Rescuers and residents prepared for a difficult night in the face of bad weather

The rivers, especially the Alzette, the Attert, the Eisch and the Sûre, threaten to overwhelm him overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. The authorities are closely monitoring developments and trying to anticipate too much. Olivier Jaetz, spokesperson for the Water Management Administration (AGE), explains: “We have been on the red alert since 4:30 pm, but only for the western part of the country. It is very likely that some rivers will overflow. We are particularly concerned about Attert, Eisch and Alzette, between Mersch and Ettelbruck. Although they have not yet exceeded the warning level, this should happen between midnight and six o’clock tonight (editor’s note: Wednesday night to Thursday). The Sûre could also cross the Diekirch side.

Forecasts indicate that the risk of flooding is high, even “if we are not looking at the same situation as July 2021”, reassures Olivier Jaetz. “It’s very similar to what we saw in January this year. Homes will definitely be affected, but it’s a manageable situation. Now the rain is falling and we still have to wait. “

To deal with the situation, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Group (CGDIS) has established an emergency group. Cédric Gantzer, spokesperson for the CGDIS, specifies: “The CGDIS has reinforced the 112 team, as we are preparing to receive a large number of calls. A dedicated flood emergency unit has been activated to manage this situation effectively without affecting our other interventions. We also sent sandbags and equipped trucks to be able to provide direct support to affected local residents.”

To coordinate efforts, the CGDIS also put the mayors of the various municipalities in contact with the heads of institutions. Cédric Gantzer said: “We have planned more operators and more people on the ground. We are ready.”

Michel Malherbe, the mayor of Mersch, seems to be ready for any eventuality. “All appropriate steps have been taken. Obviously everyone is worried, it’s normal when you live by the water. What we estimate is that everything along the Alzette will be flooded and that the city center will be saved.”

The authorities advise citizens to regularly consult the updates available on the site inundations.lu and be vigilant, especially near bodies of water. With more rain expected in the coming hours, caution is advised for all those living near Luxembourg’s rivers and streams.