Chancellor Angela Merkel and chancellor candidate Armin Laschet (CDU) visited the western German town of Bad Munstereifel on Tuesday, following the devastating flood disaster last week.

"Many houses are no longer habitable and the only thing that is comforting, and I want to say this explicitly, is the solidarity of the people," stated Merkel at the scene.

During her trip, she also visited a warehouse for donations to people in need.

The chancellor and Laschet reassured the public of early assistance, specifically emergency financial aid, which the federal cabinet is expected to approve on Wednesday.

"That is why I am so grateful that the federal cabinet, even in the middle of the summer break, is presenting a result very quickly, in just a few days, by tomorrow, approving the first emergency aid," Armin Laschet stated.

Many of the historic half-timbered houses in the old town were damaged, other homes were completely destroyed or even washed away.