Every winter, the storm season entails an increased risk of flooding. A chain of flood control areas is ready to protect Flanders from damage.
The Scheldt valley is particularly vulnerable to flooding during storm tides. These occur on average once or twice a year, when a spring tide – with a maximal tide range – coincides with a northwest storm in the North Sea. Strong wind and high water levels combine to create storm surge waves that roll inland via the river Scheldt: an ominous sight. Fortunately, we have been working on an impressive defense system for over forty years now. In the context of the Sigma Plan, which also includes the LIFE Sparc areas, we build dikes and create flood control areas. Our hydraulic engineering experts are always ready to keep the water flowing smoothly.
Services rendered
In recent years, our flood control areas have repeatedly proven their worth. During storm Ciara in 2020, and certainly during the December storm of 2013, the flood control areas stored water in strategic places, thus lowering the water level in the river Scheldt. Both storms taught us a lot about the present and future effects of climate change on the Scheldt estuary. Thanks to accurate measurements, we now know that our flood control areas can lower the water level in the river by half a meter (1,6 foot). The data we gathered also confirmed that one area isn’t enough: we need a chain of flood control areas along the banks of the river Scheldt and its tributaries.
Proven procedure
When a storm tide is expected, a tried and tested procedure is set in motion. A few days in advance, experts from the Flemish Waterway, Flanders Hydraulics Research and the River Information Services get together. They keep an eye on the weather and water forecasts and, if necessary, start a storm tide procedure. All flood control areas will then be closed to visitors, so they can fill up with water safely. By storing large amounts of water, the flood control areas cause the water level in the river Scheldt to drop. Throughout the storm tide, the experts keep a close eye on the weather and the water levels, until it is safe to reopen the flood control areas and allow the water to flow back into the river. So, if a storm is coming, rest assured that we are prepared. But above all: keep it safe and follow the storm on tv.
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