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Floods batter Ashford's twin town Bad Münstereifel

A German town twinned with one in Kent has been battered by the worst floods in a generation.

Bad Münstereifel has been twinned with Ashford since 1964, and the two enjoy a very close friendship.

Water has submerged whole streets in the Ashford-twinned town. Picture: Dieter Ohmen
Water has submerged whole streets in the Ashford-twinned town. Picture: Dieter Ohmen

On Wednesday night, much of Western Germany was inundated with rain, bursting river banks and completely submerging whole towns.

So far at least 92 people have died across Western Europe as a result of the flooding, which has also impacted Belgium.

One of the worst hit towns was the picturesque Bad Münstereifel, through which the Erft River flows.

The town centre was unrecognisable as water flowed several feet deep through the town centre.

Pictures reveal the streets have been uprooted and scenic riverside walk transformed into earthworks.

Bad Münstereifel has been twinned with Ashford since 1964. Picture: Dieter Ohmen
Bad Münstereifel has been twinned with Ashford since 1964. Picture: Dieter Ohmen
The normally picturesque town has been devastated by the flooding. Picture: Matthew Forest
The normally picturesque town has been devastated by the flooding. Picture: Matthew Forest
Bad Münstereifel has been battered by flooding. Picture: @AprilBreezeeee
Bad Münstereifel has been battered by flooding. Picture: @AprilBreezeeee

An Ashford Borough Council spokesman confirmed that mayor Callum Knowles will be writing a letter to Bad Münstereifel officials in due course.

Cllr Matthew Forest (Con), twinning champion for Ashford Borough Council, said: “We are saddened to see the terrible flooding in Germany, including our twin town of Bad Münstereifel.

"Our hearts go out to those affected and on behalf of ABC we send our best wishes to our friends in Bad Münstereifel.”

The Erft river burst its banks in the deluge, causing damage to the surrounding streets. Picture: Dieter Ohmen
The Erft river burst its banks in the deluge, causing damage to the surrounding streets. Picture: Dieter Ohmen
Ashford and Bad Münstereifel have been twinned for more than 50 years, and maintain a close bond. Picture: Matthew Forest
Ashford and Bad Münstereifel have been twinned for more than 50 years, and maintain a close bond. Picture: Matthew Forest
PC Don Grant on patrol in Ashford with Sgt Dieter Ohmen from Bad Münstereifel as part of the twinning celebrations in 2008
PC Don Grant on patrol in Ashford with Sgt Dieter Ohmen from Bad Münstereifel as part of the twinning celebrations in 2008
The Friendship Rock is placed in Ashford's Lower High Street in 1983; the rock commemorates the twin links between Ashford and Bad Münstereifel
The Friendship Rock is placed in Ashford's Lower High Street in 1983; the rock commemorates the twin links between Ashford and Bad Münstereifel

The good relationship between the two towns has been long-standing, and is marked by each town having a road named after the other.

In the German twin, there is an Ashford Road while one of Ashford's busiest roads - the A2070 - is called Bad Münstereifel Road.

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