This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22835154

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
German dam breaks near Magdeburg as Hungary floods recede German dam breaks near Magdeburg as Hungary floods recede
(about 7 hours later)
A dam has broken on the flood-swollen River Elbe in eastern Germany, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes around the city of Magdeburg.A dam has broken on the flood-swollen River Elbe in eastern Germany, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes around the city of Magdeburg.
Water levels in Magdeburg stood at 7.44m (24ft) on Sunday, nearly four times higher than normal (2m).Water levels in Magdeburg stood at 7.44m (24ft) on Sunday, nearly four times higher than normal (2m).
In Hungary, water levels on the Danube are expected to peak on Sunday after the worst floods in more than a decade. In Hungary, water levels on the Danube in the capital Budapest are believed to have peaked and officials say defences should prevent flooding in most areas.
At least 15 people have died in the floods in Central Europe, which will cost billions of euros to clean up. At least 15 people have died in the floods in Central Europe.
Analysts say the damage will cost billions of euros to clean up.
The authorities in Germany are investigating an anonymous letter threatening attacks on several dams.The authorities in Germany are investigating an anonymous letter threatening attacks on several dams.
The motive behind the threats is not known, but the threat is being taken seriously, says the BBC's Stephen Evans in Berlin.The motive behind the threats is not known, but the threat is being taken seriously, says the BBC's Stephen Evans in Berlin.
SandbagsSandbags
In the Hungarian capital Budapest, flood defences have been strengthened and appear to have held up. With levels on the Danube peaking, the mayor of Budapest sought to reassure the city's inhabitants and said leaking dykes had been fixed.
"Budapest is not at risk of a catastrophe, the level is not expected to rise significantly," Istvan Tarlos said.
Along more than 700km (470 miles) of the River Danube, thousands of people, including many volunteers and even convicts from the prisons, worked to reinforce earth and sandbag barriers,Along more than 700km (470 miles) of the River Danube, thousands of people, including many volunteers and even convicts from the prisons, worked to reinforce earth and sandbag barriers,
Late on Friday, residents were moved out of their homes in the village of Gyorujfalu, near the city of Gyor, because a dyke weakened after a landslide.Late on Friday, residents were moved out of their homes in the village of Gyorujfalu, near the city of Gyor, because a dyke weakened after a landslide.
No flood-related deaths have so far been reported in Hungary.No flood-related deaths have so far been reported in Hungary.
The river is forecast to peak at around 9m in Budapest late on Sunday. Flood barriers now stand at 9.50m.
In Magdeburg, more than 23,000 people left their homes as flooding increased and power was shut off.In Magdeburg, more than 23,000 people left their homes as flooding increased and power was shut off.
Flood defences on the Elbe and the River Saale have been weakened by days of heavy rain.Flood defences on the Elbe and the River Saale have been weakened by days of heavy rain.
Another dam is in danger, reports the regional broadcaster MDR, and more evacuations may have to take place.Another dam is in danger, reports the regional broadcaster MDR, and more evacuations may have to take place.
German President Joachim Gauck visited the flood-stricken city of Halle, near Magdeburg, and paid tribute to the way its inhabitants had coped.German President Joachim Gauck visited the flood-stricken city of Halle, near Magdeburg, and paid tribute to the way its inhabitants had coped.
"It is fantastic to see how different people get together to help others. And you notice that many of them are exhausted, but they are happy and it seems to motivate them," Mr Gauck said."It is fantastic to see how different people get together to help others. And you notice that many of them are exhausted, but they are happy and it seems to motivate them," Mr Gauck said.
The flood crest is expected to reach northern Germany in the coming days.The flood crest is expected to reach northern Germany in the coming days.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning a crisis meeting with leaders of Germany's regions on how to share the bill for the disaster, the Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper reported.
"We're dealing with a national catastrophe," Gerda Hasselfeldt, an MP with Mrs Merkel's Christian Social Union (CSU), was quoted as saying.