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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (2nd R) talks to a member of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) as he stands on a bridge crossing the overflowing Helme river in Oberroeblingen, eastern Germany, on January 4, 2024. Days of rain, as well as melting snow have left parts of several German regions, including the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as the eastern states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia under water. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) (KEYSTONE/AFP/JOHN MACDOUGALL)