Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has impacted Voeren and Liège in Belgium, as well as parts of France and Germany. In Voeren, Mayor Joris Gaens stated that the flooding is worse than in 2021, with streets flooded and houses inundated. Emergency shelters have been set up for those affected, with efforts to mitigate the damage proving challenging due to the persistent rainstorms. Water continues to flow into Voeren from higher areas in Liège, worsening the situation.
In Liège, the provincial disaster plan has been activated due to the high risk of flooding. Numerous streets in various municipalities are underwater, with the Verviers fire brigade receiving numerous calls for assistance. Although the heaviest rainfall has subsided, the Royal Meteorological Institute warns of the possibility of thunderstorms and heavy showers with minimal warning. In France, between 40 to 75 mm of rain fell in a short span, leading to disruptions such as the partial closure of the A4 motorway from Strasbourg to Paris and over 2,000 emergency calls made in the region. Germany’s Saarland region has also experienced flooding and landslides, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz visiting the affected areas to assess the situation.
The severe weather has caused transport disruptions in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the A2 motorway near the border with South Limburg partially closed due to flooding. Train services between Maastricht Randwyck and Visé were suspended, and two campsites in the Dutch province of Limburg have been evacuated as floodwaters rise. Residents are advised to evacuate their homes if safe to do so, with emergency shelters available at designated locations. The Royal Meteorological Institute continues to monitor the situation closely, issuing warnings about potential thunderstorms and heavy showers.
As the flooding in Voeren and Liège worsens, emergency response teams are working around the clock to assist those affected and mitigate the damage. In Voeren, the local fire brigade has been inundated with reports of flooded basements and streets, prompting the deployment of sandbags to stem the rising waters. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety. In Liège, the situation remains critical, with multiple municipalities requesting additional support to deal with the widespread flooding. The impact of the severe weather is not limited to Belgium, with France and Germany also facing significant disruptions and challenges in the wake of heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, the severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Voeren, Liège, and other parts of Europe has prompted emergency responses and evacuations to ensure the safety of residents. The continuous flow of water into affected areas is exacerbating the situation, requiring coordinated efforts from emergency response teams and authorities. As the Royal Meteorological Institute continues to issue warnings about potential thunderstorms and heavy showers, residents are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and their property. The impact of the severe weather extends beyond Belgium, with France and Germany also facing challenges and disruptions as a result of the heavy rainfall.
