Heavy downpours inundate basements and roads in North Rhine-Westphalia, causing widespread flooding.
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Disruptions Across Western Germany
A heavy rainstorm has hit several western states in Germany, leading to flooding, traffic disruptions, and emergency responses. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for increased heavy rain risk in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg.
Firefighters in Mönchengladbach and Bedburg, Rhein-Erft-Kreis, are working tirelessly to build an artificial dam with sandbags and excavators to protect against flooding. Their efforts come as the Erft river reached the highest of three alert levels ("significant danger") at the Neubrücke gauge in Grevenbroich.
In Mönchengladbach, parents were given the option to keep their children at home due to the heavy rain. The storm has caused over 70 calls to be responded to by firefighters, including rescues from flooded apartments and cars.
Elsewhere, a truck overturned on the A4 near Frechen due to aquaplaning, causing traffic jams. ADAC, a German automobile association, advises against driving through flooded areas to avoid engine damage and warns drivers in affected areas about poor visibility and aquaplaning.
In the Eifel region, up to 80 liters of rain per square meter are possible, and up to 90 liters within six to nine hours in stagnant areas. Significantly increased water levels were also seen on the Wurm, a tributary of the Rur, in Herzogenrath.
ADAC recommends driving defensively, reducing speed, maintaining more safety distance, and fully concentrating on the road during aquaplaning. They also advise against attempting to start a car in a flooded area.
Fourteen people were rescued from their homes in the Oppendorf district of Bedburg and temporarily housed in a school center. A new housing area in the Kaster district of Bedburg is flooded up to 60 centimeters deep.
The storm is not as severe as the 2021 Ahr Valley flood disaster, but it has been ongoing since last night, causing disruptions and challenges for fire departments in North Rhine-Westphalia. The heavy rain has even flooded a highway tunnel on the A46 in Düsseldorf.
Despite the challenges, fire departments are working hard to protect communities and respond to emergencies. The heavy rain in NRW is a reminder for everyone to stay safe and follow the advice of emergency services during such weather events.
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