Flooding in Europe Leaves at Least 13 Dead, National Treasures Moved to Higher Ground
National treasures are being moved to higher ground as the flooding continues.
— -- The flooding in Western Europe, which has left at least 13 people dead according to The Associated Press, continued to worsen today, with cultural institutions scrambling to protect their national treasures from the destructive waters.
Landmarks Close in France, 2 Reported Dead
French President Francois Hollande said that a "natural disaster" will be formally declared in a Cabinet meeting next week, The AP reported, as the flooding has killed at least two French nationals. Energy company Enedis also said that more than 20,000 customers are without power.
The Grand Palais exhibition center is the latest landmark destination to close amid the floods in Paris, the institution tweeted.
The Louvre Museum has closed and evacuated masterpieces from its lower levels, relocating them to higher floors, as the River Seine continues to swell and flood levels rise throughout Paris.
A spokesperson for the Louvre told The AP that the museum has not taken such precautions since it was renovated in 1993. Around 200,000 works of art at the museum are in flood-risk areas, The AP reported.
The Musée d’Orsay also announced that it would be closed today and likely not reopen until Tuesday as part of its flooding protection plan, the institution tweeted.
10 Reported Dead in Germany, and More Than $500 Million in Damages Reported
At least 10 people have been reported dead in Germany, according to The AP.
The German Insurance Association also estimated that this week's flooding has caused at least 450 million euros (approximately $510 million) worth in damages in just the state of Baden-Wurttemberg.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters on Thursday that she "mourns for those for whom the help has come too late, who lost their lives," The AP reported.
Body of a Missing Beekeeper Found in Belgium
The body of a beekeeper has been found by a rescue team after he was reported missing during the heavy flooding that has affected the country, The AP reported.
The Wamme river has overflowed its banks and flooded several villages, causing significant property damage.
Major transportation has also been closed in Belgium, according to local reports.