Scholz visits flood-hit northern Germany

BERLIN, Germanyn- Chancellor Olaf Scholz travelled Sunday to parts of northern Germany hit by floods after days of heavy rains, urging the nation “to close ranks” in the face of the challenges posed by nature. The German leader arrived by helicopter at Verden an der Aller in Lower Saxony, one of the worst hit states, where he was briefed about the emergency situation as well as protective measures that had been undertaken. Accompanied by the region’s state premier Stephan Weil, Scholz met affected inhabitants as well as members of the emergency services. “The weather and nature are posing challenges,” said Scholz, adding that it was “therefore important for us to close ranks”. Scholz thanked emergency workers for their deployment through…