Why locals rebuilding Germany's flood-struck towns are longing for spring

Windows of a house on the Urft river are still boarded up about half a year after the region was hit by flooding last July. Photos: Oliver Berg/dpa

The craftsmen in the rural areas of Germany that suffered record flooding last summer are taking a lead role in reconstruction efforts.

Armed with hammers, drills and saws, locals in the village of Gemund are busy putting their homes and businesses back together, six months after disastrous flooding in July caused untold damage.