9 Dead, 30 Missing in Germany as Houses Collapse in Floods

"There are many places where fire brigades and rescue workers have been deployed. We don't yet have a very precise picture because rescue measures are continuing", a police spokesperson said.

The German authorities are urging people to stay at home during the emergency.

Reports suggest that parts of the affected area are isolated by high waters and accessible only by air. The military had to be sent to the city of Hagen to clear some areas from debris amid the crisis. The regional capital Düsseldorf also had to evacuate one of its districts.