The floods in western Europe are the worst seen in a generation, and more than 100 people have already lost their lives. Germany and Belgium have been the worst affected, with the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland also afflicted. Many people are still missing, although the exact number is not yet clear due to disruptions in technical infrastructure. Thousands have been evacuated, and damage to homes, property and livelihoods has been extensive. The areas most affected are in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. Flood alerts remain in place as the water levels are still rising and as some dams start to overflow, threatening highly populated and industrialized areas.
