There is still a risk of flooding at various locations in Flemish Brabant and East Flanders. In both provinces the measures contained in the provincial disaster coordination plan will remain in force for the time being at least. Considerable rainfall, as much as 20mm to 30mm per m² is expected today. However, drier weather is forecast for the coming days.
Risk from flooding not yet receded in Flemish Brabant and East Flanders
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Contrary to earlier forecasts, meteorologists are now predicting considerable rainfall in the western half of Flanders for today. With this comes the threat that rivers and streams will once again flood. For this reason, the governors of Flemish Brabant and East Flanders have told VRT News that the measures contained in their provincial disaster coordination plans will remain in force.
The Governor of Flemish Brabant (Flemish nationalist) Jan Spooren told VRT News that there are several reasons to keep the provincial disaster coordination plan in force. “First of all, it is going to rain more today than had been initially forecast. This will be mainly in the west of the country, but also in the west of Flemish Brabant it could rain more than we had previously thought. In addition to this the pumping of water from some stretches of water in Zemst, Liedekerke, Boortmeerbeek and Scherpenheuvel will continue until Sunday. Also, water levels are still high everywhere”.
Although water levels are now under control and falling, the emptying of buffer basins must be done carefully and be well-coordinated Governor Spooren said.
East Flanders
The Governor of East Flanders Carina Van Cauter tells a similar story "We are no longer on high-alert, but more rain has been forecast and it will be more that had been initially predicted”.
"This means that we’re not yet out of the woods and that we must remain vigilant. We must continue to monitor everything closely so that we don’t get more flooding”.
Water levels dropping
Thursday’s relatively dry weather has meant that water levels on the rivers Leie and Dender have dropped back.
On the River Durme in Lokeren (East Flanders) water levels remain very high, but stable. Meanwhile, the Moervaart in Lokeren and Sinaai (East Flanders) the level of the water is falling. However, it remains very high.
Elsewhere, on the Dender water levels still exceed the alarm threshold at Pollare, Denderleeuw (both East Flanders) and Teralfene (Flemish Brabant).
On the River Leie water levels still exceed the alarm threshold in Deinze and Machelen-aan-de-Leie (both East Flanders).