Extreme flooding leaves more than 65 people dead in Germany and Belgium


Severe flooding in Germany and Belgium on Thursday has left more than 65 people dead, with dozens missing.
Most of the deaths have been reported in Germany, including nine that occurred at an assisted living facility for people with disabilities.
Heavy rains filled reservoirs and caused rivers to overflow, sending water surging down streets. The full extent of the damage in both countries is unknown, as rescuers are unable to get into some villages due to debris blocking the roads. "I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday during a visit to the White House. "We still don't know the number. But it will be many." To say there was "heavy rain and flooding" doesn't "capture what happened," she added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trees and other large pieces of debris came sweeping through villages like Schuld, Germany, where cars were seen floating down the street and several older houses collapsed. People climbed onto the roofs of their homes in order to be rescued by helicopters or inflatable boats. Karl-Heinz Grimm told The Associated Press he came to Schuld to help his parents amid the flooding, and it "was like madness."
In Pepinster, Belgium, a small boat used to rescue several elderly people capsized, and three passengers fell into the water. "Unfortunately, they were quickly engulfed," Mayor Philippe Godin said. "I fear they are dead."
No deaths have been reported in France, but heavy rains have flooded vegetable fields, houses, and the World War I museum in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon. The country's weather service said the equivalent of two months of rain has fallen over the last two days.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Trump halts Gaza visas as Israelis protest war
Speed Read Laura Loomer voiced her concerns over injured Palestinian kids being brought to the US for treatment and a potential 'Islamic invasion'
-
Russia tries Ukraine land grab before Trump summit
Speed Read The incursion may be part of Putin's efforts to boost his bargaining position
-
US, China extend trade war truce for 90 days
Speed Read The triple-digit tariff threat is postponed for another three months
-
Europe counters Putin ahead of Trump summit
Speed Read President Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this week for Ukraine peace talks
-
Israeli security cabinet OKs Gaza City takeover
Speed Read Netanyahu approved a proposal for Israeli Defense Forces to take over the largest population center in the Gaza Strip
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Thailand, Cambodia agree to ceasefire in border fight
Speed Read At least 38 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced in the recent violence
-
Israel 'pauses' Gaza military activity as aid outcry grows
Speed Read The World Health Organization said malnutrition has reached 'alarming levels' in Gaza