German Chancellor Angela Merkel, front second right, gestures as she and the Governor of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer, front right, talk to a resident in Schuld, western Germany, Sunday, July 18, 2021 during their visit in the flood-ravaged areas to survey the damage and meet survivors. (Photo: AP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday visited flood-ravaged areas of the country to survey the damage and meet survivors, after days of extreme downpours in western Europe left at least 183 people dead and dozens missing.

Merkel traveled to the village of Schuld in Rhineland-Palatinate state, one of the two hardest-hit regions in western Germany.

At least 156 have died in the devastating disaster in Germany. In Rhineland-Palatinate state alone, local authorities reported 110 dead and 670 injured.

Other countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are also affected. Belgium said at least 27 people have lost their lives so far.