Southern Germany is facing a deepening flood crisis as two dams on the Par River, a tributary of the Danube, have burst in the Pfaeffingen area, leading to emergency evacuations in communities such as Reichertsheim, Baar-Ebenhausen, and Manching. The deluge has already claimed the life of a firefighter during a rescue operation in Pfaffenhofen, and there are numerous reports of missing individuals, including a 43-year-old woman in Schrobenhausen and a 22-year-old firefighter after a rescue boat capsized in the same area. Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has visited the affected areas to assess the situation and support the ongoing emergency response. The German Weather Service continues to issue severe flood warnings, emphasizing the risk of further heavy rain and thunderstorms. Over 40,000 emergency responders, including the Bundeswehr, have been deployed to assist with relief efforts. Transportation has been heavily impacted, with the A9 highway closed for 50 kilometers due to flooding, and train services disrupted. The situation remains critical, with the public urged to adhere to evacuation orders and stay informed as the crisis unfolds.
Key points
- Two dams on the Par River in Bavaria have burst, causing severe flooding and prompting widespread evacuations.
- A firefighter died during a rescue operation, and multiple people are reported missing, including a 43-year-old woman and a 22-year-old firefighter.
- Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has visited the flood-affected areas, and over 40,000 emergency responders are on the ground to assist with relief efforts.
- The German Weather Service warns of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with transportation networks severely disrupted.
