Heavy rainfall followed by flooding in several European countries in mid 2021
The July 2021 European floods killed at least 243 people and caused an estimated €46 billion in total damage, marking one of the deadliest flood disasters in modern European history.
Key Facts
- Total deaths
- At least 243
- Deaths in Germany
- 196
- Deaths in Belgium
- 39
- Insured losses
- At least €2 billion (US$2.35 billion)
- Total estimated damage
- €46 billion (US$54 billion)
- Countries affected
- UK, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Exceptionally heavy rainfall struck Western and Central Europe in July 2021, overwhelming river systems across multiple countries. Scientists and researchers linked the intensity and frequency of such extreme precipitation events to climate change, which increases moisture in the atmosphere and intensifies storm systems.
Severe flooding struck several European countries beginning in the United Kingdom before spreading to river basins across Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. At least 243 people died, with Germany suffering 196 fatalities and Belgium 39. Power outages, forced evacuations, and extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture accompanied the deaths.
The floods caused an estimated €46 billion in total damage, with insured losses alone exceeding €2 billion. Infrastructure damage was particularly severe in Belgium and Germany. The disaster prompted widespread public and political discussion about the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, intensifying calls for stronger climate adaptation policies across Europe.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 243 (flood)