An emergency dyke is being constructed in Ledegem (West Flanders) where the local stream has burst its banks as the rain continues and large volumes of water arrive here from France. The flooding has stranded 200 families in their homes. The emergency dyke is being built to protect the village’s centre.
Houthulst near Diksmuide and Lo-Reninge are also badly affected by the flooding. Carl Decaluwé, the governor of West Flanders, who returned home from abroad to coordinate the response to the flooding, has requested the evacuation of a further score of houses. 25 homes in Woumen (Diksmuide) should have been evacuated yesterday but some people refused to budge. Other residents are being warned they could be asked to evacuate at short notice.
Meanwhile navigation on the Ghent-Terneuzen canal has been halted to allow the speedier evacuation of water.
Governor Decaluwé has also spoken of the need of structural measures to prevent any repeat of today’s crisis.
PM De Croo and Flemish home minister Rutten are visiting the area in the course of Thursday.
