On Friday evening it was expected that water from Northern France will still come to West Flanders via the various watercourses and rivers. The greatest impact is not expected until early on Saturday morning.
According to the governor, all possible precautions have been taken. For example, a second dam has been built in Stavele and sandbags are being distributed. In Izegem, the new dikes on the buffer basin are doing their job to limit the flooding of the Mandel. Additional pump capacity was deployed on the Heulebeek. The water level of the Leie remains at an acceptable level and will continue to be monitored. All services remain alert to intervene where necessary.
“Everything is currently being done to provide maximum protection to local residents,” says Governor Carl Decaluwé. The next crisis meeting is planned for Saturday. Local residents are asked to take all possible precautions and prepare as best as possible. You are also asked to limit movements and avoid dangerous areas, as well as to turn off gas, electricity and water if necessary and to ensure that mobile phones are charged.
Husband and son evacuated
A man was evacuated from his home in Lo-Reninge on the night of Friday to Saturday. His house, close to the IJzer, was surrounded by water after the flooding of the past few days. At night he was evacuated by the fire brigade at his own request, together with his son and pets.
The man’s house was already surrounded by water after heavy rains in recent days. On the night from Friday to Saturday he decided to evacuate. The fire brigade was called.
The man lives close to the IJzer, which overflows its banks due to heavy rainfall. The water level had also risen sharply last night. The fire brigade was eventually able to remove the residents from the home with a boat and a tractor. They can go to friends and family.
