The death toll in floods across a large part of southern Germany has tragically risen to four as three bodies were recovered from inundated basements. The recent heavy rain has caused widespread flooding in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, leading to devastating consequences.
Authorities recovered the body of a 43-year-old woman in a basement in the Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen, while a firefighter lost his life in nearby Pfaffenhofen after an inflatable boat capsized. Additionally, the bodies of a man and a woman were found in a flooded basement in Schorndorf, near Stuttgart.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the affected region, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Water levels are expected to rise further in some areas, prompting officials to issue warnings and evacuation orders.
The floods have caused significant transport disruptions, with long-distance rail routes to Munich from the north and west currently out of service. The situation remains critical and tense, with water receding in some places but new flooding and evacuations occurring elsewhere.
Regional officials, including Bavaria's governor Markus Söder, are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Söder highlighted the need for immediate action, as water levels are projected to increase in certain areas along the Danube, such as the city of Regensburg.
Chancellor Scholz stressed the importance of addressing man-made climate change, citing the recent succession of floods as a clear indication of the urgent need for environmental protection measures. The devastating impact of the floods serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.
