Heavy rainfall and rising rivers have caused flooding across parts of southern Germany, hitting areas in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg hardest. If you live there or plan to travel, you need clear, practical steps — not panic. This page gives fast updates, safety actions, and reliable ways to help.
Get warnings from official sources only. Follow the German Weather Service (DWD), local police, and municipal websites. Use the NINA and KATWARN alert apps for push warnings. Tune to local radio or TV (ARD/ZDF) if internet access is limited. Avoid social posts that don’t cite these sources.
Watch river gauges and evacuation orders. If authorities ask you to move, do it immediately. Flood levels can rise fast and unpredictably after heavy rain upstream.
If you are in a flood zone, move to higher ground inside the building — a top floor or the roof if necessary. Don’t walk or drive through floodwater: six inches can knock you down and a foot can float a car. Turn off electricity and gas if safe to do so; unplug appliances and move important documents and medicines to a dry bag.
Pack a small emergency kit: bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, a power bank, first-aid kit, essential meds, ID, cash, and a list of emergency contacts. Keep your phone charged and conserve battery by closing unused apps.
Avoid contact with floodwater. It can carry sewage, chemicals, and sharp debris. Wear gloves and waterproof boots when cleaning up. If you’re injured or feel unwell after contact, see a doctor and mention floodwater exposure.
If you evacuate, inform family or neighbors where you’re going. Check on elderly neighbors and people with mobility issues — they often need early help.
After waters recede, document damage with photos and video for insurers. Contact your insurance company right away and register claims. Don’t throw away damaged items until an adjuster has seen them, unless health or safety demands removal.
Volunteer and donate carefully. Trusted organizations include THW (Technisches Hilfswerk), German Red Cross (DRK), Caritas, and local municipal relief funds. Cash donations are usually more helpful than goods unless authorities request specific items. Avoid driving into affected towns unless coordinated with relief services.
For travelers: expect road closures and rail disruptions. Check Deutsche Bahn and regional transport sites before you head out. If your trip is affected, contact your carrier or travel insurer for refunds or rebooking options.
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Short-term: focus on safety, follow official guidance, and support verified relief efforts. Share useful updates with friends and family, and avoid spreading unverified images or claims. Stay safe and act early.
Four people have died in severe floods sweeping across southern Germany. Heavy rainfall has caused widespread havoc in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, submerging cellars and disrupting transportation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for urgent climate action as the crisis deepens.
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