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Heavy rain hits Europe - 21st July 2021

Terrible weather has hit parts of western Europe. The area experienced a huge amount of rain, between 100 and 150 millimetres, in just two days. This level of rainfall is normal over two months.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany were all very badly hit. In particular, places with small rivers were not protected. The huge amount of water caused rivers to flood areas close by them.

The flooding has seriously damaged many towns and many people are injured or missing. It has caused over 200 deaths.

Sabine: "It went very fast. The water rose to 1.6 metres. Some corpses were floating in the water. People took refuge on the roofs. It was really horrible. A lot of water came into the houses. There's nothing left to save. The houses are no longer inhabitable. There's no electricity, no water either."

The rain fell extremely fast. People had no opportunity to escape. Now, communities are working together. The government is trying to reopen flooded roads to provide support.

Heinz Gies: "We are helping each other. There are also many volunteers who came to help and who provide us with water, coffee, food. And I thank them from the bottom of my heart."

One reason for the disaster is probably climate change. Experts are warning that these events will take place more frequently as global heating increases.