- Title: Deeply moved German president says it's time to battle climate change
- Date: 16th July 2021
- Summary: BERLIN, GERMANY (JULY 16, 2021) (CORONA-POOL) GERMAN PRESIDENT FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN PRESIDENT FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, SAYING: "I am deeply moved by the news and images of the devastating effects of the floods disaster in many parts of our country, particularly in Rhineland-Palatinate and in North Rhine-Westphalia.") PHOTOGRAPHERS (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN PRESIDENT FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, SAYING: "I would like to express my sympathy to the bereaved families. My thoughts are with them, and their fate moves me deeply." STEINMEIER AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN PRESIDENT FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, SAYING: "Only if we take up the fight against climate change decisively will we be able to keep extreme weather conditions such as we are experiencing now in check." PHOTOGRAPHER (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN PRESIDENT FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, SAYING: "I would like to thank the professional helpers from the fire department, the police, the THW (FEDERAL AGENCY OF TECHNICAL EMERGENCY RELIEF), the Red Cross, the German Armed Forces, and others who saved lives and are still working tirelessly. And, of course, the employees of the municipalities who provided shelter, care, and comfort to those affected by the disaster. My thanks also go to all those who spontaneously set out to help in those neighbourhoods affected by flooding or in neighbouring communities." STEINMEIER LEAVING
- Embargoed: 30th July 2021 11:21
- Keywords: Flutopfer Hilfe Hochwasser floods Ãœberschwemmung
- Location: BERLIN (GERMANY)
- City: BERLIN (GERMANY)
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Disaster/Accidents,Europe,Floods
- Reuters ID: LVA001EM39XEB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his shock at the extent of the flood disaster in western Germany and said it was time to battle climate change on Friday as he addressed victims of the disaster.
The fight against climate change needed to be taken up decisively so that impacts could be kept at bay he said.
"Only if we take up the fight against climate change decisively will we be able to keep extreme weather conditions such as we are experiencing now in check."
"I am deeply moved by the news and images of the devastating effects of the floods disaster in many parts of our country, particularly in Rhineland-Palatinate and in North Rhine-Westphalia", he said during an address at Bellevue Palace. "My thoughts are with them; their fate moves me deeply."
Steinmeier said he has spoken on the phone with district leaders and mayors and will get an idea of the situation on the ground in due course.
He thanked all professional helpers and the people providing shelter and assistance to the victims. He said those affected would need support for some time to come.
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