Severe storms in Germany: The scale of the destruction is "unbelievable" – New record numbers "ever recorded"
Heavy rains have caused severe flooding across western Germany, with emergency services operating at full capacity. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued several warnings, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, where streets in cities like Mönchengladbach have been submerged with up to 60 centimeters of water. Authorities have warned that the crisis is not over yet, as water levels remain in a dangerous state.
Measurements at several locations have shown the severity of the situation. In Neubrück (Erft), the water level reached 188 centimeters, while 240 centimeters were recorded in Randers/Furm. Authorities warned that severe damage is still likely. In Luxembourg, the country was also affected as rescue teams dealt with about 300 reports, and seven people were rescued from their cars after exceptional amounts of rain fell.
Meteorological experts confirmed that measurement stations recorded new record figures for the amount of rainfall over 24 hours, surpassing even the disaster levels of the Ahr Valley in 2021. In cities like Biedburg, residents described the amounts of water as "unbelievable," with up to 150 liters of rain recorded per square meter. The Federal Office for Civil Protection also issued strong warnings, urging residents in affected areas to turn off household appliances, leave their homes immediately, and assist neighbors, especially children, the elderly, and those with special needs.
Rescue teams are dealing with hundreds of incidents. In Mönchengladbach alone, firefighters responded to more than 100 reports, while over 400 reports are still pending. Families have been rescued from apartments flooded with water, and landslides have been recorded near schools. The police also reported incidents on highways due to water sliding, including a truck overturning on the A4 road.
The storm brought back painful memories of the catastrophic floods of 2021 in the Ahr Valley, which claimed the lives of 135 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Reconstruction efforts are still ongoing today, while authorities fear that the current rainfall amounts could reach similar levels of destruction. With warnings of more storms to come, authorities urge residents to stay in their homes, avoid driving, and follow urgent updates through warning apps like NINA and KATWARN.