Floods level off in Germany but many still under water; Danube expected to crest in Budapest

6/7/2013

BERLIN — Water levels in southern Germany have largely stabilized following massive flooding as the crest of swollen rivers has moved north, but many communities remain under water.

The military said today it now has 11,300 soldiers helping in seven German states, building sandbag barriers and flying helicopters over floodzones to ensure levees and dams are holding. A 74-year-old man died after he was hit by a vehicle carrying sandbags in the German city of Wittenberg.

Five other flood-related deaths have been recorded in Germany, eight in the Czech Republic, two in Austria and one in Slovakia.

In Hungary today, the Danube was expected to hit its highest level ever in Budapest but authorities say barriers are expected to keep it contained.