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AROUND THE WORLD 2: Downpour in Europe

According to Reuters, lakes and rivers in Switzerland overflowed after days of heavy rain across Switzerland, Austria and Germany affected power and communications in hundreds of communities. Roads and railway tracks were blocked by mudslides. Some bridges were inundated by strong floodwaters and, in some cases, swept away by the fierce waters. In Berne, Switzerland's capital, many used cell phones to contact rescuers. It was reported several people stood on rooftops waving scarves to get the attention of rescue workers in the area.

In Austria, Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel told his cabinet he would quickly send aid to homeowners and farmers in the area. Hundreds of people in Austria were still stranded in their villages while a reported 17,000 firefighters provided aid to soldiers by helping to repair roads and remove huge amounts of mud from highways and bridges.

Weather forecasts told Reuters that more rain had fallen in just three days than in the whole month of August under normal conditions in central Switzerland.

--Written by Jackie O'Neal

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