Prosecutors in Germany said Monday they may open an investigation into possible manslaughter in connection with failed or delayed flood warnings.

One hundred and eighty people are known to have died in July's catastrophe, with 60 other people still missing after the two days during which Germany suffered its worst flooding for many decades.

Entire towns and villages were devastated, with bridges, roads, railways and swathes of housing destroyed.

Prosecutors said they were looking at possible "negligent homicide and negligent bodily harm as the result of possibly failed or delayed warnings or evacuations of the population."

Police reports on the deaths of 12 people in a care facility in the town of Sinzig are among the evidence being considered.

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer last week said Germany will issue mobile phone text alerts in the future to inform citizens of impending dangers.

READ MORE: Why did Europe's flood warning system fail?