Clear-up underway after fatal storms
Saurav Ghai was killed after a brick wall fell on him in north London
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Friday, 19, Jan 2007 07:22
A clear-up operation is underway across Europe today after at least 34 people were killed as storms and heavy winds swept through the continent.
Eleven people were killed in Britain, ten in Germany, four in the Netherlands, four in Poland, three in the Czech Republic and two in France.
One of those who died in the UK was a two-year-old boy, Saurav Ghai, who was killed when a brick wall fell on him while he was walking in Belsize Park, north London.
The storm first hit the UK yesterday morning, with gusts of wind up to 99mph recorded on the Isle of Wight and wind speeds of up to 80mph throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The bad weather passed through France and the UK and then moved through northern Europe, Germany and eastern Europe.
Travel disruptions were commonplace throughout Europe, with rail, air and sea networks brought down by the heavy storms. In many countries residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid travelling in the extreme weather.
Many of those killed were hit by falling debris, as high winds brought down trees, power lines and building structures.
The storm is expected to lessen after hitting eastern Europe, but the weakening winds have only marked the start of a large clean-up and rebuilding operation throughout Europe.
And many travellers in Britain are continuing to experience disruption on roads and the rail network today, while a number of homes are still without power.
In Berlin, Germany, the new central station was damaged by the storms, forcing the evacuation of the building. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam's central station also suffered some structural damage.
In Rotterdam, a massive oil leak has been reported after high winds swept a ship into an oil pipeline, causing about 10,000 barrels of oil to be spilt.
Austrian officials are working to restore power to 20,000 homes with winds tearing down power lines and destroying the roof of a high school.