Dresden battles rising Elbe as Charles Bridge collapse impedes efforts
The German city of Dresden is feverishly trying to control the turbulent waters of the Elbe, but the collapsed Charles Bridge poses a serious obstacle to flood control efforts. In response to this difficult situation, the Bundeswehr in Saxony has deployed tanks and specialized equipment to remove debris and restore the river's free flow.
In the heart of Germany, a dramatic fight against the elements is ongoing. Following intense rainfall that has hit both the Czech Republic and Germany, river levels are rising rapidly, heralding a dangerous flood. The situation is worsened by the collapsed Charles Bridge, which blocks the flow of the Elbe, hindering its natural runoff.
According to the portal blesk.cz, large chunks of concrete and steel are lying in the riverbed, becoming a serious obstacle for the rising water. Emergency services are working tirelessly to remove these obstacles, but the scale of the challenge is enormous.
The military fights the flood in Dresden
To expedite efforts, the Bundeswehr has been called in to help, with the armed forces in Saxony deploying rescue tanks and specialized equipment to remove the blocked elements of the bridge. "Time is running out for us," warned Michael Klahre, a representative of the fire department in Dresden, in an interview with the German daily "Bild".
He added that the level of the Elbe is still rising, making the operation difficult. Klahre emphasized that emergency services are striving to remove the debris as quickly as possible, before Sunday, September 15, when a flood wave is expected to flow down the Elbe from the Czech Republic.
Floods in Germany and the Czech Republic
Meteorologists warn that the situation in Germany could further deteriorate. In the coming days, more intense rainfall is forecasted, likely leading to further rises in river levels. The greatest flood threat to eastern Germany comes from water flowing in from the Czech Republic, especially via the Elbe and the Lusatian Neisse.
Some forecasts suggest that the level of the Elbe could reach record values. The combination of the collapsed bridge and extreme rainfall has created an extremely dangerous situation.
In response to the growing threat, local authorities have declared a state of emergency, preparing for possible evacuations. Residents of areas at risk of flooding have been advised to pack essential items and be ready to leave their homes if necessary.
