Germany Rains: Death Toll Passes 120, With 1000 Missing

Heavy rains and subsequent flash floods have wreaked havoc in several German states. At least 120 deaths have been confirmed with thousand missing while hundreds of homes and roads have been destroyed.

According to the German police, the flash floods caused by the rains have washed away many houses. The rains have severely damaged old residential buildings. The most affected states are Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. In both German states, rivers and streams are boiling with rainwater.

Floods in the mountainous areas of these states have also disrupted life.

The death toll in North Rhine-Westphalia has risen to 43, compared to 60 in Rhineland-Palatinate. Authorities fear the death toll could rise. On the other hand, police officials said that the number of missing persons has been increasing with the passage of time. The number of such missing persons is said to be 1300 so far. According to local officials, power and mobile network systems have also been affected in several areas, making it impossible to communicate with most people in such areas. People who are trying unsuccessfully to be contacted are being added to the list of missing persons.

The Rhineland-Palatinate chief minister said the storm had created “extremely bad conditions” in the state. The state’s chief minister, said: “The catastrophic weather has not yet been accurately predicted.

This is the first time in decades that the catastrophe has not yet been accurately predicted. Preliminary estimates put the loss at one billion euros. According to Communal Magazine, there are many people whose life savings have been lost. Roads and other infrastructure have been completely destroyed in several small areas and they need immediate financial assistance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a visit to the United States, has sent a message of standing with the people in this hour of need and has promised to help the victims in every way possible.

Rescue workers continue to search for the missing. After a long time, German troops have been called into the affected area and about 900 troops are involved in the rescue operation. North Rhine-Westphalia Chief Minister Armin Laschitt said after an emergency meeting, “We will stand by the cities and the people who have been affected.” Fifty million euros have been allocated for the construction of roads and bridges on a priority basis.

Several videos are also circulating on social media which are showing the severity of the situation.

My god. This is Germany today. pic.twitter.com/Wnf5pbBIYO

— Anthony Quintano Photography (@AnthonyQuintano) July 16, 2021

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