Storm Manja Batters Northern Germany with High Winds and Flooding

Storm system Manja swept across northern Germany, triggering more than 100 weather-related emergency responses in the districts along the North Sea coast alone. The severe weather brought strong gusts, fallen trees, and disruptions to both land and maritime transit throughout Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Bremen.

Emergency services responded to numerous incidents involving uprooted trees that damaged automobiles, houses, and power lines. In Hamburg, a fallen tree brought down a power line in the Neugraben district, leaving local households temporarily without electricity. Another major operation occurred in Poppenbüttel, where firefighters used specialized equipment to dismantle a large maple tree that threatened to collapse onto a tennis facility.

Injuries were reported as a result of the falling debris. In Schleswig-Holstein, a cyclist sustained minor injuries on Sunday morning when a falling branch struck her on the B5 federal highway south of Husum, leading to her hospitalization. Meanwhile, in the town of Norden in the Aurich district, a separate fatal incident occurred when a 67-year-old bus driver made a left turn and struck a 21-year-old woman crossing the street, resulting in her death at the scene.

Transportation systems faced widespread cancellations due to the fierce winds. The German railway company Deutsche Bahn canceled Sylt Shuttle operations between Westerland and Niebüll, while private operator RDC also halted its auto-train services. Ferry connections to the North and East Frisian islands, as well as to Hiddensee, experienced severe limitations and cancellations.

Maritime traffic faced strict restrictions as well. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency issued warnings regarding a potential storm surge along the German North Sea coast. In Hamburg, authorities restricted the cruise ship "Mein Schiff Relax" from leaving the port because the Elbe River was temporarily closed to vessels exceeding 330 meters in length due to worsening conditions.

Tui Cruises stated regarding the delayed departure of the cruise ship that "due to the further deteriorating weather conditions, the Elbe is currently closed for ships with a length of more than 330 meters," adding that the safety of passengers and crew is always the highest priority. The restrictions in the area were expected to remain in place into early Monday morning.

Forecasters predicted significant water level rises along the coastline, with expected storm tides reaching up to two meters above average high water levels in Hamburg by early Monday. Local authorities across the affected regions urged residents to remain cautious as cleanup efforts and damage assessments continued.