The severe flooding in Belgium is the worst the country has ever seen, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Friday, declaring July 20 a national day of mourning.
“These are very exceptional circumstances which are unprecedented in our country,” he said.
Home Secretary Annelies Verlinden said the death toll rose to 20 and around 20 were missing. Previous press reports had reported 23 dead.
So far, more than 120 people have died in floods that have devastated much of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
In Belgium, the water has receded and the torrential rains have stopped, but thousands of rescuers are still on duty.
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De Croo said the flags will be hoisted at half-mast on Tuesday and a minute’s silence will be observed at noon.
