The number of people killed in large-scale floods in Germany and Belgium rose to 157 on Saturday, authorities say.
“According to the latest information, 90 people died in the disaster,” police said in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, which was hit hardest by the disaster.
Another 43 people died in North Rhine-Westphalia, bringing the total number of deaths in Germany to 133.
Flood-soaked clothing store goods in western Germany on July 16.
Photo: AFP, INA FASSBENDER
–
–
In neighboring Belgium, 24 people have been killed, the Belgian National Crisis Center said on Saturday morning.
Devastating floods have also been experienced in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where several thousand people have been evacuated in Maastricht.
The final number of victims in Germany may turn out to be even higher, as many people in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate are still considered missing.
On Saturday, floods began to recede in most of the disaster-stricken regions, but officials feared that cars and trucks washed away by the floods will find other dead bodies.
Destroyed property
Rescuers hope to find survivors in flood-affected areas in Germany and BelgiumUldis Ķezberis
—
Many people evacuated during the floods return home to see if there is anything else to be saved.
A man in the city of Dernau in North Rhine-Westphalia cleared the yard of his house from the mud. He said that he and his wife had been left homeless, at least temporarily, because it was not possible to live in the house yet.
“I have to say that the situation is quite terrible. But what else can we do but solve this problem? We asked friends, acquaintances, my colleagues and my wife’s colleagues to help. We have to deal with it. In the coming weeks we will see what happens to this “We have to wait for an expert opinion on whether we can still live here. Then we will think about what to do next,” the man told the news agency “Ruptly”.
Everything happened too fast
A local resident from Germany, Monika Deckers, said: “So many people have died … No one would ever have thought that Germany could die of floods. Probably it is happening in poorer countries, but not here. It happened too fast …”
European leaders attribute extreme weather to climate change. Experts also say that global warming increases the likelihood of heavy rainfall.
Since the beginning of the industrial era, the world has warmed by about 1.2 degrees. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has gone to the affected areas these days, has admitted that he has been completely shocked by the extensive damage.
Flooded cemetery in western Germany on July 17.
Photo: EPA, SASCHA STEINBACH
–
–
“Only by resolutely tackling climate change will we be able to limit extreme weather, such as the one we are currently experiencing. In these days and hours, it is important to show solidarity with those who have been deprived of everything by the floods,” he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to visit flood-affected areas in Rhineland-Palatinate on Sunday.
The federal government has announced that it will set up a special relief fund to raise several billion euros to deal with the effects of the floods.
People unite in misfortune
Not only firefighters, the police and the army, but also volunteers are in a hurry to help the victims. Hundreds of people have donated various belongings to those who have lost their homes in the floods.
Volunteer coordinator Ingo Bēders said: “If you want to see something positive in this disaster, then it is the readiness of the people to help. I think it is great. I am proud of our people and the solidarity shown.”
The devastation caused by the floods in Belgium on 17 July.
Photo: REUTERS, YVES HERMAN
–
–
As in Germany, rescue teams, the army and volunteers continue to work. Assistants from Italy, France and Austria have also arrived. Cleaning and repair work has also begun, which in many places will take not only several weeks, but even years. Especially in towns and villages, where historic centers have been completely destroyed.
The most devastating floods in Belgian history
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Cro has said it was the most devastating flood in the country’s history. The government has sent an army to four of the country’s ten provinces to help with evacuation, search and reconstruction work.
The Belgian prime minister has declared national mourning next Tuesday.
–
Highlight text and press Ctrl+Enterto send the text to be edited!
Highlight text and press Report a bug buttons to send the text to be edited!
–
–
