Belgian toll mounts to 24 as PM visits flood zone

Author: Web Desk


The death toll from flooding in eastern Belgium hit 24 on Saturday, as police went door-to-door seeking news of at risk residents and the prime minister toured devastated towns.

Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander de Croo headed to the town of Rochefort in the basin of the river Meuse to see the aftermath of what he has branded an “unprecedented” flood.

De Croo was to be joined by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in the river valleys of eastern Belgium near the border with her native Germany, also badly hit.

The latest official death toll on Saturday was 24, with many people still missing. Police in Angleur, in the city of Liege, said they had found at least one more body overnight.

Flood waters descended on densely inhabited valleys in the region around the Meuse river on Thursday, after days of intense rain.

By Saturday, the skies were clearing and the downpour had abated, but the retreating waters left scenes of devastation across 120 local government areas.

Police were going door to door, checking on residents, and De Croo has declared Tuesday — the eve of Belgium’s national day — a day of official mourning.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Op-Ed

Brink of Catastrophe

The world today teeters on the edge of catastrophe, consumed by a series of interconnected…

10 hours ago
  • Uncategorized

Commitment of the Pak Army

Recent terrorist attacks in the country indicate that these ruthless elements have not been completely…

10 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Transforming Population into Economic Growth Drivers

One of Pakistan's most pressing challenges is its rapidly growing population, with an alarming average…

10 hours ago
  • Uncategorized

Challenges Meet Chances

Pakistan's economy is rewriting its story. From turbulent times to promising horizons, the country is…

10 hours ago
  • Editorial

Smogged Cities

After a four-day respite, Lahore, alongside other cities in Punjab, faces again the comeback of…

10 hours ago
  • Editorial

Harm or Harness?

The Australian government's proposal to ban social media for citizens under 16 has its merits…

10 hours ago