Northern Europe Devastated by Severe Flooding

Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Voeren and Liège in Belgium, as well as parts of France and Germany. The municipality of Voeren in Limburg has been hit particularly hard, with streets submerged, houses inundated, and the local disaster plan activated to manage the emergency.

Mayor Joris Gaens expressed that the situation is even worse than the devastating floods that occurred in 2021. Emergency shelters have been set up to assist those affected by the flooding. The flooding began on Friday evening as persistent rainstorms swept through Voeren, leading to numerous reports of flooded basements and streets.

Efforts to mitigate the damage included deploying containers filled with sandbags, but the rising waters proved too formidable. Mayor Gaens explained that the excessive rainfall caused water to flow from the fields and fill the Voer river, exacerbating the situation.

In Liège, the provincial disaster plan has also been activated due to the high risk of flooding. The Verviers fire brigade has been inundated with calls, primarily from the Herve plateau. Several streets in various municipalities are underwater, prompting requests for additional support.

The severe weather has also impacted France and Germany, with disruptions on the A4 motorway in France and flooding and landslides in Germany’s Saarland region. Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the affected areas in Germany, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Transportation has been significantly disrupted in Belgium and the Netherlands, with partial closures on the A2 motorway and suspended train services. Evacuations have also taken place in the Dutch province of Limburg as floodwaters continue to rise. Residents are advised to stay safe and evacuate if necessary.