In southern Germany, continuous heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in recent days, with Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg being the most severely affected states. A 42-year-old firefighter tragically lost his life during rescue operations, while another firefighter remains missing.
As of now, ten municipalities in Bavaria have declared a state of emergency, with water levels in some areas reaching their highest levels in a century. Dams have breached in multiple locations such as Baar-Ebenhausen and Augsburg.
The inclement weather has led to extensive cancellations and delays in train services and regional transportation lines in Bavaria. Some areas are experiencing severe flooding, hindering traffic flow.
Local authorities reported on Sunday, June 2nd, that approximately 3,000 people in southern Germany have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the flood impact.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to the social platform X to express his sorrow over the firefighter’s death, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of a firefighter, and my heart goes out to his family and colleagues. We should express our gratitude and respect to the rescue personnel and volunteers battling the floods in many regions.”
Scholz is expected to visit the disaster-stricken areas to assess the situation and flood prevention efforts before Monday, with the German Weather Service (DWD) warning of more rainfall in the southern and eastern regions of the country.