Thousands of German soldiers are building sandbag barriers and flying helicopters over flood zones to ensure levees and dams are holding as water levels in the south stabilise after massive flooding.

Although the crest of swollen rivers has moved north, many communities remain under water.

The military said it now has 11,300 soldiers helping in seven German states.

A 74-year-old man died after he was hit by a vehicle carrying sandbags in the German city of Wittenberg.

Five other flood-related deaths have been recorded in Germany, eight in the Czech Republic, two in Austria and one in Slovakia.

In Hungary today, the Danube was expected to hit its highest level ever in the capital Budapest but authorities say barriers are expected to keep it contained.