In many parts of Germany there are reports of a tense situation.

In Euskirchen, just south of Cologne, the rescue service is working feverishly to pump out water to avoid a dam break.

But the water does not sink away as planned and the hope of being able to blow the danger over already on Sunday afternoon does not seem to be fulfilled.

The dam will be re-examined on Sunday to assess how much pressure it can handle.

Merkel is visiting the area

Even in the federal state of Bavaria, on the border with Austria, the water masses in the wake of the rainy weather have led to problems.

In the district Berchtesgaden, a catastrophic situation has been announced and residents are urged to avoid basement rooms and to move on water-filled streets.

The police have also, as in many other places in Germany, started rescuing cars that have been forgotten by their owners.

- If we do not do that, they will go with them to Austria, says a spokesperson according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

During the day, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel visited one of the worst-affected federal states, Rhineland-Palatinate.

Her government is now preparing a comprehensive package of financial support that will include at least EUR 300 million, equivalent to SEK 3 billion, in emergency aid.

Searching for survivors

So far, the disaster has claimed at least 156 lives in the country, but as many have still not been reached, the number could increase.

In the Erftstadt district alone, relatives reported 59 people missing.

In Pepinster in eastern Belgium, rescue and military personnel are searching for survivors among washed away property and debris, reports RTBF.

A spokesperson describes how those who participate in the search effort must be careful with every step they take.

Even there, the number of dead, which has now been confirmed to 27, can increase.

A national day of mourning has been announced and will take place on Tuesday.

In some parts of the Netherlands, partly positive news is coming as residents from a number of places that have been evacuated can now return to their homes.

Among other things, this applies to residents who risked being hit by the dust that burst outside Roermond in the southeastern corner of the country.