Western European Flooding

Extreme floods ravaged western Europe during July due to a major storm. Experts claim that these freak floods and massive rainfalls occurred as a result of the changing climate. Countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands were deeply affected. Regarding the entire continent, two hundred people perished because of the storm and many had gone missing. Heavy rain poured down these areas, causing floods that led to catastrophic events such as emergency evacuations, casualties along with severe injuries, technological inconveniences, and more.

This storm caused double the usual rainfall, and rivers such as the Ahr and the Volme overflowed as a consequence of the rising water levels. It dumped about 148 liters per square meter in just two days, causing devastation across many countries. Germany was particularly hit quite hard: towns were covered in water, several buildings were destroyed, and bridges and train rails were swept away. In many of the hard-hit countries, debris from the storm and flash flood littered the streets.

Not to mention, telecommunications were down for a while, making it difficult to correctly assess the damage. Some towns also did not have access to electricity nor gas due to the immense damage. Countries must also spend a lot of money to help repair damages and provide insurance money to those in need of it. Germany expects to spend nearly $4.7-$5.9 billion because of the devastation that transpired in its western region.

This storm proved to be one of many consequences, wrecking lives along with the land. Many have gone missing, injured, or dead, and there are many repairs to be made in multiple countries as well. Thankfully, there are many organizations and charities that help these disaster-hit areas out. Visit the websites below to aid in the recovery of the wrecked regions.

Charities:

• https://www.aktion-deutschland-hilft.de/en/germany-floods-donate-now/

• https://www.redcross.org/donate/disaster-relief.html/?cid=disaster&med=cpc&source=google&scode=RSG00000E017&gclid=CjwKCAjwjJmIBhA4EiwAQdCbxuckjwUMwwUclHnnAVGIiP2vKi0Vf9duRRBDbrVt3gbkrVRb0H_WXxoC4jQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

• https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/emergencies/floods