After heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in the western German state of Saarland, Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the affected region on Saturday to take stock of the situation and assured of the federal government's "solidarity."
Scholz emphasized that the priority was now on acute aid. He stated that once the immediate danger had passed, the government would coordinate with local authorities to determine what aid is necessary. Scholz, who was wearing wellies, walked across a flooded street and spoke to those affected.
"We have a strong tradition of solidarity," said the chancellor. "Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have had to deal with a major natural disaster, so we will of course look at what needs to be done now and what is necessary."
"Everyone can rest assured that this will be done in the best possible way."