Deutsche Bahn has severely reduced long-distance train services in Bavaria following heavy flooding in southern Germany over the weekend. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the affected region on Monday.
Heavy rain travelling northeast from the Alps has caused serious flooding in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria over the weekend.
While the German Weather Service (DWD) has lifted the level three severe weather warning issued on May 31, the situation remains tense in many areas and regional warnings are still in place or being implemented.
Authorities in the Bavarian city of Regensburg declared a state of emergency on Monday morning after water levels in the Danube River reached 5,8 metres - compared to last week’s 2,8 metres - and continue to rise.
In the meantime, Deutsche Bahn has urged passengers travelling in southern Germany to postpone their journeys due to severely disrupted and cancelled services.
"We advise against travelling to the affected flood areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg," a statement released by Deutsche Bahn read. "Munich is currently inaccessible by long-distance trains from Stuttgart, Würzburg and Nuremberg."
On Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (both SPD) are expected to travel to the affected village of Reichertshofen in central Bavaria where, together with Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder (CSU), they will meet with emergency services.
Over the weekend, thousands of people across the two southern German states had to be evacuated from their homes. Basements, underground car parks and homes were flooded, with the water cutting off electricity and hot water supplies. During rescue operations in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, at least one firefighter is reported to have died.
According to initial assessments, some areas saw more rainfall over 24 hours than the average expected over an entire month. Heavy rain spells and flooding are expected to become even more frequent in Germany in the next few years as climate change shapes weather patterns.
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