Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding in Germany and the Netherlands

Towns evacuated and dykes reinforced as rivers overflow; situation expected to peak on Thursday.

Heavy rains in Germany and the Netherlands have caused rivers and streams to overflow, leading to widespread flooding.
Several towns in Germany have been evacuated, and dykes have been reinforced to protect against the rising floodwaters.
In the city of Braunschweig, an artificial dyke has been used to protect the downtown area.
In the town of Windehausen, hundreds of people have been told to leave their homes after the town lost power.
Floodwaters are also affecting the eastern Netherlands, where temporary dykes are being built and the branches of the Rhine are expected to peak on Thursday.