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Severe floods in Germany

June 1, 2013

Heavy rainfall in the south and east of Germany has prompted authorities to boost flood defenses. The water level on three major rivers continues to rise, threatening houses and infrastructure across several countries.

https://p.dw.com/p/18iPe

Water levels on the Rhine, Danube and Neckar rivers rose steadily on Saturday as meteorologists predicted a continued steady downpour of rain over the coming days. The increased flood concern comes amid what has been one of the wettest summers on record.

The DPA news agency reported that authorities in the Bavarian city of Passau were prepping for a possible surge of waters on the Danube. A local police spokeswoman said the river's water level had risen to just over 7.6 meters (25 feet), with the water expected to be double its normal level by Monday.

Officials have also issued a disaster warning for the nearby town of Borna, Leipzig's "Volkszeitung" newspaper reported on its website.  

North of Erfurt, the town of Gera was already dealing with soggy dikes and water flowing into surrounding fields. Some houses in the area suffered considerable damage.

"It is a very serious flood," said Thuringia State Premier Christine Lieberkneckt.

Authorities in the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland were also reinforcing flood defenses along rivers in anticipation of high water levels.

dr/lw  (AP, dpa)