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Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) giving her statement in the German embassy in Washington
Photo: JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has promised support to the people in the flood areas in Germany.
You have already spoken to Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) about how the federal government could help.
Merkel said that the federal government would also speak about what help could be given with the upcoming construction work.
"You can trust that all the forces in our state, from the federal, state and local levels, will work together to save lives, avert dangers and alleviate hardship," she continued.
Other countries have also already expressed their solidarity and offered help.
The Chancellor also said: "I am shocked by the reports that have reached me from the places that are now completely under water." The Chancellor mourns all who have lost their lives.
She added: "Peaceful places are going through a catastrophe in these hours, you could say a tragedy."
“We don't know the number yet, but there will be many - some in the basement of their houses, some as firefighters trying to get others to safety.
And I extend my heartfelt condolences to their relatives, "said Merkel.
Everything will be done to find the missing people.
Merkel is currently in Washington and is visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris and US President Joe Biden.
The Chancellor is the first head of government from Europe that Biden has received in the White House since he took office in January.
The visit is intended to mark the new beginning of German-American relations after a low point in the era of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump.
Dozens of people have died in the storms in Germany so far, many people are missing.
Streets have been flooded, houses have collapsed and dams threaten to break.
lau / Reuters / dpa
