Three rivers and their tributaries in the southern part of the country are now on flood alert, the official Wallonia hydrometry portal announced shortly before noon on Saturday.
The Sennette, the Charleroi-Brussels Canal, and the Senne – along with their tributaries – have joined the Dender and its tributaries in this critical situation, indicating potential flooding that could impact infrastructure and residents. Four other rivers remain on pre-flood alert.
Since 13:00 on Friday, rainfall totals have reached approximately 20 litres per square metre (l/m2) in the Dender basin. An additional 5-10 l/m2 are expected by 14:00 on Saturday, when the Royal Meteorological Institute's code yellow rain warning is set to end.
In several locations within the Dender basin, alert thresholds have been exceeded, reported the Walloon administration shortly before 10:00.
Rainfall totals for the Sennette, the Charleroi-Brussels Canal, the Senne, and their tributaries are also around 15-20 l/m2 in the Senne basin. An additional 5 l/m2 are expected by the end of the yellow warning period.
The flood peak is expected in the afternoon, and alert thresholds have also been surpassed.
"The utmost caution is advised near watercourses," emphasised the Walloon administration.
The Dyle and its tributaries, as well as the tributaries of the Haute Sambre, the Haute Sambre itself, and the Eau d'Heure and its tributaries, remain on pre-flood alert. For all these waterways, the region notes that flow rates continue to rise steadily.
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The water level in the River Dender is higher than expected due to persistent rainfall, and continues to rise. In Ninove, several streets and a towpath have been closed, even though the level is still 60 cm below the alert threshold, the East Flanders municipality has announced.
On its Walloon course, the Dendre and its tributaries are also on flood alert. Ninove authorities and the emergency services are closely monitoring the situation. Residents are invited to follow the updates via the town's website and social media.
