Steinmeier on floods, urges climate change action

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was "deeply affected" by "devastating effects" of flooding across parts of western Germany, pledging support to families of those killed and to cities and towns facing significant dam.

At least 110 people have died in devastating floods across parts of western Germany and Belgium, officials said Friday, as rescue operations and search for hundreds still unaccounted for continued.

"In hour of need, our country stands toger," Steinmeier said in a statement Friday afteron. "It's important that we show solidarity with those who have been deprived of everything by flood."

Authorities in German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said 50 people had died re, including at least nine residents of an assisted living facility for people with disabilities.

In neighboring rth Rhine-Westphalia state officials put death toll at 43, but warned that figure could rise furr.

Calling events a "trdy," Steinmeier said he has been in touch with state- and local-level officials who are assessing extent of dam.

He added that crisis makes effects of climate change, and need to forcefully combat m, even more apparent.

"Only when we decisively take up fight against climate change will we be able to limit extreme wear conditions we are w experiencing," he said.