At least 69 dead amid flooding in Western Europe

At least 69 people have died amid heavy flooding in Belgium and Germany, according to The New York Times.

Fifty-eight people were reported to have died in Germany in the areas hardest hit by the storm, and at least 11 more were reported to have died in Belgium.

Officials said late Thursday that they were unable to account for at least 1,300 people, the Times reports.

Storms caused reservoirs to break open and flash flooding to occur, resulting in collapsed buildings and people trapped on roofs.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed sympathy for those who died in the disaster during a visit to Washington, The Associated Press reported.

“I grieve for those who have lost their lives in this disaster,” Merkel said, according to AP. “I fear the full extent of this tragedy will only be seen in the coming days.”

The extent of the damage is still unclear. The AP noted that many of the known deceased were discovered after floodwaters receded.

Members of the European Union have dispatched assistance to aid in local rescue efforts.

A flood rescue team and helicopter was mobilized from France on Wednesday to aid in rescue efforts, the European Commission said in a statement. Italy and Austria have also have also offered flood rescue teams.