The flood crisis in southern Germany shows no signs of abating, with the German Weather Service (DWD) maintaining warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms across the region. The states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are enduring the brunt of the deluge, with towns like Ebersbach an der Fils experiencing significant flooding, leading to the closure of major roads and disruption of train services. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit the flood zones today as part of the government’s response to the emergency. In the wake of the rising waters, new evacuations have been ordered, affecting over 600 people in various communities. The DWD has issued a high-level warning, predicting up to 40 liters of rain per square meter in some regions, posing a severe risk of flash flooding. The Danube River and its tributaries have reached critical levels, prompting the evacuation of residents in the Augsburg district and other vulnerable areas. The flooding, described as catastrophic by local media, has caused the breaking of multiple dams in Bavaria, affecting 11 districts and prompting thousands of evacuations. The German government has deployed emergency services, and local authorities are providing buses for those who cannot evacuate on their own. The Bavarian Red Cross has sent rescue teams with boats and divers to the Günzburg district, where the water level has reached a century-high mark. The full extent of the damage remains uncertain as the weather situation continues to be tense, with heavy rainfall expected to gradually subside by Monday night. However, the floodwaters are not expected to recede quickly, with the peak water level anticipated to pass through various cities along the Danube River by the beginning of the week.
Key points
- Southern Germany continues to grapple with severe flooding, prompting widespread evacuations and government response.
- The German Weather Service warns of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with Chancellor Scholz expected to visit the flood zones.
- Multiple dams have broken in Bavaria, and emergency services are actively responding to the crisis.
