Scores dead, dozens missing as raging floods hit western Europe

Scores have died in Germany and dozens were missing as swollen rivers caused by record rainfall across western Europe swept through towns and villages, leaving cars upended, houses destroyed and people stranded on rooftops.

In the town of Schuld, houses were reduced to piles of debris and broken beams. Roads were blocked by wreckage and fallen trees and fish flapped and gasped on puddles of water in the middle of the street.

Hundreds of soldiers and 2,500 relief workers were helping police with rescue efforts in Germany.