Four Dead Following Severe Flooding in Southern Germany

Severe flooding in southern Germany has claimed the lives of four individuals, with three bodies found in inundated basements and a firefighter tragically losing their life during rescue efforts. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has visited the affected regions, urging action on climate change as emergency workers continue rescue operations amidst comparisons to past flooding disasters.

Severe flooding in southern Germany has resulted in the deaths of four individuals over the weekend. Three bodies were recovered from inundated basements—one in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, and two in Schorndorf, near Stuttgart. The fourth victim, a firefighter, died after an inflatable boat capsized in Pfaffenhofen.

The heavy rains, which began Friday and continued through Monday, led to widespread flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, submerging streets and highways, breaking dams, and derailing a high-speed train. Several towns have declared states of emergency and conducted evacuations.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited affected areas, including Reichertshofen, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. Emergency workers, including 800 soldiers, have been deployed for rescue operations and to fortify dams in anticipation of further flooding. Comparisons have been drawn to the disastrous Ahr Valley floods of 2021.