01 Jun 2024 | 07:03 PM UTC
Germany: Severe flooding likely to impact Bavaria and parts of Baden-Wurttemberg into at least June 3 /update 1
Severe flooding likely in parts of southern Germany through at least June 3. States of emergency, localized evacuation orders in place.
Significant flooding will likely continue to impact parts of southern Germany - primarily Bavaria and parts of Baden-Wurttemberg - through at least late June 3. According to the Bavaria Flood Information Service (Hochwassernachrichtendiest Bayern/HND), the main flooding is occurring along parts of the upper Danube River, as well as several of the Danube's southern tributaries, with waters exceeding Reporting Level 3 and Warning Level 4 - the two highest levels on a four-tier scale. Authorities have declared states of emergencies in at least seven of Bavaria's districts: Aichach-Friedberg, Augsburg, Donau-Ries, Gunzburg, Neu-Ulm, Pfaffenhofen, and Unterallgau. In Augsburg District, local officials have issued evacuation orders for parts of several municipalities, including Achsheim, Allmannshofen, Altenmunster, Batzehofen, Biberbach, Diedorf, Eisenbrechtshofen, and Gablingen, as well as the entirety of Nordendorf.
National rail carrier Deutsche Bahn is reporting significant weather-related service disruptions affecting routes linking cities in the two southern state and elsewhere in Germany, as well as Bregenz, Austria, and Zurich, Switzerland.
The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) forecasts that heavy rain will continue falling in southern Germany into at least June 3, likely exacerbating existing flooding. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in the affected areas. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes affected by floodwaters. Localized business disruptions are likely; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Rising water levels could also affect water treatment facilities and contaminate drinking water.
Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Avoid the affected areas until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for localized disruptions in and around the affected area until the flooding subsides and the clean-up is completed. Avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas. Seek updated information on road conditions. If operating in the affected counties, stock up on bottled water as a precaution. Monitor official information sources for any announcements of restrictions or advisories regarding water use.
