Flash flooding hits Central Europe

Almost a dozen people have died in Central Europe over the last few days with the Czech Republic seeing some of the worst weather.

The regions of northern Bohemia have been particularly hard hit with swollen rivers forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Much of the damage is being blamed on the fact that the water has nowhere to run off during heavy downpours.

In Poland, there were similar scenes of devastation. The south-western town of Bogatynia, bordering the Czech Republic, was one of the worst hit areas.

Authorities have begun the clean up, but at least three people died over the weekend and dozens of homes were destroyed when the river Miedzianka burst its banks.

In Germany, the eastern state of Saxony saw the worst damage. Rivers are now reported to be receding, leaving the thankless task of cleaning up the mess for hundreds of homeowners.

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