China News Service, July 17th. According to a report from Agence France-Presse on the 17th, due to the influence of low pressure, heavy rains in western Europe have been continuous since the 14th.
The latest data show that at least 133 people died in the floods in Germany and 20 people died in Belgium.
Many residential areas in western Germany were flooded, many bridges and roads were destroyed, and about 1,300 people were unaccounted for.
On July 16, local time, Erftstadt-Blessem, Germany, a street after flooding.
According to reports, at least 43 people were killed in North Rhine-Westphalia, and at least 90 people were killed in Rhineland-Palatinate.
As of July 17, rescuers are still trying to find the trapped and the victims, and the number of victims is expected to increase.
A dam breach also occurred in Heinsberg County, North Rhine-Westphalia, and 700 local residents have been moved to safety.
At the same time, some people began to return to their homes to check the damage.
A local baker, Nelia Schlosser, said, “These 48 hours have been a nightmare. We are going around here, but there is nothing we can do.” Her bakery was filled with twisted metal and broken pieces. Glass and wood.
On July 16, local time, Erftstadt-Blessem, Germany, aerial photography of the town after the flood.
In recent days, continuous heavy rains in many parts of Europe have caused floods, destroying a large number of houses and roads, and disrupting communications.
At least 20 people died in Belgium, which borders Germany.
The country’s Prime Minister De Crowe said that this may be the worst flood in the country’s history and declared July 20 as a national day of mourning.
In addition, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland are also affected, and thousands of people need to be evacuated urgently.