German floods leave fears of public-health catastrophe in their wake

Authorities in western Germany are rushing to clear mountains of debris and restore vital services after devastating floods last week. Many areas were left without access to drinking water after the floodwaters damaged waste water treatment plants. And concerns are now mounting over an environmental and public health catastrophe as sewage flows into rivers. More rain is forecast, complicating the clean-up. Meanwhile, social media has played a key role in connecting people affected by the flooding with volunteers who want to offer support. DW reporter Tessa Walther visited one town where a group of Syrian refugees answered the call for help.