Out west the provincial authorities are implementing the provincial disaster plan following heavy rainfall. The plan means that the provincial governor can take charge of the response.
West Flanders bore the brunt of heavy rainfall in recent days and more is yet to come. Civil protection officers have been deployed to pump away excess water, build dams and distribute sandbags.
It’s the Westhoek district up against the French border and the basin of the River IJzer that are giving most concern. The heavy rainfall has already led to flooding, while the level of the River IJzer is causing alarm.
Provincial governor Cal Decaluwé has called for vigilance as water levels are expected to rise further as more rain is forecast for northern France.
Earlier in the week the centre of Watou (Poperinge) was flooded and a local school needed to be evacuated. Civil protection officers deployed pumps as a precaution and built a dam using sandbags.
Yesterday several houses could not be reached due to flooding. Rural roads flooded too. Larger roads are now also under threat.
The Met office expects up to 40mm of rainfall by 1AM Saturday.
Local people have been urged to limit their movements and avoid dangerous areas. The advice is to protect entrances to cellars, to move carpets and valuables to higher levels and to turn off electricity, water and gas mains if necessary. Motorists are urged to park in a safe place.