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Violent storm rips through German village

July 8, 2015

A violent storm has devastated a village in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate. The mix of strong winds and hail has left up to 10 million euros ($11 million) in damages, according to Framersheim's Mayor Ulrich Armbrüster.

https://p.dw.com/p/1FurZ
Deutschland Tornadoschäden in Rheinland-Pfalz
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/F. von Erichsen

What began as a sunny day with temperatures peaking at 36 Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit), turned into a tragedy when a violent storm - described by local media as a "tornado" - swept through the municipality of Framersheim in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The violent storm devastated several parts of the 1,600-inhabitant village, tearing down massive trees and uplifting roofs on several houses. At least 60 houses' roofs were damaged, although several homes were deemed inhabitable by police.

At least three people were reported to have been trapped inside their homes as the storm raged on, police said. Several people were also injured, though no deaths were reported.

Deutschland Tornadoschäden in Rheinland-Pfalz
At least two houses were deemed inhabitable though the number might be higher than initial estimatesImage: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Roessler

More than 200 emergency personnel were on active-duty throughout the duration of the storm that ravaged the village less than 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) away from Frankfurt.

Framersheim's Mayor Ulrich Armbrüster said that initial estimates have put the cost of damages upwards of 10 million euros ($11 million). The mayor added that at least two buildings were no longer inhabitable.

Rhineland-Palatinate's Interior Minister Roger Lewentz said access roads to the village were closed until late into the night.

The minister added that cleanup would begin on Wednesday and that an aerial assessment of the destruction would be conducted to better gauge damages. Lewentz expects the cost of damages may surpass initial estimates.

ls/ (dpa, SWR)