The Haute-Meuse started its unemployment in Namur (photos)

“The water level will now drop by regarding ten centimeters per hour until the river returns to its natural level,” said Nicolas Yernaux, spokesperson for the SPW.

“It can be estimated that the lowest level will be reached on Monday followingnoon. The flow at the border is currently around 20 cubic meters per second, compared to double in 2017. Visually, it should therefore be even more spectacular”, he added.

This large-scale maneuver has taken place every five years since 2007. The beginning of autumn was not chosen at random, since it is at this time that the water flow is supposed to be the weakest.

The work carried out by the SPW will begin once the lowest level has been reached. The Department of Nature and Forests has also planned to rescue any fish that may become trapped as a result of lower water levels.

At the same time, the Haute-Meuse River Contract will introduce the general public to the river from another angle. “Clean Meuse” operations intended to remove waste from the dry parts are also organized on Saturday 1st October in Hastière, Anseremme and Dave as well as on Saturday 8th October in Godinne and Yvoir.

©EdA Jacques Duchateau