Areas in western Germany are facing an unprecedented flood. In parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, the damage caused by the heavy rainfall is extensive. There are now nearly fifty dead and another fifty to seventy missing.
The Ahrweiler region, in the popular Eifel holiday region, has been particularly hard hit. So far, 18 people have been killed. Under what circumstances this happened is not known; victims were found in different places. Near the village of Schuld, the river Ahr washed away at least six houses. A number of villagers have been reported missing.
In Euskirchen, south-west of Bonn, 15 people have been killed, according to authorities. Residents of the region have been asked to evacuate. In historic Trier, a hospital, a nursing home and a residential area were evacuated this afternoon.
2,500 rescue workers and hundreds of military personnel are on hand in the area to help the police bring residents to safety. Helicopters take people off rooftops.
Rescue operations are going on everywhere in flooded areas, the chaos is great:
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