Germany faces flood emergency in Danube River region

Whenever the German chancellor makes an appearance in a flood-affected area wearing rubber boots, the situation is serious. And when he has Bavaria's head of government and the German interior minister in tow, the situation must be particularly tense.

"The forces of nature are big, they are strong and they can cause great destruction," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as he faced journalists in front of the fire station in Reichertshofen, Bavaria on Monday, flanked by State Premier Markus Söder and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. "This goes for floods in particular. This is the fourth time this year that I have gone to a specific area of operation. We will do everything we can, including using the possibilities offered by the federal government, to ensure that help can be provided quickly."

Firefighters, emergency workers at their limit

The floods have badly affected the town of Reichertshofen, situated on the Paar River, a tributary of the Danube. But the normally tranquil tributary became a raging river during recent heavy rainfall and burst several dams. Many communities were evacuated, as cellars and ground floors flooded and electricity failed.

"The situation is, and remains, serious," said Söder at the scene. "The water is receding in some places, and cleanup work is starting. But we are still seeing flood breakthroughs. Dams are still being waterlogged, there are new floods and many evacuations. At the moment, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated. And that number is likely to grow."

Söder praised the volunteers who have helped out since the flooding began. Some 20,000 are currently on the job, and more than 50,000 have been involved over the past few days.

Christian Nitschke is one of them — he is the district's highest-ranking fireman. He told DW he is proud of his team that managed to bring thousands of people to safety.

But the death of a firefighter, whose dinghy capsized during a rescue operation, continues to weigh heavily. "This is this operation's nightmare — losing a colleague is the worst thing that can happen. We are very shocked, dismayed and shaken. But we will fight to the end. Even in the areas where we have lost to the water," he said.

District Administrator Albert Gürtner, who took office during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the important role of the volunteer network. 

"Yesterday we feared that an entire town of 10,000 residents might get flooded. Thank God it didn't happen — not least because of the great efforts of rescue workers. We have to keep supporting the voluntary structures we have. Because there aren't enough full-time staff," he said.

Gürtner is concerned the Danube could swell again in the next couple of days. The entire town is anxiously watching the water levels, while focusing on more immediate matters such as flooded basements and power outages. 

Politicians need to provide quick relief — 'not make empty promises'

Martin Lorenz, who owns a small gym in Reichertshofen, said his existence is once again on the brink of ruin.

Lorenz's gym was already hit hard by the COVID pandemic four years ago. Now, the workout equipment stands in ankle-deep water.

"After the coronavirus, business picked up again for about one year. And now this. Everything that runs on electricity, the fitness equipment, and the floors — are all ruined," he told DW.

Lorenz believes it was important for the German chancellor to see the situation in Reichertshofen firsthand. But he also said Scholz must live up to his promise of quick relief for the flood victims. Lorenz's very own existence depends on it.

"Politicians should gain a realistic overview — but not make empty promises," he said. "During the coronavirus pandemic, things were overly complicated. It shouldn't be like that. Back then, you were afraid of doing 1,000 things wrong, and that you'd have to pay back 100 things."

This article was originally written in German.

While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing.