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NRW Prime Minister Laschet (archive picture)
Photo: SASCHA STEINBACH / EPA
The North Rhine-Westphalian Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) was dismayed by the extent of the devastation in his state.
"A storm of the century has hit our country," said Laschet after a special meeting of the North Rhine-Westphalian cabinet.
"The situation remains critical, particularly in Erftstadt and at the Steinbachtalsperre," said Laschet.
Everything is done to avert further damage to people and to save lives.
Laschet thanked all helpers for their support.
According to Laschet, 23 cities and districts in North Rhine-Westphalia are affected by the floods.
The Prime Minister spoke of "a flood disaster of historic proportions".
43 people have already died in the floods in North Rhine-Westphalia and it is to be feared that there could be even more deaths.
In the cabinet meeting it was ostensibly about how to help the affected regions.
Laschet announced direct aid for people directly affected.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Finance announced tax deferrals for those affected by the floods, and advance payments would be suspended.
The step was also coordinated with Rhineland-Palatinate and should also apply to the people there.
"I've never seen anything like it," said North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU).
One is "in the middle of clearing up, recognizing and gathering information", so one cannot yet take stock of the damage.
"We want to give everything to help," said Reul.
Since Tuesday, more than 19,000 emergency services have been on their feet in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Reul appealed to the population to take the flood warnings seriously.
It often takes a long time before areas can be evacuated.
Reul also asked to refrain from disaster tourism.
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