Rising water levels forced the evacuation of buildings in the state capital Saarbrücken and other municipalities.
The state Interior Ministry spoke of a "widespread flood situation", focusing on the southeastern part of the state.
Due to continuous heavy rain, people in the city of Saarbrucken have been advised to avoid basements, water reservoirs and flooded areas.
"Flood waves can occur suddenly, causing banks to collapse," the city announced Friday evening.
"Crossing flooded roads should be avoided at all costs
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Therefore, citizens were warned to stay away from affected areas and, if necessary, spend the night elsewhere.
A ministry spokesman said the districts of Neunkirchen, Saarpfalz and the Saarbrücken regional union were particularly affected. Initially there was no news of any casualty.
Apart from Saarbrucken and Neunkirchen, the situation was tense in Appelborn St. Wendel, Saarlouis and Merzig. At some places, residents had to be evacuated from their flats located on deserted roads. Some retirement homes were also affected.There is still a possibility of increased flooding, especially in the districts of Lauterbach Ludweiler, Geislautern and Wehrden. The ministry spokesperson said that there is no news of anyone being injured so far.
In Völklingen, roads have been cut off from the power grid due to flooding.
However, drinking water supply has been secured, the city announced on Friday evening.
"Millions of euros of damage are expected in Vöcklingen, especially in the private sector," the municipality said.,
"The extent of the damage cannot yet be estimated."
Officials are considering requesting assistance from neighboring federal states.
Like many districts, Saarbrucken also declared a state of major damage.
Many buildings in the city had to be evacuated. The city established alternative housing in schools and a citizen hotline. Affected people were asked to carry only essential items with them.The German weather service warned of heavy rain early Saturday, especially in areas west of the Rhine. After that the rain is expected to reduce gradually.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz canceled a planned election campaign event in the Saarland on Saturday.
Instead, he will visit Saarland with state Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger to get a sense of the situation on the ground, a government spokesman announced in Saarbrucken on Friday evening.
The state government has taken the first step towards emergency financial assistance.At a meeting late on Friday evening, the Council of Ministers declared a so-called "primary incident of ultra-local importance".
According to the State Chancellor, this means that state aid can be given.
Additionally, municipalities may deviate from budget-balancing rules due to extraordinary emergencies.
“Many Saarland residents are concerned about their homes and property, or have already suffered severe damage,” Rehlinger said.
“To ensure that no time is wasted, the state government has taken a decision in the short term to assist in repairing the damage caused.,
SD/KHz
The state Interior Ministry spoke of a "widespread flood situation", focusing on the southeastern part of the state.
Due to continuous heavy rain, people in the city of Saarbrucken have been advised to avoid basements, water reservoirs and flooded areas.
"Flood waves can occur suddenly, causing banks to collapse," the city announced Friday evening.
"Crossing flooded roads should be avoided at all costs
,,
Therefore, citizens were warned to stay away from affected areas and, if necessary, spend the night elsewhere.
A ministry spokesman said the districts of Neunkirchen, Saarpfalz and the Saarbrücken regional union were particularly affected. Initially there was no news of any casualty.
Apart from Saarbrucken and Neunkirchen, the situation was tense in Appelborn St. Wendel, Saarlouis and Merzig. At some places, residents had to be evacuated from their flats located on deserted roads. Some retirement homes were also affected.There is still a possibility of increased flooding, especially in the districts of Lauterbach Ludweiler, Geislautern and Wehrden. The ministry spokesperson said that there is no news of anyone being injured so far.
In Völklingen, roads have been cut off from the power grid due to flooding.
However, drinking water supply has been secured, the city announced on Friday evening.
"Millions of euros of damage are expected in Vöcklingen, especially in the private sector," the municipality said.,
"The extent of the damage cannot yet be estimated."
Officials are considering requesting assistance from neighboring federal states.
Like many districts, Saarbrucken also declared a state of major damage.
Many buildings in the city had to be evacuated. The city established alternative housing in schools and a citizen hotline. Affected people were asked to carry only essential items with them.The German weather service warned of heavy rain early Saturday, especially in areas west of the Rhine. After that the rain is expected to reduce gradually.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz canceled a planned election campaign event in the Saarland on Saturday.
Instead, he will visit Saarland with state Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger to get a sense of the situation on the ground, a government spokesman announced in Saarbrucken on Friday evening.
The state government has taken the first step towards emergency financial assistance.At a meeting late on Friday evening, the Council of Ministers declared a so-called "primary incident of ultra-local importance".
According to the State Chancellor, this means that state aid can be given.
Additionally, municipalities may deviate from budget-balancing rules due to extraordinary emergencies.
“Many Saarland residents are concerned about their homes and property, or have already suffered severe damage,” Rehlinger said.
“To ensure that no time is wasted, the state government has taken a decision in the short term to assist in repairing the damage caused.,
SD/KHz
