Floods Hit Central Europe, Kills 12

At least 12 people have died due to heavy flooding across central Europe, imposing massive evacuation in low-lying areas.

Thousands of people are forced to leave their homes due to rising water levels of nearby rivers.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the affected areas Tuesday and promised 100 million euros for emergency aid.

The heaviest floods from the surrounding three rivers hit the town of Passau but waters are now receding.

Downstream areas are bracing for more flooding as swollen rivers continue to break through the countryside.

The German military together with government agencies and local authorities put in their best efforts to safely evacuate residents and
protect properties.

Similar floods hit the country in 2002, which took the lives of at least 17 people and destroyed properties across the region.

Sources: news.sky.com, www.bbc.co.uk, edition.cnn.com