Over 50 dead, dozens missing as severe floods strike Europe
Posted : 2021-07-16 09:09
Updated : 2021-07-16 16:07
A rescue worker walks in floodwaters as they run down a main street in Pepinster, Belgium, July 15. AP-Yonhap
More than 50 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday as heavy flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging torrents that swept away cars and caused houses to collapse.
Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn't absorb any more water.
''I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster,'' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to Washington, expressing shock at the scope of the flooding. ''We still don't know the number. But it will be many.''