Europe flood death toll tops 160, costly rebuilding ahead

German soldiers work on a flooded car on a road in Erftstadt, Germany, Saturday, July 17, 2021. Due to strong rainfall, the small Erft river went over its banks causing massive damage. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

People clean their homes from mud and debris in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, Saturday, July 17, 2021. Due to strong rainfall, the Ahr river went over its banks and flooded big parts of the town. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

BERLIN — Rescue workers labored to deal with damage laid bare by receding water Saturday as the death toll from disastrous flooding in Western Europe rose above 160 and thoughts turned to the lengthy job of rebuilding communities devastated in minutes.