Flooding in Germany, a fireman drowns in an effort to rescue residents

Germany's southern regions are facing floods as a result of heavy rains in recent days, which are expected to continue even during Sunday.

The victim, 42, was on a rescue ship along with four other firefighters when the ship sank late Saturday.

His lifeless body was recovered early Sunday, said a spokesman for the town of Bavarez, of Pfaffenbach an der Ilm, located about 50 km from Munich.

Until the municipalities had several days to prepare for the flooding, rescue teams were still forced to evacuate hundreds of people after the floods evacuated some areas, authorities said.

“We thank and honor the rescue teams and those who are helping, for their fight against the effects of flooding in many parts”, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Deputy Kencellari and Economy Minister Robert Habeck pledged support for the affected regions, which he visited on Sunday.

Climate change is causing natural disasters, according to him.

The natural subx0> has always accompanied mankind. But what we are seeing is a huge increase in these events. Record floods are occurring every year... record rains every few years”, Habeck told N-tv broadcaster.

Parts of Europe were hit by severe flooding in 2021 that caused nearly 200 casualties, with the worst of Germany. / REL