 ICE will be retrieved from landslide in the morning

The ICE involved in a landslide in Baden-Wuerttemberg will be recovered in the upcoming hours. The regional train cannot traverse the track, according to a train spokesperson. A rescue locomotive is stationed on the second track of the line to assist in the retrieval. It's uncertain how long the closure will persist. In the interim, the regional train has successfully bypassed the ICE. On Saturday evening, two wagons of an ICE with 185 passengers were derailed after a landslide.

08:16 Individual missing in Schrobenhausen

A person is absent in Schrobenhausen. The person was reportedly in the basement of a house when the flood arrived. The cellar and parts of the upper level are now immersed, informed a spokesperson for the district administration of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen. The emergency teams cannot yet access the house.

07:44 Firefighter perishes in the floods

A firefighter succumbed in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Upper Bavaria. He was allegedly overturned in a fireboat with three colleagues, and his body was discovered on Sunday morning, announced a spokesperson for the district administration.

Aerial photos show flooded Meckenbeuren.

In Bavaria, multiple sites are measuring floodwater at the highest alert level 4. The focus remains on the southern Donau tributaries of Günz, Mindel, Zusam, Schmutter, Paar, Abens, Ilm, and Amper as well as the upper Danube. In the night, peak levels were reached at these locations. The attention is now shifting downstream – from Swabia towards Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. Potentially affected areas include Neuburg, Kelheim, Regensburg, and Straubing, although the peak wave is expected to pass through early in the week. Rising water levels are predicted in Mühlried in the Schrobenhausen district, as well as in Manching and Geisenfeld in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district and Abensberg in the Kelheim district on Sunday.

Weather service anticipates more heavy rain in the south on Sunday. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg face a risk of further thunderstorms with heavy rain. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecast for Sunday suggests thunderstorms with heavy rain from noon to late Monday night. Possible consequences include inundated streets and cellars, and damage caused by lightning strikes.

The Augsburg district authorities have issued evacuation notices for the flood-affected communities of Kühlenthal and Allmannshofen. Residents are asked to leave these areas immediately, with buses provided for those who can't leave on their own. Evacuation orders have also been called for various parts of the district on Sunday evening and night. Affected regions include communities along the Schmutter river, a tributary of the Danube.

Wiesbaden authorities are taking action to address the rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. A flood protection wall has been constructed in the city district of Kostheim, and a pump installed in the rhein-facing district of Schierstein. Car parks along the river should be avoided in the coming days per the fire department's recommendation.

Long-distance train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is currently suspended due to a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd. No one could estimate in the early morning how long the line would remain closed. The landslide has blocked the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart, which also caused long-distance train traffic to be compromised due to the floods in southern Germany. Trains must be rerouted.

Forces in Ulm from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) have been working on filling thousands of sandbags for the flooded or flood-threatened areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The THW Logistics Center head, Bernd Urban, said in the early morning that his team can currently fill 400 sandbags per hour. They aim to fill 30,000 sandbags overnight. Various areas in the southwest are requesting these sandbags, as well as neighboring regions in the neighboring federal state. Continued rain has resulted in significantly elevated water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria at multiple locations.

The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescuers from Unterfranken to aid efforts in Swabia. These rescuers, with boat and diving squads, are anticipated to be deployed in the heavily affected Günzburg district. The Swabian district of Günzburg has seen several bodies of water reach 100-year flood levels, which signifies a flood that occurs or exceeds the statistical average once every 100 years.

A pair of wagons of an ICE train with 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd due to a landslide. The passengers remain uninjured and are being evacuated from the train. A railway spokesperson added that the first two wagons left the tracks around 23:20, though they did not tip over. The landslide covered approximately 30 meters. Passengers are expected to stay in a nearby kindergarten before being taken to Plüderhausen by bus.

A car in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Württemberg was hit by a landslide. The driver was left unharmed, according to police reports. The landslide occurred near both a road and a railway line that run close to each other. Schwaebisch Gmuend is approximately 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, there have been heavy rainfall in Baden-Württemberg.

The city of Neu-Ulm managed to pass the peak of the flood wave on the Danube and Iller. Based on an estimate from the city administration, the 100-year flood was averted despite the high water levels. However, some damage is expected. According to Mayor Katrin Albsteiger, "We'll only know the extent of the damage once the situation has returned to normal." Two streets, the Donau embankments, and cycle paths alongside the Danube and Iller will remain closed for now.

The Munich Fire Department cautions against danger at the Isar River Bank due to flooding. In addition, two popular walking paths along the Isar River have been closed. The Isar River Bank has reached Level 2 alert, meaning there is flooding on non-built areas or traffic disruptions due to high water levels on roads.

In Upper Bavaria, firefighters and rescue teams are getting ready to evacuate 670 people in Schrobenhausen. Excavators and boats are being used in the town of Mühldorf and a Weilach River street. The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district administration has also set up a citizen hotline for emergencies. The city declared a disaster scenario. The situation is most severe in the southern part of the Upper Bavarian district, says District Administrator Peter von der Grün.

Numerous fire department interventions are taking place in Eastern Thuringia due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The Gera control center reports this. The area surrounding Ronneburg in the Greiz district is especially affected, with flooded streets, fields, and cellars. A small creek has also overflowed.

Although there was a slight easing in the rainfall in the south of Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) doesn't issue a warning yet. A DWD meteorologist says that the substantial rainfall amounts that were still present earlier won't reoccur. However, showers and thunderstorms are approaching from the north, which could lead to localized flooding on Sunday afternoon. These showers could be quite strong and last long. If they hit the already saturated ground, there will be flooding once more. Areas particularly affected by the showers and thunderstorms on Sunday include the Swabian Alb, regions to the north of it, and places around Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.

The Freising district also declares a disaster due to overflowing rivers and streams. The upper Bavarian municipality fears a major flooding situation in Hohenkammer and along the Amper River. Citizens should prepare themselves for potential flooding, such as emptying their cellars. Ten Bavarian districts have now declared a disaster.

The Dillingen district in Bavaria has also declared a disaster situation due to continuous rainfall. The crisis team notes that the situation on the Zusam River, a tributary of the Danube, is getting worse. The Dillingen district is requesting assistance from the Bundeswehr. Experts are anticipating a 100-year flood on the small river, affecting the nearby towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to release water from the swollen Danube into the Riedstrom, a former natural floodplain of the Danube. The district administration is asking local farmers to keep their grazing animals in secure stables.

At 21:09, the Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen becomes the eighth municipality in Bavaria to declare a state of emergency. The district administration attributes this decision to the surging Danube and its tributaries. The Water Management Office in Ingolstadt foresees a level 4 emergency at the Neuburg gauge. The danger is even more severe at the Paar, a Danube tributary, and the Weilach, which flows into the Paar. In Mühldorf, a district within Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed and flooded a residential area, forcing residents to prepare for evacuation, as Landrat Peter von der Grün announced. The dire situation is particularly worrisome in the area's southern end. Von der Grün highlights the importance of protecting roads, bridges, and pathways so that fire departments can effectively handle emergencies.

At 20:34, the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) successfully rescued two individuals from the roof of their Babenhausen house using a helicopter. The residence was in imminent danger of collapsing due to the massive water buildup. Additionally, rescue teams used inflatable boats to help other residents evacuate their homes. More than 100 people, including numerous children, were brought to safety.

At 20:13, residents of several neighborhoods near Augsburg were advised to leave their homes due to the impending floods. Rescue workers had to free people trapped in their cars, whose doors were jammed due to the water masses. These incidents pose a significant risk to individuals' lives, warns a BRK spokeswoman. The Augsburg district administration anticipates the situation will worsen as evening approaches, specifically in the northern district regions. Affected areas include Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. The government of Swabia has established a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.

At 19:48, the German military, or Bundeswehr, is contributing to the flood response efforts in Bavaria. In response to two districts' requests, the Bundeswehr is providing aid to the areas of Gunzburg and Aichach-Friedberg. In Gunzburg, soldiers are handing out blankets and cots, while around 50 Bundeswehr personnel are expected to arrive in the Aichach-Friedberg region in the following hours. The military is also providing two trucks for use.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, a member of the SPD, promises additional support for the regions hit by the floods in southern Germany. She cites the need for continuous rain and the threat of impending flooding as reasons for the Technical Relief Organization (THW) to increase its deployments. As of Saturday evening, there are around 520 THW employees and assistants engaged in rescue operations. They have saved people, reinforced dikes, and drained water, among other tasks. Faeser expressed gratitude towards everyone fighting against the water masses and emphasized the importance of following official warnings and instructions.

18:58: The Zugspitze mountain rescue service rescued 29 climbers marooned due to adverse weather conditions and new snowfall at approximately 2500 meters above sea level, 900 meters shy of Sonnalpin restaurant. The rescue service team confirmed the progress and added that Zugspitzbahn employees were aiding in the search.

18:42: The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for sections of Brandenburg, which includes the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree. The threat persists until evening, according to the DWD. It is possible to witness lightning strikes, falling trees or power lines, objects being blown around, quickly flooded roads, landslides, or hail.

18:11 Water on the highway - A3 partially closed

The A3 highway in Bavaria, near Regensburg, is closed in both directions over an approximately ten-kilometer stretch between the exits of Parsberg and Beratzhausen. The road surface is covered in water, as stated by the Upper Palatinate police headquarters. "The water is pushing onto the A3 from the fields," says a representative. The traffic police in Regensburg, the fire department, and the police are all present at the scene. Traffic will be diverted, says a spokesperson.

17:51 Prison in Memmingen evacuated

Due to the potential for flooding, the prison in Memmingen, Bavaria, is being evacuated. This is reported by the news agency Nonstopnews. The approximately 150 inmates will be temporarily relocated to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Memminger Ach, a small river that runs in front of the prison, has become a raging torrent and threatens to inundate the prison, according to the report. Parts of the courtyard are already submerged. This could result in a power outage, so the prison administration chose to evacuate. The police arrived with numerous emergency vehicles to assist in the evacuation. The evacuation had to be carried out over flooded streets, as the access was already flooded. The fire department was also present with pumps to pump water out of the prison.

17:35 Rain causes water levels to reach level 4

The heavy rain is causing water levels to exceed level 4 at several gauges in Swabia. In Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, the rivers are steadily increasing in size. According to the flood warning service (HND), the gauges Neu-Ulm Bad Held (Danube), Hasberg (Mindel), Fleinhausen (Zusam), Fischach (Schmutter), and others have exceeded level 4. The Regen River in Cham, Upper Palatinate, has also reached level 4. Hundred-year floods have been reported in Nattenhausen (Günz) and Dasing (Paar).

The Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is predicted to reach Meldestufe 3 from Saturday to Sunday, and the lower Iller's water levels are already starting to decrease. In the northern Donau tributaries Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are individual gauges that have surpassed Meldestufe 1 and 2, with a growing trend. From Neu-Ulm to Kelheim, water levels are expected to rise to Meldestufe 3 during the day, for instance in Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg. The Pegel Kelheim should follow. In the further Donau course to Passau, there are expected increases to Meldestufen 1 and 2.

17:23 Flight operations at Munich Airport continue smoothly despite the rain

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=14y1q7KhqT1t2ZbYoFj2Z9QbqdZBXg4_V602YqW3q

Despite the heavy rainfall in much of Bavaria, flight operations at Munich Airport are proceeding normally. So far, no flights have needed to be canceled. There are several reasons for this. "We see the water standing in the meadows next to the runways," commented airport spokesperson Robert Wilhelm to BR. The airport was also designed slightly higher. In addition, the runway slopes towards the sides, allowing water to drain away. The runways also feature grooves that accelerate water runoff. As a result, there is currently no risk of aquaplaning, Wilhelm informed the Bavarian broadcaster. The airport anticipates no significant complications for the rest of the weekend.

17:07 Söder: "Things are really getting serious now"

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder is observing the situation in the areas most impacted by the storm. He acknowledged the assistance of the helpers and officials during his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district. Bavaria is well-prepared for crises, says Söder while joined by Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The situation is an "extremely demanding" situation for the citizens, says the Prime Minister. And further, "This is not over yet. Things are really getting serious now." The focus of the storm is presently in Swabia, so resources, such as sandbags, are being gathered there. "Without the helpers and helpers, we have no chance," Söder addressed the rescue services like the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. They all demonstrated exceptional dedication. He requested that citizens "please adhere to the rules." Evacuation orders should be followed, and not to attempt to leave the cellar or drive the car from the garage.

16:35 No trains running anymore

The storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have also disrupted train operations. As reported by Deutsche Bahn, there are issues with running trains in South Germany. Two ICE lines in particular are being affected, as a spokeswoman explains. There will be no trains between Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich all day on Saturday due to the flood. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is likewise affected. The Bahn is providing further information on track closures, failures, and delays on their website.

16:12 Unexpected emergency in Unterallgäu - Those in need should display a white cloth or sheet

An unanticipated crisis has reached the Bavarian region of Unterallgäu. The town of Babenhausen has experienced partial failure in its mobile network systems. Individuals requiring help yet unable to make distress calls are urged to hang a white sheet or towel outside their window or attempt to make themselves visible at the window. Authorities advise this in an attempt to draw attention to their predicament. Rescue missions have already been launched in the form of inflatable boats to evacuate residents trapped in their homes.

15:57 Over 400 THW personnel on standby in Southern Germany

As a result of the storms in Southern Germany, almost 400 personnel from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are currently operating. The THW in Bonn has released this information. The organization's members are working on pumping out water, reinforcing dams, and evacuating citizens. There are plans to augment THW personnel with more resources as the current weather pattern persists. While monitoring mobile flood gauges, the THW awaits additional alerts of potential flooding in the coming hours. Groups are currently standing by nationwide, with each consisting of approximately 40 THW members who run three pumps, a generator, a surveying vehicle, and a command station. The capacity of these teams is over 30,000 liters per minute.

15:37 Full map of all current flood warnings

This interactive map provides a summary of all current flood advisories. The graphic is routinely updated. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=14y1q7KhqT1t2ZbYoFj2Z9QbqdZBXg4_V602YqW3q

15:15 Update: 26-member mountain climbing party stranded on Zugspitze

Reports indicate that a 26-person mountain climbing group is currently stuck several hundred meters from the peak of the Zugspitze. BR relayed the news. There has been 60 centimeters of accumulated snow on Zugspitze within the past few hours while rain falls unabated in the valley. Temperatures rest below freezing, while visibility has shrunk to about 100 meters. Mountain rescue teams have been deployed to locate the climbers in the thick of the storm. The climbers are said to be fatigued and insufficiently outfitted. It remains unclear why they would attempt to reach the Zugspitze summit despite ominous weather forecasts.

14:52 Donau-Ries district issues disaster declaration

In response to the rising water levels, the Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has enacted a disaster situation. This strategy aims to "concentrate resources and expedite our preparedness for the predicted water levels," explains District Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. Roßle advises maintaining calm and avoiding low land areas during this time.

14:20 Emergency situation near Augsburg - Evacuation necessary

Babenhausen residents are rescued with rubber dinghies.

A dam and a dike have ruptured in the Augsburg district of Swabia. The Augsburg administration has been made aware of this. Residents in specific streets in the town of Diedorf must relocate. Due to the increasing water levels, an evacuation plan is underway in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "It is no longer sufficient to move upstairs," the Augsburg administration asserts. The overflowing dam in Burgwalden and the damaged dike near the Anhauser Weiher have caused this predicament. Officials urge residents in affected areas to evacuate their homes immediately and independently within the next hour, heading to the Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. Residents are also advised to keep clear of railway underpasses as floodwaters may flow there.

Söder and Herrmann journey to the affected region

German Minister President Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann will make a visit to the flood-stricken area of Augsburg on Saturday. The two politicians from the CSU will travel to Diedorf to observe the extent of the flood damage personally. District Administrator Martin Sailer will also accompany them. The trip was modified from an earlier arrangement to visit Fischach due to rapidly changing conditions. In Diedorf, evacuations of residents are currently underway in preparation for the prevailing flood crisis. The flood situation in Swabia is surging rapidly, causing nearby districts of Aichach-Friedberg and Günzburg to join in officially declaring a disaster.

A spokeswoman for the municipality in Meckenbeuren revealed that the rising waters of the Schussen river have reached 4.72 meters in the afternoon. They're hoping to reach the peak of the flood soon. Compared to the last similar event in 2021, when waters reached 4.50 meters, the river usually only has 45 centimeters of water. To ensure the safety of its residents, the town authorities recommended that around 1300 people leave their homes, with most of them choosing to stay with friends or relatives. Just a few individuals sought refuge in a temporary shelter. To avoid any potential damage from the flood, schools, kindergartens, and community halls were cleared out in advance. In the municipality with a population of 14,000, several bridges were closed as a precautionary measure as well.