So far 140 people, including four fire brigade personnel, are confirmed dead in Germany as a result of the flooding and that number will rise. A large number of people are missing.
There has also been heavy flooding claiming the lives of people in neighbouring France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited one of the worst hit areas in North Rhine Westfalia yesterday. He stressed how impressed he was in how people have come together in support and help and promised that bureaucracy would not get in the way in the immediate rebuilding of houses, roads and rail lines.
Chancellor Angela Merkel retuned from Washington today and travelled directly to one of the stricken areas.
CDU chancellor candidate for the September election and current premier of North Rhine Westfalia Armin Laschet has also stressed the importance of all agencies working together to rebuild.
Laschet was caught on camera laughing and joking as Steinmeier was speaking. He subsequently apologised for his behaviour.
Yesterday there was concern that the dam at Steinbachtal would break its banks.
The television pictures of the devastated areas are truly horrific.
Houses ruined, water flowing through villages and motorways turned into raging rivers.
One television clip showed a Bundeswehr tank pulling a large truck out of raging waters on a motorway.
But what is impressive is the solidarity of the people and especially the willingness of young people to roll up their sleeves and help.
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