At least 8 dead, 30 missing in devastating storm, floods in Germany, Belgium

Berlin, Jul 15 (EFE).- At least six people died and 30 are missing after heavy rain caused floods and damaged infrastructure in western states of Germany, while at least two more died in neighbouring Belgium.

Municipal authorities of Ahrweiler, in the Rhineland-Palatinate state, confirmed the death of four residents and the disappearance of 30 others.

Two firefighters died while on duty in search and rescue operations.

The storm has caused the collapse of at least six buildings, while another 20 structures are currently unstable.

The most affected states were North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

The provinces of Liege and Luxembourg were the worst hit in Belgium.

Both deaths in Belgium were reported in Liege.

The heavy rain dragged on for hours in the general area, causing floods in several towns.

In the German city of Hagen, where floods have reached hip-level height, the electricity network has been shut down to avoid short circuits, according to witnesses.

In Cologne, the Rin overflowed and the torrent flooded parts of the Deutz neighbourhood.