In photos: at least 42 dead in Germany due to heavy rains that caused floods and landslides

Argentina



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MAYEN.- Several European countries are today affected by heavy rains but the most affected of them is Germany, where water has caused flooding, houses are collapsing and at least 42 deceased, according to the latest official report.

West Germany suffers from heavy rains and flooding which swept away several houses
West Germany suffers from heavy rains and flooding which swept away several housesMartin Meissner – AP

The situation is particularly worrying in the west, in the states North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. In the first of these, the town of Ahrweiler and its surroundings were responsible for 18 of the deaths.

The most affected regions are Westphalia-North Rhine and Rhineland-Palatinate; several people drowned in the basements of their homes when they could not escape due to flash flooding
The most affected regions are Westphalia-North Rhine and Rhineland-Palatinate; several people drowned in the basements of their homes when unable to escape due to flash floodingHarald Title – dpa

In addition, there are several dozen people missing, which puts the authorities on alert who fear that the death toll could rise considerably. Faced with this emergency, Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was “overwhelmed”. “My solidarity with the families of the deceased and the missing,” he said according to his spokesperson.

Heavy rains, which fell continuously over the last few hours, caused all small and medium-sized rivers in the Saar, Westphalia and Rhineland regions to flood.
Heavy rains, which fell continuously over the last few hours, caused all small and medium-sized rivers in the Saar, Westphalia and Rhineland regions to flood.Michael Probst – AP

In the municipality of Mayen, in Rhineland-Palatinate, the streets were flooded. Residents have been urged to send police videos and photographs that could provide clues to their missing loved ones.

Firefighters intervene in hundreds of interventions, also to free people trapped in homes due to flooding who did not have time to get out and look for a place to protect themselves
Firefighters intervene in hundreds of interventions, also to free people trapped in homes due to flooding who did not have time to get out and look for a place to protect themselvesSASCHA SCHUERMANN – AFP

“We have never seen such a disaster. It is something devastating ”, assured the head of government of this state, Malu Dreyer. “There are dead, there are missing, there are many who are still in danger“He added.” In 2016 we experienced very heavy flooding, but it is even worse, “added Uli Walsdorf, deputy fire chief.

More than 200,000 people were without electricity
More than 200,000 people were without electricityMartin Meissner – AP

“The situation is very alarming“, Confirmed Armin Laschet, leader of North Rhine-Wesphalia and candidate for Merkel’s succession in September, after visiting a few inundated places in his state, the most populous in Germany.

Firefighters and rescuers are working to find missing people and help those who have been trapped in their homes
Firefighters and rescuers are working to find missing people and help those stuck in their homesCHRISTOPH REICHWEIN – dpa

In this region, two firefighters lost their lives in rescue work and two other people died in flooded basements. “The road has turned into an uncontrolled river,” said a local resident. Some 135,000 homes were without electricity and authorities had to evacuate nearly 500 patients of the Leverkusen municipal clinic.

In addition, there are considerable material losses
In addition, there are considerable material losses B&S – DPA

Across West Germany, the scenes repeated themselves: overflowing rivers, uprooted trees, flooded roads and houses. Authorities have urged residents to stay in their homes or go up to rooftops if necessary.

Houses were smashed up and cars piled up in the middle of the street
Houses were smashed up and cars piled up in the middle of the streetMartin Meissner – AP

To help in the crisis, the army will deploy 300 soldiers in the most affected areas, they participate in rescue missions.

Residents assess the damage caused by the force of the water
Residents assess the damage caused by the force of the waterRoberto Pfeil – dpa

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer called what happened a “tragedy” the scale of which “could not be foreseen” and added: “These extreme climatic hazards are the consequences of climate change.”

When the water fell, it was possible to better assess the extent of the damage caused by the overflowing rivers and streams in the region.
When the water fell, it was possible to better assess the extent of the damage caused by the overflowing rivers and streams in the region.B&S – DPA

Belgium and LuxembourgThe neighboring countries of the most affected German regions are also suffering from bad weather. “Many” houses are flooded and had to be evacuated across the country, Luxembourg authorities reported. At Belgium, torrential rains that have hit the south and east of the country for several days, have killed four people in the last hours in Verviers, in the east, and significant flooding, according to official sources. In total, the number of deaths due to the rains in the country stands at six.

Neighboring Belgium has also been affected by the rising waters
Neighboring Belgium has also been affected by the rising watersB&S – DPA

At Holland, the province of Limburg, which borders Germany and Belgium, was also damaged by the rising waters, which threatens to isolate the small town of Valkenburg, west of Maastricht.

The Volme river overflowed and entered the city destroying everything in its path
The Volme river overflowed and entered the city destroying everything in its pathSASCHA SCHUERMANN – AFP

Several roads, including a busy highway, were closed due to the risk of flooding. The German weather service, DWD, expected the rain to ease although there could still be more storms located.

Cars, houses and large amounts of debris were washed away
Cars, houses and a large amount of debris were washed awayMichael Probst – AP

During, parts of northern Europe were expected to reach 30 degrees today. Yesterday the hottest night in history was reported to Finland, according to the meteorological company Foreca, with a maximum of 24.2 degrees.

A house that was devastated by flooding from the Ahr River is on the verge of collapse after water destroys parts of its walls and foundations
A house that was devastated by flooding from the Ahr River is on the verge of collapse after water destroys parts of its walls and foundationsMichael Probst – AP
The force of the water swept away everything in its path
The force of the water swept away everything in its pathThomas Frey – dpa
Many houses were totally destroyed
Many houses were totally destroyedMichael Probst – AP
Water-washed debris that ended up accumulating in city streets
Water-washed debris that ended up accumulating in city streetsBERND LAUTER – AFP
Firefighters work to save people at worst time of flood
Firefighters work to save people at worst time of floodERNST METTLACH – Fire Brigade City of Trier
Cars parked on the street were covered in debris
Cars parked on the street were covered in debrisMartin Meissner – AP
Several lanes have collapsed and access to some places is difficult
Several lanes have collapsed and access to some places is difficultBoris Roessler – dpa

AFP and AP agencies

Photos: AP and AFP

Photo edition: Fernanda Corbani

THE NATION

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