Europe death toll at 109 from flooding

DESSAU, Germany -- Floodwaters from the rain-swollen Elbe River overwhelmed a dike and swamped part of this east German city Monday, forcing more evacuations as Europe wrestled with the aftermath of violent storms that swept the continent two weeks ago.

German authorities reported three more deaths Monday, increasing the Europe-wide toll to 109. European leaders also grappled with how to pay for damages estimated at up to $20 billion.

High flood ramparts helped Budapest, the Hungarian capital, escape largely unscathed as the Danube River peaked Monday at a historic high.

In the Czech capital Prague, officials were inspecting buildings for flood damage after three collapsed in recent days.

Thousands of German soldiers and emergency workers shored up flood barriers Monday as the swollen Elbe rolled toward north Germany after forcing 80,000 people from their homes.