More than 30 dead, dozens missing in heavy Europe floods

More than 30 people have died and dozens of people were missing Thursday in Germany and Belgium after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapseStorms across parts of western Europe in recent days caused rivers and reservoirs to burst their banks resulting in several flash floods overnight as rainsoaked soil failed to absorb any more waterAuthorities in the western German region of Euskirchen said eight deaths had been reported there in connection with the floods Rescue operations were hampered as phone and internet connections were down in parts of the countyOfficials said 18 people had died in Ahrweiler county Up to 70 people were reported missing after several houses collapsed overnight in the village of Schuld in the Eifel a volcanic region southwest of CologneDozens were trapped on the roofs of their houses Authorities used inflatable boats and helicopters and the German army deployed 200 soldiers to assist in the rescue operation ldquoThere are people dead there are people missing there are many who are still in dangerrdquo governor of RhinelandPalatinate state Malu Dreyer told regional parliament ldquoWe have never seen such a disaster Itrsquos really devastatingrdquoGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was distraught ldquoMy sympathy goes to the relatives and of the dead and missingrdquo she said in WashingtonIn Belgium the Vesdre river broke its banks and sent water churning through the streets of Pepinster close to Liege its destructive power bringing down some buildings ldquoSeveral homes have collapsedrdquo mayor Philippe Godin told RTBF network It was unclear whether all inhabitants had been able to escape unhurt5 dead 3 missing in floods in TurkeyAt least five people have been killed and three people are missing after heavy rains hit Turkeyrsquos northeastern Black Sea coast triggering floods and landslides officials and reports said Thursday The heavy downpour struck the teagrowing province of Rize late on Wednesday sweeping away cars and causing a number of houses to collapseThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever