Abnormally heavy rains and floods on Wednesday night caused six houses to collapse in western Germany, in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, leaving several people missing and many stuck on rooftops, police said.
About 30 people are missing and about 25 more houses are in danger of collapsing in the area of Schuld Bay Adenau, in the hilly area of the Eiffel, SWR reported earlier, citing police.
“Currently, we have an unclear number of people on the roofs who need to be rescued,” a Koblenz police spokesman said, according to Reuters.
“There are many places where fire brigades and rescuers were stationed. We do not have an exact picture yet, because rescue operations are underway, “the representative added.
Two firefighters drowned on Wednesday, and the army was sent to help trapped residents after a slow, low-pressure weather system caused floods that occur every generation.
Rail, road and river transport were disrupted due to the cessation of navigation on the Rhine.
Heavy rains are expected in southwestern Germany on Thursday, with prolonged rains until Friday evening, warns the German Meteorological Service in the morning bulletin.