Tragic Losses in Southern Germany as Floods Claim 5 Lives
Five individuals tragically lost their lives in southern Germany as torrential rainfall led to widespread flooding. The devastating floods resulted in the evacuation of thousands, with senior officials issuing warnings about the escalating impact of the climate crisis on extreme weather events in the country.
Heavy rainfall in southern Germany has led to five deaths and the evacuation of thousands of people due to widespread floods. Senior officials are warning that the climate crisis will continue to worsen extreme weather events in the country.
According to Juergen Weiss of the Bavarian firefighters’ association, two individuals and a firefighter have tragically lost their lives in Bavaria state.
A general view taken with a drone shows the flood-affected area at the Paar river following heavy rainfalls in Gotteshofen near Ingolstadt, Germany, June 2, 2024.
A general view taken with a drone shows the flood-affected area at the Paar river following heavy rainfalls in Gotteshofen near Ingolstadt, Germany, June 2, 2024.
Ayhan Uyanik/Reuters
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A rescue worker tragically passed away during the floods in southern Germany. Several thousand people had to be evacuated due to the dangerous conditions. One of the victims was swept away in her car, while the cause of death for the other civilian is still under investigation. Additionally, a firefighter lost his life when his inflatable rubber boat capsized on Saturday.
Unfortunately, two individuals lost their lives in their basement in Baden-Wuerttemberg, as per the police. It is believed that they passed away while attempting to pump water out of their basement.
Regional authorities have reported that six people and a 22-year-old firefighter are still missing.
After heavy rainfall, 800 personnel from the German Armed Forces have been dispatched to assist with rescue operations in the region. The German weather service has predicted that there will be no further heavy rainfall.
The main focus of the rescue efforts is centered around the River Danube, where high water levels have been observed passing through the city of Regensburg on Tuesday morning. This comes after a successful evacuation effort the previous evening.
Aerial view of a house destroyed by recent flooding in Rudersberg, Germany on Tuesday.
Aerial view of a house destroyed by recent flooding in Rudersberg, Germany on Tuesday.
Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images
Parts of the Bavarian old town of Passau have been flooded by the Danube.
Parts of the Bavarian old town of Passau have been flooded by the Danube.
Armin Weigel/dpa/AP
On Tuesday morning, the Danube in Passau was measured at 31.5 feet (9.6 meters), which is almost twice the usual level for this time of year, as reported by the Bavarian State Environmental Office.
In the charming university town of Passau, three rivers converge. To ensure safety, authorities have taken measures such as halting motorized traffic and clearing out underground car parks.
In Bavaria, over 52,000 emergency workers, mostly volunteers, have been sent out according to the firefighters’ association. However, they are facing challenges due to the extensive flooding in the area.
The blame for this situation has been placed on climate change.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the flood areas on Monday and mentioned that the increased flooding was a sign of climate change. He emphasized that these disasters, especially floods, are becoming more frequent.
Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also noted Sunday that climate change is causing more severe weather events.
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exp Global flooding Macfarlane LIVE 072404ASEG1 cnni world_00002001.png
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Flooding around the world shows the growing climate crisis
Habeck, a member of the Greens Party, mentioned to broadcaster n-tv that there has been a significant increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Record floods and record rainfall are now happening every few years.
In 2021, Western Europe experienced deadly floods that resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 220 people between July 12 and 15, with the majority of the fatalities occurring in Germany.
Climate scientists have analyzed the event and concluded that the record rainfall causing the deadly floods was made between 1.2 and nine times more likely by human-caused climate change.
In addition, other areas of Europe have also experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days.
Firefighters in Northeastern Italy near the city of Udine announced on Sunday that they found the bodies of two young women who were carried away by strong currents in the Natisone river. The river had swelled due to heavy rainfall. The firefighters are currently searching for the body of a third person.
On Monday evening, Slovenia experienced flooding. The municipalities of Radenci and Gornja Radgona, located near the Austrian border, were the most severely impacted areas in the country, as reported by public broadcaster RTV SLO.
Flooding and landslides struck Croatia's Krapina-Zagorje county in the north of the country near Slovenia after heavy rainfall on Monday, as reported by the public news agency HINA.
This report includes contributions from CNN's Barbie Nadeau and Louis Mian.
Editor's P/S:
The devastating floods in southern Germany, claiming the lives of five individuals and displacing thousands, serve as a stark reminder of the intensifying impacts of climate change. The tragic loss of life, including a firefighter who heroically attempted to save others, is a sobering testament to the urgent need for action to mitigate the worsening extreme weather events. The government's recognition of climate change as a major contributing factor underscores the necessity for comprehensive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
The widespread flooding in Germany is not an isolated incident but part of a global pattern of extreme weather events, including unprecedented heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. These events are a direct consequence of human activities that have altered the Earth's climate system. It is imperative that governments, industries, and individuals recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and work together to implement sustainable solutions. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By acting now, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and ensure a habitable planet for future generations.
