Floods sweep across Germany | All media content | DW | 06.01.2018

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Floods sweep across Germany

Most of Germany's major rivers have swollen to double and triple their usual levels. Authorities are working day and night to keep the floods at bay. So far, there has only been limited material damage.

  • Flooding in Hesse state (picture-alliance/dpa/B. Roessler)

    Higher and higher

    Authorities are constantly monitoring water levels to ensure they take the correct measures thus controlling the extent of the damage caused. Germany's rivers are expected to keep swelling until better weather conditions slow down the snow melt in the Alps.

  • container ship in Cologne (picture-alliance/dpa/O. Berg)

    Bridge over troubled water

    Commercial shipping has stopped across many waterways as the safety of vessels cannot be guaranteed anymore when passing under bridges. Authorities also want to limit waves caused by boats hitting the river banks.

  • Flooding on streets in Saarbrücken (picture-alliance/dpa/O. Dietze)

    Slippery when wet

    The water has spilled over into some streets, as rising water levels in rivers also result in rising groundwater in low-lying areas. Roads throughout the country are being monitored for their safety and might be subject to further closures.

  • Flooding in Wörnitz (picture-alliance/dpa/S. Puchner)

    Muddy waters

    Residential areas have so far been spared - with few exceptions . However, several town centers, especially in historic cities that boast a great deal of old architecture situated close to their river banks, have had to be sealed off.

  • Flooding in Menzenschwand, Black Forest region (picture-alliance/dpa/P. Seeger)

    In full flood

    The rise in water levels also brings debris into flooded areas, which can cause damage. This village in the Black Forest had to cordon off certain areas not only due to water damage but also to be prepared for the clean-up afterwards.

  • Soccer field under water in Wörlitz (picture-alliance/dpa/S. Puchner)

    In deep water

    While children are expected to return to school after Christmas holidays they might have to refrain from certain outdoor activities. This public soccer field in Wörnitz, Bavaria, has flooded so badly that it will likely need to be regrassed.

  • Düsseldorf's old town (picture-alliance/dpa/M. Gerten)

    Unchartered waters

    Certain cities with little history of flooding have taken some extra precautions, fortifying their river banks and making sure that locals and visitors alike remain safe. Düsseldorf (pictured here) has ordered waterside restaurants to close during the floods and has also stopped shipping - despite nearby Duisburg being a major industrial hub that depends on the shipping industry.

  • Flooding in Northrhein Westphalia (picture-alliance/dpa/A. Stoffel)

    Life on the edge

    The rise in water levels is not only a threat to urban areas but also to low-lying fields and nature. The habitat of animals is just as much in jeopardy as that of humans, with floods sometimes resulting in irreparable damages to the eco-system. With climate change causing natural catastrophes more frequently, even the most developed countries can be caught off-guard when disaster strikes.


  • Flooding in Hesse state (picture-alliance/dpa/B. Roessler)

    Higher and higher

    Authorities are constantly monitoring water levels to ensure they take the correct measures thus controlling the extent of the damage caused. Germany's rivers are expected to keep swelling until better weather conditions slow down the snow melt in the Alps.

  • container ship in Cologne (picture-alliance/dpa/O. Berg)

    Bridge over troubled water

    Commercial shipping has stopped across many waterways as the safety of vessels cannot be guaranteed anymore when passing under bridges. Authorities also want to limit waves caused by boats hitting the river banks.

  • Flooding on streets in Saarbrücken (picture-alliance/dpa/O. Dietze)

    Slippery when wet

    The water has spilled over into some streets, as rising water levels in rivers also result in rising groundwater in low-lying areas. Roads throughout the country are being monitored for their safety and might be subject to further closures.

  • Flooding in Wörnitz (picture-alliance/dpa/S. Puchner)

    Muddy waters

    Residential areas have so far been spared - with few exceptions . However, several town centers, especially in historic cities that boast a great deal of old architecture situated close to their river banks, have had to be sealed off.

  • Flooding in Menzenschwand, Black Forest region (picture-alliance/dpa/P. Seeger)

    In full flood

    The rise in water levels also brings debris into flooded areas, which can cause damage. This village in the Black Forest had to cordon off certain areas not only due to water damage but also to be prepared for the clean-up afterwards.

  • Soccer field under water in Wörlitz (picture-alliance/dpa/S. Puchner)

    In deep water

    While children are expected to return to school after Christmas holidays they might have to refrain from certain outdoor activities. This public soccer field in Wörnitz, Bavaria, has flooded so badly that it will likely need to be regrassed.

  • Düsseldorf's old town (picture-alliance/dpa/M. Gerten)

    Unchartered waters

    Certain cities with little history of flooding have taken some extra precautions, fortifying their river banks and making sure that locals and visitors alike remain safe. Düsseldorf (pictured here) has ordered waterside restaurants to close during the floods and has also stopped shipping - despite nearby Duisburg being a major industrial hub that depends on the shipping industry.

  • Flooding in Northrhein Westphalia (picture-alliance/dpa/A. Stoffel)

    Life on the edge

    The rise in water levels is not only a threat to urban areas but also to low-lying fields and nature. The habitat of animals is just as much in jeopardy as that of humans, with floods sometimes resulting in irreparable damages to the eco-system. With climate change causing natural catastrophes more frequently, even the most developed countries can be caught off-guard when disaster strikes.


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