German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the government will work closely with the flood-hit West German states to rebuild society.
Speaking after visiting Schuld yesterday, one of the worst-affected areas, Merkel described the situation in those areas as "terrible".
Merkel, who has promised immediate financial support, also praised the ongoing rescue efforts and solidarity she saw during the visit but warned that problems in the area would not be resolved immediately.
He said what is needed now is a policy that focuses on genetics and climate change than has been done in recent years. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 160 people, including 112 in the Ahrweiler district of Rhineland Palatinate.
Another 700 people have been injured. Another 48 deaths have been reported in the neighboring North-Rhine Westphalia state.
