Rescue worker dies amid flooding in southern Germany

BERLIN: A volunteer firefighter died during a rescue operation during heavy rain and flooding in the south of Germany, local police said on Sunday.

Four emergency workers were attempting to reach people trapped by the flood waters near Pfaffenhofen in the region of Bavaria when their boat capsized.

Three of the crew managed to pull themselves to safety, while the fourth, a 42-year-old, was found dead in the water by other rescue workers at around 2:20 am (0020 GMT).

“I am saddened by the death of a firefighter in Pfaffenhofen. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X.

“We owe thanks and respect to the rescue workers and helpers who are fighting the consequences of the floods in many places,” he said. A rescue operation was underway to find another volunteer firefighter in Offingen, Bavaria.