German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the disastrous floods that have ravaged Western Europe “terrifying” as the death toll continues rising
Huge floods across Western Europe have killed at least 189 people, with hundreds more still missing. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced, with many still without power and drinking water, and many other still unable to return home.
Germany’s Chancellor described the flooding event as “the worst natural disaster” the nation has seen in over a century. She said, “it is shocking – I can almost say that the German language doesn’t have words for the devastation”.
Chancellor Merkel says the floods are an indication that Europe needs to ramp up their efforts against climate change. This comes days after after Europe outlined a package of steps towards net zero emissions by the middle of the century.
As the death toll climbs, Germany pledges aid
The German government is in the process of fast-tracking disaster relief packages to help areas across Europe affected by the floods. Merkel promised over $300 million Euros in financial aid after visiting one of the areas worst affected by the floods.
“There is huge damage and that much is clear: those who lost their businesses, their houses, cannot stem the losses alone,” said Finance Minister Olaf Scholz. There is also a short term payment of 10,000 Euro for businesses.
The floods have killed at least 157 people in Germany alone. About 37,0000 household in Belgium don’t have access to electricity, with the supply of clean drinking water also a major concern.
The European floods mainly hit the German states of Rhineland Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and parts of Belgium. Entire communities are without power and internet. In North Rhine-Westphalia at least 46 people have died. The death toll in Belgium climbed to 31 on Sunday.
Read more climate stories here.
