All eyes are on the Westhoek District of West Flanders today, the lands around the Great War battlefields of Diksmuide. Many areas are already flooded and more rain is forecast on top of that. Governor Decaluwé of West Flanders has urged people only to venture outside if it’s absolutely necessary.
Floods in West Flanders: “Don’t venture outside if you can avoid it!”
Colin Clapson
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Updated:
Water threatens to flood over the winter dyke in Houthulst and Diksmuide. Some 25 houses in the municipalities of Diksmuide and Houthulst could then be threatened. Some residents have already been evacuated as a precaution. The emergency services in the Westhoek are ready to evacuate more people if necessary.
West Flanders governor: 'Only go outside if there really is no other way'
West Flanders governor Carl Decaluwé has returned to the country from abroad to coordinate the response to the emergency. Last night he dispatched a Be-Alert message via text and email urging West Flemish people to stay indoors in case of rain and flooding.
"Only go outside if there is no other way," he wrote. "Do not let children play outside. After all, your safety and the safety of your loved ones are priorities." Street lighting will remain on until Sunday. "This is for your safety" he wrote.
Children can still continue to go to school as normal and commuting remains possible.