Authorities in Brandenburg, eastern Germany, have issued the highest flood warning level for a segment of the Oder River along the German-Polish border, where rising waters have already breached banks in some rural areas. This follows significant flooding in central Europe last week.
Flood Conditions and Preparations
The highest warning level, on a four-stage scale, is in effect south of the border city of Frankfurt (Oder), with alerts raised overnight. In nearby Frankfurt (an der Oder) and areas north, level 3 flood warnings are also active.
Officials are mobilizing flood defenses and preparing evacuation plans for affected regions as high water continues to flow downstream from central Europe. The German-Polish border stretches along the Oder River, further complicating the situation.
Brandenburg’s state premier, Dietmar Woidke, is scheduled to visit two of the hardest-hit locations on Wednesday. He will assess conditions in Eisenhüttenstadt, a town of nearly 25,000 residents, and the smaller border village of Ratzdorf, where the river and the border diverge.
In Ratzdorf, floodwaters have inundated some roads and gardens, prompting emergency responders to strengthen flood defenses and prepare for potential evacuations. A spokeswoman from Eisenhüttenstadt reported similar flooding in parts of the town, affecting roads, gardens, and garages. Authorities are actively reinforcing vulnerable areas with sandbags to mitigate damage.
Current Flood Alert Status
While the highest flood warning does not officially declare a state of emergency, it signals the necessity for preparedness among local authorities in case conditions worsen. The situation remains fluid as responders continue to monitor the river and implement safety measures for residents in the affected regions.