德国抗击十年一遇的洪水

Germany continues to battle what's been dubbed the "flood of the century." More than 80,000 emergency personnel have been working around the clock. Thousands of residents are still unable to return to their homes. Bridges and streets remain impassable in many regions of eastern and southern Germany.

Large parts of eastern Germany along the rivers Saale and Elbe were flooded after extended periods of heavy rain. The flooding shows no signs of subsiding, with dikes breaking and waters heading north.

Speaking at a political event in Munich, Chancellor Angela Merkel says that the thoughts of Germany are with those affected.

"We will do whatever we can to help the rebuilding so that the people can recover as soon as possible from this dramatic experience and have a home again. I want to offer many great wishes to all the volunteers as well. Germany is united in these hard times and that is wonderful and must remain so," Merkel said.