Belgium fell silent for a minute of remembrance yesterday as it held a day of mourning for the victims of the devastating floods that left 200 dead in western Europe.<br />'' <br />'' Heavy rains last week sent floodwaters sweeping through towns and villages, mostly in Belgium and Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel visited victims in one of the hardest-hit areas.<br />'' <br />'' At least 31 people were killed in Belgium, with dozens still missing or unaccountable, while Germany on Tuesday increased its death toll to 169 as rescuers scoured the rubble for victims.<br />'' <br />'' The number of missing in Belgium has fallen over the past two days as telephone contact is re-established and more people are traced.<br />'' <br />'' The clean-up is still under way to help the regions hit hardest recover from the destruction that saw dozens of homes collapsed and cars piled on top of each other.<br />'' <br />'' Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde paid their respects at the fire station in Verviers, one of the hardest-hit towns.This is the first time since 2016 that Belgium has observed a national mourning when three days were declared following the March 22 attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, which killed 32 people and injured more than 340 in Brussels.<br />'' <br />'' In neighbouring Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel met victims of the deluge still struggling to come to terms with the losses in the ravaged medieval town of Bad Munstereifel.<br />'' <br />'' The damage is appalling, many are no longer habitable, she said, describing people who have lost everythin".<br />'' <br />'' The number of people missing in the country remains unclear, mainly because of disrupted communication networks.<br />