Rescue crews have been racing to find survivors of floods that have wreaked havoc across western Europe, killing at least 170 people. Many people are still missing after record rainfall triggered severe floods in Germany and Belgium, and the death toll is expected to rise further. Submerged cars are being searched for bodies as flood waters begin to recede. But a senior German politician has been criticised for laughing during a visit to affected areas. Armin Laschet, who is the conservative candidate to replace outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel, was caught on camera apparently joking with colleagues as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was expressing sympathy to victims.
