Several parts of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands have been ravaged by severe floods recently. Continuous rainfall and storm have caused rivers and reservoirs to “burst” their banks, flooding homes and destroying buildings, reports The Independent.
Here in Germany, dozens have died in floods, hundreds are missing, thousands have lost their homes. It's devastating. This is the climate crisis unravelling in one of the richest parts of the world — which for a long time thought it would be “safe”.
No place is “safe” any more. pic.twitter.com/ECtqpmlYi2— Luisa Neubauer (@Luisamneubauer) July 16, 2021
According to NDTV, as many as 150 people have been killed, mostly from Western Germany, and several others have been missing. Streets and houses are submerged in water, cars have been overturned, and trees uprooted.
“Everything was under water within 15 minutes,” said a 21-year-old local.
At least 110 people in Germany and Belgium have been killed by floods after 2 months of rain fell in 2 days.
Over 1,300 people in Germany are missing.
A German official said the climate crisis "isn't abstract anymore. We are experiencing it up close and painfully." pic.twitter.com/9dDnr9E4YD
— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 16, 2021
BBC reports that phone networks were down, roads are damaged, and more than 100,000 homes are without power. Areas of Luxembourg and Switzerland have also been affected.
Terrifying visuals of the floods have gone viral on social media. Muddy floodwater is seen gushing through the streets at a terrific speed. Have a look:
My best friend’s parents (I call them my German Mama and Papa) live in Solingen, NRW. They’re safe and dry, but sent me this video of the Wupper river. Thinking of those of you impacted by these horrible floods. #Germanyfloods pic.twitter.com/398gzERSHL
— Kelsey Farish (@KelseyFarish) July 15, 2021
Incredible footage of a firefighter being saved by members of the public from the floods in Germany!
Horrific scenes in Germany and Belgium, my thoughts are with all affected!
Love seeing people pull together and help each other during times like this! pic.twitter.com/Wz5Nw5E1ld
— ❤️ A page to make you smile ❤️ (@hopkinsBRFC21) July 15, 2021
Currently Western Europe is seeing “worst flood in a century". Especially Germany & Belgium. Many cities are facing heavy rains in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Whereas in Canada heatwaves are making new records. Not good signs. pic.twitter.com/JtzWcoBhkN
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 17, 2021
NEW 🚨 About 60 dead, dozens missing, thousands out of power after devastating floods in Germany
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 15, 2021
Hospital in Germany 🇩🇪 after the recent floods. Lesson: #nature makes all countries a level playing field. pic.twitter.com/e9EPJLmphq
— 🆁🅰🅹🅴🆂🅷 🅿🅰🆁🅸🅺🅷 (@imacuriosguy) July 16, 2021
Rescue boats floundering in strong currents, hitting buildings as streets turn into rivers! Unbelievable images coming in from Pepinster in Belgium. #climatechange is real and scary! #Flutwelle #inondations #belgiumfloods #Germany #floods #flooding #ActOnClimate #Viral #Videos pic.twitter.com/epkZW8aU28
— Doregama Viral (@DoregamaViral) July 15, 2021
This drone footage shows the extent of damage caused by record rainfall in areas of Belgium and Germany. The torrential rain has caused river banks to burst and flood entire neighborhoods of certain cities. At least 42 people have died in Germany and dozens are still missing. pic.twitter.com/PXu8Xee1ay
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) July 16, 2021
Scenes of devastation from the floods came from all around Western Europe as the death toll passed 125 on Friday. Hundreds more people remain missing in Belgium and Germany.
Here’s the latest: https://t.co/NMJzDMiy3q pic.twitter.com/ubgsWoMwrW
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 16, 2021
According to a report by The Guardian, climate change has a huge role to play in this crisis.
“Scientists have long predicted climate disruption will lead to more extreme weather, such as heatwaves, droughts and floods. Human emissions from engine exhaust fumes, forest burning and other activities are heating the planet. As the atmosphere gets warmer it holds more moisture which brings more rain,” the report read.
Our prayers are with the people of the affected areas.