Battle against rising waters: Dresden deploys military to clear Elbe blockage

German Dresden is frantically trying to control the turbulent waters of the Elbe, but the collapsed Charles Bridge poses a significant obstacle in flood control efforts. In response to this difficult situation, the Bundeswehr in Saxony has deployed tanks and specialised equipment to remove the debris and restore the river's natural flow.

In the heart of Germany, a dramatic battle against the elements is underway. After intense rainfall that hit both the Czech Republic and Germany, the water levels of the rivers are rising rapidly, indicating a dangerous flood ahead. The situation is worsened by the collapsed Charles Bridge, which obstructs the flow of the Elbe, impeding its natural receding.

As reported by blesk.cz, large fragments of concrete and steel are blocking the riverbed, becoming a serious obstacle for the swollen waters. Rescue services are working tirelessly to remove these obstructions, but the scale of the challenge is enormous.

The Bundeswehr, the armed forces in Saxony, was called for assistance to speed up operations. Rescue tanks and specialised equipment are attempting to remove the blocked bridge elements. "We are running out of time," warned Michael Klahre, a fire department representative in Dresden, in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.

He added that the level of the Elbe is still rising, which complicates the operation. Klahre emphasised that rescue services aim to clear the debris as quickly as possible, before the flood wave arrives on Sunday, 15 September, which will flow down the Elbe from the Czech Republic.

Meteorologists are warning that the situation in Germany could worsen further. In the coming days, more intense rainfall is forecasted, likely leading to further increases in river levels. The greatest flood threat for eastern Germany is the water flowing from the Czech Republic, especially through the Elbe and the Lusatian Neisse.

Some forecasts suggest that the level of the Elbe could reach record levels. The combination of the collapsed bridge and extreme rainfall has created a very dangerous situation.

In response to the growing threat, local authorities have declared a state of emergency, preparing for possible evacuations. Residents of flood-threatened areas have been advised to pack essential items and be ready to leave their homes if necessary.