Authorities in eastern Germany are bracing for fresh flooding, a week after massive rainfall devastated parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The Oder-Spree district in the state of Brandenburg has declared the highest alert level on Tuesday, as the Oder River has risen again. The water level in the village of Ratzdorf, on the border with Poland, is expected to reach 5.90 meters.
The river normally flows past the village at an altitude of about 2.60 metres.
The nearby town of Eisenhüttenstadt could also be affected. Authorities have warned residents to stay away from flood barriers after reports from observers who visited them to observe the high water.
Emergency services are on site in Ratzdorf, where a 152-metre-long wall is being built to hold back the river.
The highest warning level means that the threat of flooding poses a risk to lives in the region.
The water level in Ratzdorf is expected to reach its highest point on Wednesday and remain high until Friday.
