2023-11-19 11:58:00
Heavy rains on Saturday had a limited effect on the water level in the Yser basin, affected by significant flooding in recent days. The water level is expected to drop below the alert threshold near Fintele (Lo-Reninge) on Sunday, according to Waterinfo, the Flemish government’s hydrology website. Showers are expected once more for Monday.
On Saturday, almost five liters of water per square meter sprinkled the Westhoek region. However, this rain had only a limited effect on water levels.
Impressive photos of the floods in Flanders
Very little precipitation is expected in the region for Sunday. “However, normalization of the situation will take some time and vigilance remains essential,” underlines Waterinfo. Showers forecast for Monday might cause a further rise in water levels.
After the floods, residents of Flanders discovered a surprise in their garden: “Even following more than 100 years, it remains dangerous”
Long-term flood solutions under consideration
The Flemish government has commissioned a working group to formulate proposals by December 15 in order to avoid as much as possible in the future floods such as those which have occurred in recent weeks in the Yser basin. These will include short-term measures, such as pumping, which can still be implemented during this legislature, as well as medium- and long-term interventions.
In recent days, experts have also raised the possibility of expropriating residents, as has already happened in the Meuse valley. According to Prime Minister Jambon, this can only be done if it is strictly necessary. After all, it is a “lifetime work”. “We do not take this lightly. On the other hand, the prospect of having to get up every year fearing floods is not a comfort of life either,” he declared on the set of the VRT this Sunday morning.
Diksmuide, November 17, 2023. ©DLE
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