Police in Germany and Belgium have told 'disaster tourists' coming to take pictures of devastating floods that has killed more than 160 people to stay away because they are hampering rescue efforts. Days of heavy rain turned normally minor rivers and streets into raging torrents this week and caused the disastrous flooding that swept away cars, engulfed homes and trapped residents. In Erftstadt, a town southwest of Cologne, a harrowing rescue effort unfolded on Friday when the ground in a neighborhood gave way. Parts of the southern Netherlands also experienced heavy flooding, though thousands of residents were allowed to return home Saturday morning after being evacuated on Thursday and Friday. His government has declared the flooding a state of emergency, opening up national funds for those affected.

Source: The Nation July 17, 2021 18:00 UTC