People in the western German city of Saarbrücken have been advised to avoid basements, bodies of water and flooded areas due to persistent heavy rain. “Flood waves can come suddenly, banks can collapse,” the city announced on Friday evening. “Crossing flooded streets should be avoided at all costs – both on foot and by car.” Citizens were therefore warned to stay away from the affected areas and, if necessary, spend the night elsewhere. The Saarland state capital also declared a major disaster situation. There was a great danger to life and limb. Several buildings in the city have had to be ev…