20.07.2021 – 16:33
On her second visit to flood-hit German regions, Chancellor Merkel pledged prompt financial assistance, while memorial services for the victims were held in Belgium. The Belgians are thus found on a day of mourning just one day before their national holiday.
Meanwhile, the flags in front of the European Commission building were lowered to half-staff in solidarity with at least 196 confirmed flood victims so far.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made her second visit to the flood-hit region on Tuesday as work continued in West Germany and Belgium to clear mud-covered debris and continue the search for the victims of this week’s disaster. of the past.
Chancellor Merkel has promised swift financial assistance and an increased political focus on climate change.
On Tuesday, the chancellor visited the town of Bad Muenstereifel, a few kilometers from the ruined village of Schuld, which she visited on Sunday.
With him was the governor of the North Rhine-Westphalia region, Armin Laschet, who is thought to be Mrs Merkel’s replacement for the next general election in September.
In Belgium, meanwhile, the king, queen and prime minister of the country attended a memorial service Tuesday for the victims of deadly floods in Western Europe.
The event in Verviers in Liege province was held as a day of national mourning was declared for the 31 victims of Belgium.
King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo held a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
Although Verviers is a modern city with a strong infrastructure, he was completely unprepared for what happened.
City officials say it will take months for the area to return to normal.
As floodwaters receded on Monday, authorities continued to search for more victims and intensified their efforts to clear a large area of water collected in western Germany, eastern Belgium and the Netherlands.
Today’s ceremony was held the day before Belgium’s national day.
All tomorrow’s celebrations will be canceled or reduced due to lives lost in the natural disaster.
Likewise, European Union flags were lowered to half-staff outside the European Commission building in Brussels on Tuesday in solidarity with the victims of deadly floods in Western Europe.
At least 196 people have died in heavy rains in western Germany, eastern Belgium and the Netherlands in recent days./VOA