Brussels, Belgium – June 19, 2024: Tuesday’s torrential downpour wreaked havoc across multiple regions in Belgium, triggering floods, mudslides, and significant damage to infrastructure.
The aftermath of the deluge left streets submerged, cellars flooded, and emergency services scrambling to respond to calls throughout the affected areas.
In Antwerp, towns such as Lier and Lint bore the brunt of the heavy rainfall, leading to flooded streets, upturned manhole covers, and widespread disruption.
Authorities were forced to close several streets to traffic as residents were advised to limit unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions.
The Rivierenland emergency zone in Antwerp reported over 100 distress calls by the end of the day, underscoring the severity of the situation. Firefighters and rescue teams worked tirelessly to pump water from inundated areas and assist affected residents.
The Flemish Ardennes, known for its hilly terrain, also faced its share of challenges with flooding and mudslides. Approximately 30 calls for assistance were handled by firefighters in this region, as heavy rains caused water levels to rise dangerously.
Further south, the province of Limburg experienced similar woes, particularly in its southern and eastern areas, where streets turned into waterways within minutes.
The local fire brigade responded to approximately 20 emergency calls in just one hour, illustrating the rapid onset and intensity of the flooding.
In Picardy Wallonia, which spans between Lille, Brussels, Mons, and Kortrijk, emergency services were inundated with over 50 interventions due to mudslides and flooded streets.
The uneven distribution of rainfall was evident, with some areas severely affected while neighboring regions remained relatively unscathed.
Walloon Brabant also saw its share of flooding, with communities like Chastre, Jodoigne, and Mont-Saint-Guibert grappling with rising water levels.
The river Hain overflowed its banks in Walhain, although thankfully, no homes were flooded in this instance.
Authorities and meteorological agencies warned of continued risks despite a temporary respite in weather conditions expected on Wednesday.
While skies were anticipated to clear later in the day, a new precipitation system was forecasted to approach Belgium from France on Thursday, potentially bringing intense rain and thunderstorms once more.
The Royal Meteorological Institute cautioned that rainfall could exceed 25 millimeters within 24 hours in certain areas, posing renewed threats of flooding.
The Flemish Agency Waterinfo echoed concerns, noting that although water levels were beginning to recede in some places, areas vulnerable to flooding remained at risk as rainfall resumed.
Looking ahead, Friday was anticipated to start cloudy with intermittent rain showers, maintaining the potential for localized flooding.
By Thursday afternoon, however, drier conditions were expected to prevail from the west, offering a brief reprieve from the inclement weather.
As Belgium braces for more unsettled weather in the coming days, emergency services and residents alike remain vigilant, prepared to respond to any further developments that may exacerbate the ongoing flooding situation.
In summary, while Tuesday’s heavy rain caused widespread problems across Belgium, with flooding and mudslides affecting multiple regions, the country prepares for continued challenges as another bout of intense precipitation looms on the horizon.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
