More than 60 dead and dozens missing in heavy floods in Germany and Belgium

Among the worst-hit German villages was Schuld, where several homes collapsed and dozens of people remained unaccounted for.

Destroyed houses are seen close to the Ahr river in Schuld, Germany, Thursday, July 15, 2021. Due to heavy rainfalls the Ahr river dramatically went over the banks the evening before. People have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing some buildings to collapse. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Probst

More than 60 people have died and dozens of people are missing in Germany and neighbouring Belgium after heavy flooding turned streams and streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapse.

Storms across parts of western Europe in recent days caused rivers and reservoirs to burst their banks, resulting in several flash floods overnight as rain-soaked soil failed to absorb any more water.