Belgium began 2024 with a spate of heavy rain downpours which have left many parts of the country submerged by flooding.
A few years after the deadly 2021 floods which killed 43 people in Belgium, the country has been hit by massive flooding again – thankfully on a much smaller scale.
Photographers on the ground have captured the damage afflicted by the floods and the ongoing emergency operations, including clearing the damage, and water while also providing locals with sandbags and other specialised emergency assistance.
Luxembourg province
The Luxembourg province in Belgium was badly affected by floods after the Semois River overflowed due to the heavy rainfall.
The towns most affected by flooding were Neufchâteau, Mellier, Virton, Arlon and Messancy. Emergency crews were also called out to deal with multiple incidents of fallen trees and debris.
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A person and her dog wade through a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Moyen. Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
Credit: Belga / Julien Warnand
East Flanders province
Flooding has marred the beginning of the year in East Flanders too.
Pumps are being deployed, additional dykes are being constructed, flood areas are being enlarged where possible and houses and infrastructure are being protected with sandbags.
The photos were taken after heavy rainfall in Zandbergen, Geraardsbergen.
Heavy rainfall causes floods in Zandbergen, Geraardsbergen on Wednesday 03 January 2024. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
Kristof Desaegher cleans his house during floods due to heavy rainfall in Zandbergen. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
On Tuesday, Ninove, also in East Flanders, saw the overflow of the River Dender activate the emergency response.
Among other things, municipal workers worked around the clock to fill sandbags to be distributed to locals.
Tuesday 02 January 2024. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
People wait to collect sandbags. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
