Phnom Penh: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has described the flooding that has devastated parts of western Europe as "terrifying". The death toll across the region has risen to over 188, most of them in the German region of Bavaria.

In the official letter from Cambodian Prime minister Hun Sen to Chancellor Federal Republic of Germany Ms. Angela Merkel on Monday night, he said “I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastative flooding that hit Western Germany on 15 July leaving behind more than one hundred innocent dead victims while thousands have been injured and missing along with enormous property damages.”

On behalf of the Royal Government and People of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen extend his deep sympathy and sincere condolences to German Chancellor Angela, to the People of the Federal Republic of Germany, especially the bereaved families for their loss and my best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and successful rescue of those missing.

It is the worst natural disaster in Germany in almost 60 years. The European floods began last Wednesday and have swamped much of Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium. Entire communities have been cut off, without power or communications.