As it is raining more than expected on Friday, there is still a risk of flooding in the provinces of East Flanders and Flemish Brabant, which are keeping their emergency plans in force for another day.
Contrary to earlier forecasts, quite a lot of rain is expected across Belgium today, resulting in streams and rivers at risk of flooding again. Therefore, the governors of East Flanders and Flemish Brabant kept the provincial emergency plans in force for longer than initially planned.
"Firstly, it is going to rain more today than previously thought. This is mainly in the western part of the country, but it may also rain more in the western part of Flemish Brabant than previously thought," Jan Spooren, Governor of Flemish Brabant, told VRT.
Water levels dropping
Additionally, works to pump up water in several watercourses should continue until Sunday: in Zemst, Liedekerke, Boortmeerbeek and Scherpenheuvel. "On top of that, water levels are still high everywhere." Although the levels are under control and lowering, the emptying of the various buffer basins must be done carefully and well-coordinated.
The same is true in East Flanders, said Governor Carina Van Cauter. "We are out of the alert phase, but a lot of rain is forecast again – more than was expected. That means we are not out of the woods yet and must remain vigilant. We have to keep monitoring everything closely in such a way that we don't get flooding again."
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Due to Thursday's slightly drier period, water levels on the Leie and Dender have fallen in recent hours. On the Durme, the level still remains very high but stable. On the Moervaart, also in Lokeren and in Sinaai, the levels are falling, but they are still very high.
In Wallonia, the water levels of the upper Meuse are falling as well, as are those of the middle and lower reaches of the Semois, the Walloon Public Service (SPW) announced.
Alert thresholds are still exceeded, but the SPW expects the situation to stabilise further. "Most of the precipitation is now behind us. The situation could return to normal by early next week."
