Thousands people evacuated following Elbe dam breach

In the east of Germany more than 23 thousand people are in need of evacuation because of dam breach on the river Elbe near Magdeburg.

Following prolonged rainfall, water in the river rose to a record 7.48 meters (5 meters higher than normal rate).

Rescuers urgently evacuated more than eight thousand people from towns and villages around Aken. Three thousand residents of Magdeburg left homes.

Flooding de-energized many districts of the country. Authorities estimate the damages amounting to more than € 6 billion. Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged € 100 million assistance to affected areas.