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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (3rd L), German Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection Steffi Lemke (L) and Saxony-Anhalt's State Premier Reiner Haseloff (L, background) stand next to the overflowing Helme river in Oberroeblingen, eastern Germany, as they visit a flooded area 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)