German floods shake up campaign as climate change hits home
German floods shake up campaign as .
Germanys devastating flood damage has shifted the dynamic in the countrys election campaign, potentially redrawing political lines in the contest to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Images of battered cars piled up in swollen gullies and floodwater surging through sleepy half-timbered villages have shocked German voters. With the authorities looking ill-prepared and climate concerns back on top of the public agenda, the Green party has gained an opening.
Conservative front-runner Armin Laschet hampered his bid by jesting in the midst of the catastrophe, which has galvanized the German government into action. Merkel s cabinet will meet on Wednesday to approve emergency aid for the worst-hit regions.
The Latest: Belgium govt raises flood death toll to 20
By The Associated PressJuly 16, 2021 GMT
The Latest on deadly flooding in Europe:
BRUSSELS Belgium’s government says the death toll from unprecedented flooding in parts of the country has risen to 20.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said Friday that emergency workers were trying to locate another 20 people who remained missing.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo says Belgium will mark a day of national mourning Tuesday to reflect on “the great human loss. It will also be a moment to show solidarity, closeness and unity.”
De Croo says festivities marking the country’s national holiday on July 21 also will be toned down, saying it comes at a time “when so many people will still be in an exceptionally difficult position.”
Flooding is going to dominate the German elections spectator.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from spectator.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Merkel promised swift financial aid after visiting one of the areas worst affected by the record rainfall and floods that have killed at least 157 in Germany alone in recent days, in the country’s worst natural disaster in almost six decades.
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Try refreshing your browser, or Merkel calls floods terrifying as European death toll rises to 184 Back to video
She also said governments would have to get better and faster in their efforts to tackle the impact of climate change only days after Europe outlined a package of steps towards “net zero” emissions by the middle of the century.
It s terrifying : Merkel shaken as flood deaths rise to 188 in Europe
As efforts continued to track down missing people, the devastation continued on Sunday when a district of Bavaria, southern Germany, was hit by flash floods that killed at least one person.
Written By:
Ralph Brock and Romana Fuessel / Reuters | 6:00 pm, Jul. 18, 2021 ×
A police officer and volunteers clean rubble in an area affected by floods caused by heavy rainfalls in Bad Muenstereifel, Germany, on Sunday, July 18, 2021. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen
BERCHTESGADEN/BISCHOFSWIESEN, Germany, July 18 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the flooding that has devastated parts of Europe as terrifying on Sunday after the death toll across the region rose to 188 and a district of Bavaria was battered by the extreme weather.