Severe storms are wreaking havoc across much of Germany, resulting in widespread flooding, infrastructural damage, and tragic losses. A high water alarm has been issued in southern Germany, with continuous rainfall exacerbating the situation since yesterday. A firefighter tragically lost his life in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm in upper Bavaria while performing rescue duties. Local authorities in the Munich region have declared a state of emergency, and several dams have already broken due to the relentless rain.
In Baden-Württemberg, two train carriages derailed, though miraculously, none of the 185 passengers were injured. The heavy rain is expected to continue, with the German Weather Service (DWD) issuing official severe weather warnings, especially for Bavaria and Saxony, predicting up to 150 liters of rain per square meter. Cities like Chemnitz are erecting mobile flood protection walls, and significant tourist attractions like the parks of Rammenau and Weesenstein castles and the Altzella monastery park will remain closed over the weekend.
The Flood Intelligence Service (HND) has issued multiple alerts, warning residents about potential flooding and landslides. In the Schwandorf district and various parts of Baden-Württemberg, flood levels that occur once every 50 to 100 years are a possibility. This intense weather activity has led to several traffic accidents across Germany, with instances of aquaplaning on major highways. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, a 33-year-old man was seriously injured when his car veered off the wet road and overturned.
The city of Dresden has proactively closed several key parks and canceled events, including Children's Day activities in the Großsedlitz Baroque Garden, due to safety concerns. Water brigades and fire departments across affected regions are working tirelessly, using submersible pumps and water vacuum cleaners to manage the water.
- Meteorologists fear that the ongoing severe weather could lead to 'floods of the century,' similar to those experienced in Saarland. This persistent storm pattern, moving from the Mediterranean towards Germany, is expected to bring up to 220 liters of rain per square meter in some areas, especially in Bavaria.
- Meteorologists have complicated forecasting due to the dynamic nature of the storm, making precise predictions challenging. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and take necessary precautions.
