Southern Germany is facing a severe flood crisis as continuous heavy rainfall has led to the tragic loss of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria, and the disappearance of another emergency worker. The floods have caused widespread damage, with several dams breaking and neighborhoods being inundated. The Autobahn A9 has been closed for 50 kilometers due to the rising waters, and river traffic on the Oberrhein has been suspended. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from affected areas, including a prison in Memmingen, as rescue teams work tirelessly to pump out water and secure roads and dikes. The German Weather Service (DWD) has forecasted further heavy rain and thunderstorms, with some areas expected to receive up to 40 liters of rain per square meter. Bundeswehr soldiers have been deployed to assist with the emergency response, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to visit the impacted areas on Monday to assess the situation and coordinate further relief efforts. The railway traffic has been significantly disrupted, with an ICE train derailment reported in Schwäbisch Gmünd, although no injuries were reported. The situation remains critical, with the DWD predicting that conditions may not improve until Tuesday.
Key points
- Heavy rainfall in southern Germany has resulted in severe flooding, leading to the death of a firefighter and the evacuation of hundreds.
- The Autobahn A9 has been closed, and river traffic on the Oberrhein is suspended due to the floods.
- Bundeswehr soldiers are aiding in relief efforts, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit the affected areas.
- The DWD has forecasted more heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, with conditions expected to improve by Tuesday.
