05:17 am | Alert level 3 lifted in Dresden and Schöna
The water levels of the Elbe in Saxony continue to fall. At the Schöna gauge, on the border with the Czech Republic, the value fell to around 5.88 meters by Friday morning. Alert level 3 was therefore lifted and warning level 2 now applies. In Dresden, the water level also fell below the critical six-meter mark and was at 5.83 meters. Alert level 2 was also restored here. The Elbe’s flood peak reached the Saxon section of the river on Thursday, according to the State Flood Center.
04:30 am | Preparing for floods: Concerns on the Oder are growing
Towns along the German-Polish Oder have been preparing for days for the flood situation to worsen. So far, the lowest level of alarm has been in place along the river sections near Frankfurt (Oder), Eisenhüttenstadt and Ratzdorf. However, the water levels are continuing to rise and could become more severe in the middle of the week. Fire brigades, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and other organisations are on standby to prevent flooding. A mobile flood protection wall has been erected in Frankfurt (Oder) and a hotline for concerned residents is active. The city is also offering support to the neighbouring Polish town of Slubice.
Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke is calling for vigilance, as the highest alert level 4 could soon be reached in some sections of the Oder. In Frankfurt, alert level 3 is expected for the first half of the week, while in Ratzdorf this level is expected as early as Monday evening.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
17:56 | Dresden and Saxony support Wroclaw in the flood
Saxony and the city of Dresden are supporting the region around the Polish metropolis of Wroclaw, which has been badly hit by flooding. A report has been received from Wroclaw about what items are urgently needed, said government spokesman Ralph Schreiber. This includes camp beds, blankets and food. “We are very happy that the German Red Cross (DRK) is providing support here.” Around 50,000 euros have been spent on the current transport.
15:14 | Neisse Bridge in Ostritz remains closed
The pedestrian bridge over the Neisse in Ostritz remains closed. This was announced by Mayor Stephanie Rikl. The reason is the poor structural condition of the bridge. The wooden planks of the bridge are rotten and have already partially broken. The town of Ostritz had the holes temporarily repaired. However, the flood has made the condition even worse. There is a risk of accidents, according to the town hall.
The Polish side is responsible for the bridge. The Zgorzelec district administration has now commissioned repair work. This should be completed by October 17. Until then, the railway company ODEG has set up a rail replacement service between Hagenwerder and Ostritz, as the Krzewina Zgorzelecka stop is currently not accessible via the Neisse bridge.
13:30 | Water in Dresden is slowly receding
In Dresden, the Elbe water level has apparently passed its highest point. Since this morning, it has fallen by two centimetres and is now at 6.08 metres, according to the flood control centre. The city is expecting a long-drawn-out flood peak, and all protective measures remain in force. In Riesa, the water level has remained at 6.66 metres since this morning. However, due to different topography, the two water levels cannot be compared.