At least 4 dead, dozens missing after buildings collapse in German floods

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July 15 (UPI) — Flooding caused by severe storms in Germany’s western Rhineland-Palatinate state collapsed several buildings overnight, resulting in at least four dead and dozens missing, authorities said Thursday.

Officials said a number of residential buildings in the village of Shuld located in the Ahrweiler district south of Bonn collapsed within hours overnight with more still under threat of collapsing.

Police confirmed the death toll via Twitter but said numerous people were reported missing with around 50 more who had escaped the floodwaters to roofs needing rescue.

“Countless offers of help reach us,” the police department in Koblenz said.

Police and emergency forces from nearby regions have been deployed in the rescue operations.

Malu Dreyer, the premier of Rhineland-Palatinate, said in a statement that more than 30 people were missing.

“It’s a disaster!” she said. “There are dead, missing persons and many who are still in danger. All emergency services are on duty around the clock and risk their own lives.”

The German Weather Service on Wednesday had issued a warning of extreme precipitation for the western region of the country.

The interior and sports minister for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Roger Lewentz, said the storms hit the state “with merciless force,” causing the buildings to collapse and streets to flood.

The German Army said it has deployed machinery and armored recovery vehicles and more than 230 soldiers to aid with recovery efforts.

The Ministry of Defense added it has also redeployed 200 solders to Hagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was also experiencing flooding, and another 100 to the Ahrweiler district where police have closed roads due to flooding and asked people to stay away from the collapsed buildings.

“Onlookers obstruct the rescue operation in the area Schuld,” it said on twitter. “Please keep the escape routes free!!!!!!”

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