An intensive search continues for survivors of the deadliest and most destructive flooding to hit western Europe in years. Some of the worst damage is in Germany, where days of heavy rain turned streets into muddy rivers. At least 130 people are dead, and many more are missing.
European leaders have blamed the extreme weather on climate change. Imtiaz Tyab reports. As the floodwaters begin to recede, the scale of the disaster is laid bare. Once thriving comunities now in ruins after flooding not seen in generations. And amidst all the devastation, a death toll that's only rising with hundreds still missing. "There's so many people dead. You don't expect people to die in a flood in Germany. You expect it maybe in poor countries but you don't expect it here. But it was all too fast, too quick."
The speed with which large parts of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands were submerged has shocked climate scientists. Despite being among the wealthiest natiosn in Western Europe, their defenses were no match for the deluge after two months worth of rain fell in just two days.
Germany's President Frank Walter Steinmeier is vowing to do more, saying: "Only if we take up the fight against climate change decisively will be able to keep extreme weather conditions such as we're experiencing now in check."
In some of the worst affected areas emergency crews have started the colossal task of clearing the devastated streets of once picturesque towns and villages. Efforts are also underway to restore gas, electricity and telephone services still cut off for at least 100,000 homes. And as those who live here begin to calculate the cost of what's been lost, what's clear is life won't likely ever be the same.
