Large swaths of western Germany saw 24-hour rainfall totals between 100 and 150 millimeters (3.9-5.9 inches), which represent more than a month’s worth of rainfall in this region, according to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller.Ĭologne, in North Rhine-Westphalia, recorded 154 millimeters (6 inches) of rainfall in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, which is nearly double its monthly average for July of 87 millimeters. (Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images) Jens Schlueter/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesĮU unveils ambitious climate package as it cools on fossil fuels The Lippendorf power plant mostly burns lignite coal harvested from a nearby open-pit coal mine. The German government is seeking a rapid overhaul this week of Germany's climate protection law (Klimaschutzgesetz) following a recent federal court ruling that the existing law does not do enough to protect the environment for future generations. LIPPENDORF, GERMANY - MAY 10: A field of rapeseed stands next to the Lippendorf coal-fired power plant which is reflected in a car roof on in Lippendorf, Germany. The facility, located in the town of Sinzig, in the Ahrweiler district, became so quickly inundated that the residents – who had been sleeping – were unable to escape, despite efforts by caretakers to bring them to safety, according to CNN affiliate NTV. “It is to be feared that the number will rise even further, ” Dreyer said at a news conference, adding: ”We have not yet reached the stage where we can say that situation is easing.”Īs rescue efforts continued on Friday, more tragic scenes came to light.Īt least nine people at a disabled care facility drowned after being caught in floodwaters. The state premier, Malu Dreyer, said that every hour brought bad news. The death toll in Rhineland-Palatinate has risen to at least 62, according to police, who said on Friday that at least 362 people have been injured. In North Rhine-Westphalia, where at least 43 people have died, the state’s Interior Ministry spokeswoman Katja Heins told CNN: ”The situation remains very dynamic – we do not know how many people are unaccounted for.” Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit the Rhein-Erft district of North Rhine-Westphalia state on Saturday, his office announced.Īt least 165,000 people are currently without power in Rhineland-Palatinate and neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia, authorities told CNN. “Together with civilian helpers, the technical relief organization, fire brigades, we are pooling all available forces,” Bundeswehr officials said.įederal Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said she had spoken with her French counterpart Florence Parly who also offered military help. Germany has deployed 850 troops to assist with disaster relief, the Bundeswehr (Germany armed forces) said Friday in a tweet. A clogged pipe has also been opened up to help with the water release. Officials had been monitoring the dam by drone earlier in the day and found no significant damage. Officials said creeks are filling, but are not expected to overflow their banks. This comes as water is being drained from the Steinbach dam to reduce pressure. Officials fear more dams can break and are closely monitoring reservoirs in the region.īarring any more severe weather, people who evacuated the flooding in the county of Euskirchen in North Rhine-Westphalia can most likely return to their home sometime on Sunday, the county said on its Facebook page. The high waters are expected to last until Sunday evening. Dutch officials ordered the evacuation of 10,000 people in the municipality of Venlo, where the Maas river rose faster than expected. Officials have started the evacuation of about 700 residents in the Ophoven neighborhood in the city of Wassenberg. (Sebastian Schmitt/dpa via AP) Sebastian Schmitt/APĪ dam along the river Rur in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia broke Friday night, according to the regional government. A regional train sits in the flood waters at the local station in Kordel, Germany, Thursday Jafter it was flooded by the high waters of the Kyll river.
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