Five Dead, Thousands Evacuated in Southern Germany Floods

Heavy rainfall in Bavaria, southern Germany, has led to devastating floods, resulting in at least five deaths and the evacuation of thousands of people. The flooding situation is expected to ease, with no more heavy rainfall forecast, but water levels remain high in some areas.

Authorities recovered the body of a 57-year-old woman from a car that sank into floodwater in Bavaria, confirming the fifth death. A firefighter is still missing after their vessel overturned during a flood rescue operation.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in southern Germany highlight the urgent need for effective climate change measures to mitigate the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. If left unchecked, such events can lead to significant loss of life, property damage, and disruption to critical infrastructure.

Over 100 million euros ($109 million) in financial aid will be provided by the Bavarian state government to those affected, including private households, commercial enterprises, self-employed people, and farmers. Bavaria's state premier, Markus Söder, called on the federal government to provide aid and emphasized that the state government will provide support 'quickly and unbureaucratically.'

Water levels remain high in some parts of southern Germany but are expected to drop. Many schools across southern Germany are still closed, and some local and long-distance train routes have been canceled. The Rhine River, a major waterway in western Germany, has been affected, with large sections closed and many ships waiting for water levels to fall.

Robert Hausen, a DWD meteorologist, noted, 'From a meteorological point of view, the all-clear can now be given for southern Germany.' Markus Söder added, 'Bavaria is helping quickly and unbureaucratically. We will not leave anyone alone in times of need.'

Heavy rainfall has also caused flooding in neighboring Poland, with the town of Bielsko-Biala in Silesia reportedly inundated and the mayor issuing a flood warning.

The floods have caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of production at Audi's Bavarian plant in Ingolstadt following flooding from the river Danube. Supplies of electricity have been cut off in several areas, and schools have been ordered to remain shut.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the affected areas and emphasized the need to address climate change, stating, 'We cannot neglect the task of halting man-made climate change.' Bavarian Premier Markus Söder declared a state of emergency and noted that 'events are happening here that have never happened before.'

The German Weather Service has warned of more heavy rain in southern and eastern parts of the country, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Key Takeaways

• At least 5 deaths and thousands evacuated due to severe flooding in Bavaria, southern Germany.
• Over €100 million in financial aid allocated to affected individuals and businesses.
• Water levels remain high, but expected to drop; many schools and train routes still closed.
• Flooding also reported in neighboring Poland, with town of Bielsko-Biala inundated.
• German leaders emphasize need for climate change measures to mitigate extreme weather events.