Germany's Saarland sees flooding after heavy rain
Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in the western German state of Saarland on Friday.
Buildings in the state capital of Saarbrücken and other municipalities had to be evacuated due to rising water levels.
The state interior ministry spoke of a "widespread flooding situation," with the focus on the south-eastern part of the state.
The Neunkirchen district, the Saarpfalz district and the Saarbrücken regional association were particularly affected, a ministry spokesman said on Friday evening. There was initially no news of any casualties.
Apart from Saarbrücken and Neunkirchen, the situation was tense in Eppelborn, St. Wendel, Saarlouis and Merzig. In some places, residents had to be evacuated from flats in isolated streets. Some retirement homes were also affected.
There were no reports of injuries so far, the ministry spokesman said.
Officials are considering requesting assistance from neighbouring federal states.
Saarbrücken declared a major damage situation, as did several districts. Several buildings in the city had to be evacuated. The city set up alternative accommodation in schools and a citizens' hotline. Those affected were asked to take only the essentials with them.
The German Weather Service warned of heavy continuous rain through the early hours of Saturday, especially in the areas west of the Rhine. After that, the rain is expected to slowly subside.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz cancelled an election campaign appearance planned for Saturday in Saarland.
Instead, he will visit Saarland together with state Premier Anke Rehlinger to get an idea of the situation on the ground, a government spokesperson announced in Saarbrücken in the evening.
