Residents in the southern German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are bracing for continued heavy rainfall and severe flooding, prompting dramatic evacuations and the declaration of states of emergency in several districts. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued severe weather warnings in more than 10 districts, with forecasts predicting more heavy rain over the next 24-48 hours.

Train services have been significantly disrupted due to the flooding. Travel between Munich and Bregenz, Austria, as well as Zurich, Switzerland, has been canceled. Trains between Munich and Stuttgart have been rerouted, and services between Ulm and Augsburg have also been affected. Moreover, a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) stretch of the A3 Autobahn near Bavarian Regensburg was closed in both directions after flooding from nearby fields inundated the road.

Numerous incidents of infrastructure damage have been reported across the affected regions. In Augsburg, Bavaria, both a dyke and a dam burst, leading to emergency evacuations. In Fischach, west of Munich, residents required helicopter rescues as the local Schmutter River overflowed. In other districts, rescuers arrived in boats as floodwaters made roads impassable.

The ADAC automobile association, known for its roadside assistance and flight for life services, has deployed all its helicopters in southern Germany to assist with evacuations and rescue efforts. Additional helicopters from northern Germany are en route to the affected areas to support the ongoing operations.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders as floodwaters continue to rise. Residents in Diedorf near Augsburg have been instructed to leave their homes entirely, as seeking shelter on upper floors and attics is no longer considered safe. In Lindau, Bavaria, an apartment building was emptied as a precautionary measure after water seeped into the structure, increasing the risk of electrical short-circuits.

In Baden-Württemberg's Lake Constance district, approximately 1,300 residents were asked to evacuate due to the risk of flooding. In the city of Memmingen, a state prison had to be evacuated as floodwaters caused plumbing issues within the complex. Roughly 100 prisoners have been temporarily relocated to nearby penitentiaries, with their return to Memmingen anticipated to take weeks.

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay away from basements, underground parking structures, and tunnels. They strongly advise against driving or walking through flooded areas due to the dangers they pose.

Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder stressed the severity of the situation, stating that the flooding is far from over and thanking all emergency services workers for their invaluable efforts. Söder emphasized the importance of following safety instructions to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

In Wiesensteig, Baden-Württemberg, residents have been advised to boil water before consumption after local water treatment facilities were overwhelmed by floodwaters.

While the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have been most severely impacted, the eastern states of Saxony and Thuringia are also expected to experience inclement weather with heavy rain in the forecast. As a precaution, several major events in the area have been canceled.

The ongoing flooding poses significant challenges to residents, businesses, and emergency services in southern Germany. Efforts to mitigate the situation and protect affected individuals continue as authorities work tirelessly to safeguard their communities from further harm.