Encouraging news from the Westhoek district of West Flanders, the area encompassing the battlefields of the Great War. In recent days abundant rainfall here and in northern France triggered flooding with waterways including the River IJzer at their highest level in years. Water levels fell 10cm over the past three days.
Rainy conditions today are not expected to create any new acute issues. The condition of dykes is being monitored and where necessary – like here in Houthulst - cracks in the dykes are repaired. The situation is largely under control and preparations are being made for the return of evacuated residents.
The fire service and utility providers are checking houses affected by the floods to make sure there are no problems with regard to electricity and gas supplies and that evacuees can return safely by road.
The first evacuees were able to return home on Monday afternoon.