Europe: Disruptions are likely to continue through at least July 20 following heavy rains and flooding /update 3

Event

Emergency responses continue in parts of Western Europe as of early July 19 after heavy rains over several days caused widespread flooding and damages. Reports indicate that at least 188 have died, and several hundred others are missing in western and southern Germany, eastern Belgium, and southern parts of the Netherlands. The most affected areas include North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate states, Germany; Liege Province, Belgium, and Limburg Province, Netherlands. Authorities have declared a state of disaster in Limburg; evacuations are ongoing for around 12,000 residents from the southern parts of the province, particularly in Maastricht. Rising river levels have also prompted evacuations in Venlo, Limburg.

Reports indicate that a burst dam in Wassenberg, Germany, late July 16, is prompting the evacuation of residents. Authorities evacuated several villages in Euskirchen district, North Rhine-Westphalia State, July 15 due to concerns over potential dam failure at the Steinbach Dam (Steinbachtalsperre). Officials of the city of Liege earlier July 15 advised residents to leave the city or seek shelter on higher ground. Authorities have also declared a state of emergency in Hagen City in North Rhine-Westphalia State, Ahrweiler and Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prum districts in Rhineland-Palatinate State, and Berchtesgadener Land District in Bavaria State. Power outages are also underway across the affected areas.

Additionally, officials have issued orange level warnings for Aisne, Ardennes, Marne, and Saone et Loire departments of France. Most of eastern France remains at yellow-level warning.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Transport
Reports indicate train delays and cancellations in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria due to flooding. Affected lines include the Norddeich Mole - Emden - Münster (W) - Cologne - Koblenz and Hamm (Westf) - Hagen - Wuppertal - Cologne sections. International train service disruptions are also ongoing between Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands. Flooding could block other regional rail lines; additional freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see further heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render additional bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, resulting in overland travel disruptions in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are also possible where significant flooding impacts utility networks. Residual disruptions are likely once flooding has subsided as authorities work to clear debris and any flood damage.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Institut Royal Meteorologique, Belgium
Meteo-France (French)
Administration de l'Aeroport de Luxembourg (French)
MeteoSwiss (German)