this is bbc news. the headlines: rescue workers searching for victims of the devastating floods which earlier in the week hit germany and the benelux countries have warned that more bodies may be found in submerged cars, cellars and collapsed buildings. at least 160 people are known to have died, most of them in western germany. two days before a widescale lifting of coronavirus restrictions in england, britain s health minister has announced he s tested positive for the virus. sajid javid said he had mild symptoms, having been vaccinated. he also recently said cases of coronavirus could reach 100,000 a day later in the summer. afghan government sources have expressed optimism after the start of renewed peace negotiations with the taliban in qatar. the long stalled talks come as the resurgent taliban continue to overrun many afghan districts.
at least 170 people are known to have died, most of them in western germany. two days before a widescale lifting of coronavirus restrictions in england, britain s health minister has announced he s tested positive for the virus. sajid javid said he had mild symptoms, having been vaccinated. he also recently said cases of coronavirus could reach 100,000 a day, later in the summer. afghan government sources have expressed optimism after the start of renewed peace negotiations with the taliban in qatar. the long stalled talks come as the resurgent taliban continue to overrun many afghan districts, with concerns about the country s future following the withdrawal of us and other foreign troops. now on bbc news: dateline london.