Eastern floodwaters ease but alert remains high

However, officials said the Schwarze Elster River near Löben was still two centimetres over emergency levels and rescue workers had not been able to seal several leaks in floodwalls in Wittenberg county.

The town of Purzien, which is threatened by floodwaters on two sides, has been secured by a temporary dyke, according to local authorities.

In neighbouring Brandenburg, officials said the water levels in Elbe-Elster county were receding, but the region remained at the highest flood alert.

Although the Schwarze Elster near Herzberg and Bad Liebenwerda had dropped significantly in recent hours, residents fear the waterlogged dykes could still break.

Several streets closed on Sunday could remain blocked through Tuesday, officials warned.

DAPD/mry