At least 90 people were killed and more than 1,000 others were still unaccounted for Friday after devastating floods in western Europe caused rivers to burst their banks, swept away cars and caused homes to collapse.

More than 80 people were killed in Germany and as many as 1,500 people were assumed to be missing as frantic rescue efforts entered a second day.

Officials said they hoped the high number still unaccounted for was due to mobile networks and internet connections going down, making it difficult for many to reach their loved ones.

At least 50 people died in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, officials said, while 30 were killed in neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia.

Storms also caused deadly flooding in Belgium, where media reported at least 12 deaths, while Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also hit.

The torrential rain and storms stranded people on rooftops, with authorities using inflatable boats and helicopters to identify and rescue residents.

The German army deployed around 900 soldiers to assist in the operation.