GALLERY: FLOODS devastate parts of Europe

Devastating floods have hit parts of western Europe after record rainfall caused swollen rivers to burst their banks.

At least 70 people have died, the majority in Germany but with at least 11 confirmed dead in Belgium.

Forecasts suggest more heavy rain is due in much of the region on Friday.

Flooding in Cologne, Germany in July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT/GETTY IMAGES – The Rhine river flooded the German city of Cologne on Thursday
Flooding in the Belgian city of Verviers, July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / GETTY IMAGES – Cars were overturned in the streets of the Belgian city of Verviers

Some of the most dramatic images came from the German village of Schuld, in the Ahrweiler district of Rhineland-Palatinate, where a state of emergency has been declared.

Some 200,000 homes were also left without power.

Thousands of relief workers and soldiers are helping police with search and rescue efforts.

A digger clears debris in Germany after flooding, 15 July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / GETTY IMAGES – Diggers were brought in to clear debris
A man and his dog look at the damage caused by flooding in Germany, July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / REUTERS – The floods have caused devastation, leaving thousands without power
Belgium's Queen Mathilde (left) visits a crisis centre after flooding, July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / EPA – Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde (left) visited a crisis centre in Chaudfontaine on Thursday

Heavy rains were also seen in Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where dozens of people were evacuated from their homes.

The fire brigade evacuate people from their homes in South Limburg, the Netherlands, 15 July
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / EPA – The fire brigade helped to evacuate people in South Limburg, the Netherlands
A village on Lake Lucerne is covered with flood water, in Stansstad, Switzerland, 15 July 2021
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / EPA – Makeshift bridges were erected over floodwater in Stansstad, Switzerland
Firefighters place sandbags along the Reuss River in Lucerne, Switzerland
IMAGE COPYRIGHT / REUTERS – Firefighters placed sandbags along a mobile flood barrier in the Swiss city of Lucerne