German Cabinet approves $472 million in first flood aid
BERLIN – Germany’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a roughly $472 million package of immediate aid for flood victims and vowed to start quickly on rebuilding devastated areas, a task whose cost is expected to be well into the billions. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said the package would increase if more money is needed. At least 171 people were killed in Germany and another 31 people died in neighboring Belgium. The deluges also destroyed or severely damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure.