Europe remains on edge as Germany and France grapple with the looming threat of floods, prompting high alert status in both countries.

The German weather service issues warnings of continuous rainfall, raising concerns about escalating water levels, especially in the Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony regions. The situation is exacerbated by saturated dykes in many areas, intensifying the risk of instability and potential breaches.

Oldenburg faces a critical scenario, with the flooding of the River Hunte menacing parts of the city. The persistent rainfall further amplifies the vulnerability of dykes, heightening the urgency for preventive measures.

In France, the tension persists with ten departments in the west and north still under flood alert. Pas-de-Calais experiences an unfortunate déjà-vu, as it grapples with a red alert for the second time in two months, indicating a life-threatening risk due to flooding. Residents, having recently evacuated their homes in November, are again confronted with the potential dangers of rising water levels. Villages like Bourthes and Lumbres recount the tale of unprecedented flooding, adding to the challenges faced by the region.

The Lys and Hem rivers, swollen by heavy overnight showers, have breached their banks, compounding the flooding concerns. Meteorological forecasts predict an additional 15 to 30 millimeters of rain in Pas-de-Calais over the next few hours. Météo France warns that the peak of the floods in the department is yet to be reached, keeping residents and authorities on high alert as they brace for the continued challenges posed by the relentless rainfall and rising water levels.