In pictures: Europe's weather chaos

At the start of 2003, Europe is struggling with heavy rain, floods, high winds and, in some places, cold temperatures.

Despite rivers slowly receding, much of Germany remains under water (AP)

In some parts of the country, 50 millimetres (two inches) of rain fell in 24 hours...

... and many people resorted to unusual methods to get around

In Belgium the army is on alert to help deal with the crisis

2002 was the country's wettest year since 1833, meterologists say

The Czech Republic is another country which suffered badly in August - rescue workers are well practised

While in the UK dozens of homes were flooded and roads closed

But in Finland, rain is less of a problem than frost, with temperatures in Helsinki dropping to -20C