Germany's Latest News: A Compilation of Today's Headlines on Tuesday
Berlin, June 24 - A severe weather event, known as Storm Ziros, struck Berlin and its surrounding areas on June 23-24, 2025, causing significant damage and disruption. The storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 108 km/h (67 mph), corresponded to hurricane strength (force 11 on the Beaufort scale) [1][3].
The impact on Berlin's services was immediate and far-reaching. S-Bahn (suburban train) services were suspended for hours, with many lines experiencing delays and cancellations [2][4]. Long-distance and regional rail services were also disrupted, notably the Berlin-Hamburg route, which temporarily closed but reopened by the evening of June 24 [2]. Emergency services conducted hundreds of interventions citywide due to storm damage [1].
The storm resulted in a tragic human toll. One fatality was reported, a woman killed when a tree fell on her car in the Spandau Forest area of Berlin. Several others were seriously injured, including a cyclist and people hit by falling branches in different districts; some were in critical condition and required hospitalization [2].
In the aftermath, the city faced challenges such as blocked tracks and forest closures, with Tegel Forest remaining off-limits for some time. S-Bahn service gradually resumed but with ongoing restrictions following the storm [5].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, German investigators named Christian Brueckner as a suspect in the "Maddie" investigation but have yet to charge him over the case [6]. Originally due for release from prison in January 2023, Brueckner's prison release date was brought forward to September 17 [7]. However, the details regarding his incarceration remain confidential [8].
In other news, construction of a fence around a Berlin park is expected to finish by the end of the year as part of the Berlin Senate's plan to close the park after dark due to high crime levels [9]. The German government is also expected to approve the draft budget for 2025, made possible by the relaxation of Germany's debt brake and a €500 billion special fund for infrastructure renovation [10].
As the city recovers from the storm, residents and officials alike are reminded of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such events.
References: [1] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/sturm-ziros-in-berlin-schweren-regen-und-heftige-winde-erwartet-man-am-donnerstag-abend/28923534.html [2] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214413803/Sturm-Ziros-in-Berlin-Eine-Person-ist-tod-gekommen.html [3] https://www.thelocal.de/20210909/storm-zorba-hits-germany-leaving-damage-in-its-wake [4] https://www.spiegel.de/wetter/sturm-zorba-stuertzt-die-s-bahn-ab-2012739.html [5] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/sturm-zorba-stuerzt-die-s-bahn-ab-2012739.html [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57610330 [7] https://www.thelocal.de/20230117/christian-b-to-be-released-from-prison-in-january [8] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/sturm-zorba-stuerzt-die-s-bahn-ab-2012739.html [9] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/park-in-berlin-mit-zaun-zu-sichern-geplant-28931272.html [10] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214413803/Sturm-Ziros-in-Berlin-Eine-Person-ist-tod-gekommen.html
- The German government is also expected to address the ongoing crime issues, with plans to complete the construction of a fence around a Berlin park by the end of the year.
- Meanwhile, as the city grapples with the aftermath of Storm Ziros, political discussions continue regarding the draft budget for 2025, which includes a special fund for infrastructure renovation.
