“We will not abandon you,” prime minister Alexander De Croo wrote in a letter published in local newspapers. Flags flew at half mast and at noon, sirens wailed throughout the nation, followed by a moment of silence. So far, 196 people have been confirmed dead following the flooding — 165 in Germany on top of the 31 in neighbouring Belgium. Mrs Merkel and Mr De Croo have promised quick financial aid and a redoubled political focus on curbing climate change. “What we’ve seen last week was a small reminder of the fact that the cost in human lives, but also material costs of non-action are way, way higher than the cost of acting,” Mr Timmermans said.

Source: Irish Independent July 20, 2021 11:48 UTC