The water level of the Elbe River is also rising. Emergency crews are working hard to remove the collapsed Carola Bridge to prevent flooding. The work was completed in the evening.
Major demolition work on the partially collapsed Carola Bridge over the Elbe River in Dresden has been completed ahead of the expected flooding, fire brigade spokesman Michael Klahre has confirmed.
This affects the section of the bridge on the embankment towards Neustadt. This meant that the work was completed earlier than originally planned. The original target was Sunday evening. Part of the bridge is still on the Elbe. Claret told the dpa news agency that the evacuation of the Elbe embankment was completed. The machinery should be moved out of the banking area by the evening.
Operation of armored recovery vehicles of the German Bundeswehr
Emergency services were working at full speed because of the imminent danger of flooding. Sections of the bridge were cut into pieces and transported by truck. Two Bundeswehr recovery vehicles were also on the scene to assist. She posted a video showing a tank pushing debris onto Platform X.
According to the state flood center, the water level in the Elbe River in Dresden is expected to reach 4 meters on Sunday morning. Then, work on the banks would no longer be possible. Dresden Environment Agency Director Rene Herold explained that the area is important during the coming flood because the current must move through the underwater part.
Flooding could occur without the additional risk of a collapsed section of the bridge. “We’re very, very happy about that,” Klahre previously said.
Part of the bridge that fell into the Elbe River on Wednesday will remain in place for the time being. Current estimates show that it will not significantly affect the water level. According to Simone Prufer, head of the road and civil engineering department, it can only be removed after the floodwaters have subsided. Demolition plans are underway.
