We are facing a critical night, full mobilization is required,
The priority is obviously to save lives. At this moment we have all the necessary logistics to intervene quickly,
I feel sorry for the neighbors,
We are again facing the effects of climate change, which are increasingly present on the European continent, with dramatic consequences,
The ground is now saturated so all the rainwater is going to stay on the surface,
This is a catastrophe of epic proportions,
The wave of flooding is expected to peak around 8 metres (26 feet) in the second half of next week,
A warmer atmosphere heated by fossil fuel emissions can hold more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. Weather station data also indicates that bursts of September rainfall have become heavier in Germany, Poland, Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia since 1950,
The coming hours will be the moment of truth for our flood protection service and a massive test of endurance for our emergency services and fellow citizens,
It’s clear that even highly developed countries like Germany are not safe from climate change. As long as the world burns oil, gas and coal, heavy rainfall and other weather extremes will intensify, making our planet a more dangerous and expensive place to live,
There is a realistic risk of local inundations from Friday to Sunday,
Due to the current weather situation, it is unfortunately not possible to hold the Roemerfest safely and sensibly, which is why we are cancelling the event with a heavy heart,
Although we believe the situation will not be so dramatic, we must be prepared for worst-case scenarios. We are facing a difficult weekend,
We expect up to 400 mm of rain in some places by Monday. Several rivers will reach the first level of flood activity today and we expect further increases in levels in the coming days,
As a result of heavy rainfall, we expect significant rises in water levels from Friday evening. The highest rises with numerous excesses of the third level of flood activity are expected during Saturday and Sunday,
We are acting in a preventative mode and we believe that starting anti-flood measures now, we believe the situation of 2002 will not repeat itself,
If something can be expected, and this what we want to be prepared for, it is of course localized flooding or so-called flash floods,
We have to be ready for the worst case scenarios,
There is no reason to panic, but there is a reason to be fully mobilized,
Data shows we are facing uneasy days,