German floods leave behind trail of devastation
Netherlands PM Rutte: 'no doubt' climate change worsened floods
"Without a doubt," said caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands when asked whether climate change had caused the storms behind the flooding. "I don't want to make hasty declarations but let's be clear, something is really happening," said Rutte during a visit to the southern province of Limburg.
Firefighters killed during rescue operations
At least four firefighters in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia lost their lives during rescue operations since flooding began Wednesday, according to Bernd Schneider, chairman of the NRW Firefighters Association. Speaking on Saturday, he said, "The anguish in fire departments in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond, is enormous. We will all have a lot to process when our mission is over."