Berlin, May 18 (IANS/DPA): Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in the western German state of Saarland.

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 ease slowly.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz cancelled an election campaign appearance planned for Saturday in Saarland.

Instead, he will visit Saarland with state premier Anke Rehlinger to get an idea of the situation on the ground, a government spokesperson announced in Saarbrucken on Friday evening.

The state government has initiated the first steps towards emergency financial aid.

In a meeting late on Friday evening, the Council of Ministers declared a so-called "elementary event of supra-local importance".

According to the State Chancellery, this means that state aid can be granted.

In addition, municipalities could deviate from budget-balancing regulations due to the extraordinary emergency.

"Many Saarlanders are worried about their homes and possessions or have already suffered severe damage," Rehlinger said.

"To ensure that no time is lost, the state government has taken decisions at short notice to assist to repair the damage caused."