蜜芽传媒

At least 70 people have died in Germany and Belgium after record rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks. Most of the victims were in Germany, but at least 11 have died in Belgium.

Hundreds of people are still missing - with more than 1,300 people still unaccounted for in the district of Ahrweiler - although authorities say they hope they are just cut off as internet and phone connections are down.

Weather forecasts predict more heavy rain across the region for today, while local officials have blamed climate change for the intensity of the floods.

Journalist Malika Fachrou is currently in Dusseldorf, one of the affected areas:

"I think what has left the country paralysed is the shock that nobody expected such a heavy rainfall or floods. And many people are asking themselves "why was there no warning? Why were we not better prepared?".

(Photo: A scene of destruction in a village in Ahrweiler, Germany. Credit: EPA)