Amsterdam  - Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning caused moderate damage in the Netherlands overnight, particularly in the southern provinces of Limburg and Zeeland, officials said Tuesday.

The fire brigade said it received tens of calls requesting assistance in cases of flooding and lightning strikes on homes and churches.

Lightning also set trees afire, while strong winds caused other trees to fall, damaging cars and homes.

In the southern village of Limbricht and the immediate surroundings, lightning caused a power cut, leaving 700 homes without electricity.

Excessive rains caused problems on several highways. On the A79 highway near Bunde, a driver sustained serious injuries after his car overturned.

On the A58 highway, the tunnel at Kruiningen was flooded. (dpa)