Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, two southern German states, are currently facing a crisis as severe weather conditions have prompted dramatic evacuations across the region. Residents in these areas have been urged to exercise extreme caution as forecasts predict heavy rain to persist over the next 24-48 hours. States of emergency have been declared in several districts, with the German Weather Service issuing severe weather warnings in more than 10 districts.
Train services between Munich, Bavaria, and Bregenz, Austria, as well as Zurich, Switzerland, have been canceled. The A3 Autobahn near Bavarian Regensburg was shut down in both directions due to flooding. In Augsburg, Bavaria, both a dyke and a dam burst, leading to emergency evacuations. Emergency services have been deployed to rescue stranded residents in areas affected by floodwaters, using helicopters and boats to navigate impassable roads.
Evacuations began Friday evening with an apartment building in Lindau, Bavaria, being emptied as a precautionary measure due to water entering the building. In the Lake Constance district of Baden-Württemberg, approximately 1,300 people were asked to leave their homes over flooding concerns. Authorities in various cities, such as Memmingen and Diedorf, have been forced to evacuate facilities and neighborhoods as floodwaters continue to rise.
Residents in affected areas have been advised by fire departments to avoid basements, underground parking facilities, and to refrain from driving or walking through flooded areas. Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder acknowledged the challenging situation, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols. While Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have been most directly impacted, other regions such as Saxony and Thuringia are also experiencing inclement weather, leading to event cancellations as a precaution.