The Federal Home Ministry has activated emergency number 1722 this afternoon. This will allow people who need assistance in connection with storm damage or flooding to contact the fire service. For life-threatening situations, emergency number 112 remains available.
The Met Office has issued a warning about bad weather, showers and the chance of hail and thunder. It is also noticeably cooler than in recent days. Gusts of up to 75 kilometres per hour are possible. Strong winds will continue throughout the night, with showers sweeping across the country.
Members of the public wishing to report storm or water damage and requiring assistance from the fire service can submit a request via the online portal www.1722.be or call 1722.
The ministry asks people preferably to use the online portal. ‘This will help you avoid having to hang on for a long time before an operator can take your call. Lines may become overloaded when many people want to get in touch at the same time’.
Only call 112 for situations that may be life-threatening. The 112 emergency services and the fire brigade always give priority to calls about people whose lives may be in danger. Each situation is assessed individually to determine who needs assistance first.’