Europe flooding death toll exceeds 125, hundreds missing
At least 120 people have died and hundreds more in western Europe are missing as the record rainfall caused rivers led to the worst flooding, devastating the region.
The catastrophic flooding ravaged Belgium and Germany where thousands now find themselves homeless.
The death toll in Germany stands at over 100 while at least 20 people have died in Belgium. The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland are also affected.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is in Washington, said in a statement that she was “shocked by the catastrophe that so many people in the flood areas have to endure”.
“My sympathy goes out to the families of the dead and missing. My heartfelt thanks go to the many tireless helpers and emergency services,” she added.
Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said that fighting climate change was the only way of preventing natural disasters on this scale from happening more often.