Southern Germany is grappling with a worsening flood crisis, now compounded by the declaration of several regions as disaster zones due to the relentless heavy rainfall. Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit the hardest-hit areas on Monday, as the nation’s emergency services continue their rescue and evacuation efforts. The Danube River, along with its tributaries, has surged to dangerous levels, particularly in Regensburg, where the water level has soared to 5.80 meters, prompting urgent evacuations. The situation has led to a landslide in Schwabisch Gmünd, derailing two ICE train cars carrying 185 passengers; thankfully, no injuries were reported. The German Weather Service (DWD) has not only issued warnings for continued heavy rain and thunderstorms but also forecasts up to 40 liters of rain per square meter in certain areas, exacerbating the risk of further flooding and damage. The floodwaters have caused significant disruption to the train network in southern Germany, prompting Deutsche Bahn to advise against travel to the affected regions and to postpone non-essential journeys. As the floodwaters slowly recede in some parts of Bavaria, the threat remains critical, with emergency services working tirelessly to assist those trapped and to mitigate the unfolding disaster.
Key points
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit areas in southern Germany devastated by ongoing floods on Monday.
- Regensburg is among the severely hit towns, with the Danube River reaching a water level of 5.
- Emergency services have responded to a landslide-induced train derailment in Schwabisch Gmünd, with all passengers safe.
- DWD warns of more heavy rain, with potential for up to 40 liters per square meter, increasing the flood risk.
80 meters.
