Europe's floods move on
On the Danube, citizens of Passau are cleaning up. But Germany's second "once-in-a-century" floods in eleven years aren't over. It's now the Elbe and the Saale rivers which are the focus of attention.
The floods rise
Large areas of the German states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt remain under water - and the rivers Elbe and Saale won't be falling any time soon. Though the rain has stopped, it'll be days until the water has run its course.
For some, the worst is over
The Danube, at least, appears to be receding. Water levels in Passau have dropped, but portions of the city remain evacuated. The fact that there were no deaths in the city is largely thanks to the help of firefighters and soldiers. This "Passauer" was rushed to safety - and, like his city, appears to have made it through the worst of it.
Chancellor Merkel flies in
German Chancellor Angela Merkel flew in for an aerial overview of the flooded regions. Such pictures are important for politicians in upcoming elections. Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, received a surge in popularity during floods in 2002. Chancellor Merkel has promised millions in federal financial assistance for the victims of the floods.
What the water leaves behind
Only when the water recedes is the true damage revealed. Here in Passau, citizens will have to remove the mud quickly. The mud would quickly cause whatever was underneath to rot.
A run on rubber boots
Shoe shops, department stores and do-it-yourself superstores are now sold out of rubber boots. In times of high waters and muddy pool, the footwear has been in high demand.
The Elbe swells
Dresden, known as the "Florence of the Elbe" due to its historic buildings, is partly under water. No-one knows yet how bad the damage will be in the end.
Sandbag shuffle
As floodwaters rise, sandbags are filled and distributed. In Dresden, all available hands were put to use.
Will the dikes break?
This big worry is always whether the dikes will hold. If they are too full of water, they can become unstable and give way. Sandbags are used to reinforce them, as in this picture of the Gimrizter dam in the city of Halle.
Worried looks
Halle, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, is threatened by the high waters of the Saale river. People here and on the Elbe are watching developments with deep concern. Little by little, the statues on the city's Kröllwitzer Bridge have slowly disappeared beneath the surface. Author: Dirk Kaufmann / cd, Editor: Michael Lawton