Antwerp sends emergency aid to flood-stricken West Flanders, while the Westhoek holds its breath

VRT NWS journalist Peter Decroubele is at the winter dyke in Houthulst, a seven-kilometre dyke built after the great floods of 1993. "The dyke is five metres high, but the water is also five metres high” he says. “The water just can't get away. A great problem is looming when it rains."

Mayor Jeroen Vandromme expects that houses near the winter dyke will be flooded. "People here, mostly farmers, are worried. They would rather not leave their houses," Peter Decroubele says.

Antwerp help for West Flanders

The Antwerp fire zone has sent a team of 11 people to the stricken Westhoek District of West Flanders to help with flooding around Diksmuide and Houthulst. These are specialised firefighters who can evacuate people on and over the water. The team was set up after the floods in Liège Province.

West Flanders Province activates emergency number

An emergency number for people in West Flanders has been active since 7.45pm yesterday: 0800/14.689. The emergency number will remain operational at least until 7pm on Thursday 16 November.

Non-urgent requests for help from the fire brigade or to get hold of sandbags can still be submitted via the e-desk www.1722.be or by phone on the number 1722. In this way the 112 number can be reserved exclusively for situations, when there is a threat to life.