Monday, December 23, 2024

Rescue worker dies amid flooding in southern Germany

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A volunteer firefighter died during a rescue operation during heavy rain and flooding in the south of Germany, local police said on Sunday.

The 42-year-old died after his rescue ship capsized near Pfaffenhofen in Bavaria.

Four emergency workers were trying to reach people trapped by the flood waters when their boat turned over.

Three of the crew managed to pull themselves to safety, while the fourth was found dead in the water by other rescue workers at about 2.20am.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said on X: “I am saddened by the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues.

“We owe thanks and respect to the rescue workers and helpers who are fighting the consequences of the floods in many places,” Scholz said.

Heavy rains that started on Friday have caused flooding across the southern states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

The German rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, said on Sunday that the rail link between Stuttgart and Augsburg was closed due to the severe weather.

Two carriages of a high-speed train travelling on the line derailed after a landslide, according to media reports.

None of the passengers on board were injured in the incident late on Saturday, close to Schwäbisch Gmünd in Baden-Württemberg.

Several districts in Bavaria have declared emergencies due to high water levels.

The German weather service warned of more heavy rain to come in southern Germany on Sunday.

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