With temperatures across Belgium expected to soar to the high thirties as the first heatwave of the year hits the country next week, Flanders and Brussels announced the launch of "operation heatwave", aimed particularly at supporting the city's most fragile populations.
The operation (known as Plan Canicule or Hittegolfplan), is jointly managed by local authorities, welfare centres (CPAS) and neighbourhood associations. It is activated whenever temperatures reach 28°C.
Special brigades will visit residents of the city thought to be in vulnerable situations —the elderly, isolated people— in order to check in on them and to brief them on the good habits to adopt during the heatwave.
The community teams will also distribute flasks and bottles of water and verify that the living conditions in the residences they visit are appropriate for dealing with the rising temperatures.
Brussels residents who feel they are in precarious or isolated conditions can request to be included in the visits.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
