Flood warnings issued as rivers in the Netherlands swell to record highs

Record-high water levels in the Rhine and Vecht Rivers following a rainy Christmas Day across western Europe have caused significant disruptions in the Netherlands, leading to widespread concern and impacts throughout the country.

The Rhine River has reached its peak level at Lobith, and the Vecht River in Overijssel has hit a record high, according to reports from the Vecht Currents regional water board​​.

Deventer and other communities are bracing for the rising water, employing sandbags and other precautionary measures to protect against the impending flood.

The Vecht River’s water level was recorded at 13.14 m (43.11 feet) above NAP on Wednesday, December 27, surpassing the previous record set in 1998 for 7 cm (2.75 inches)​​. Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is the average sea level at the North Sea used for measurements across Europe.

The water level of the Rhine River peaked in Tolkamer at 04:00 local time today, December 28, at 14.53 m (47.67 feet) above NAP. This location is where the Rhine enters the Netherlands, serving as a key point for the water that impacts various regions in the country.

The peak is expected to move across the rivers in the Netherlands in the coming days.

The situation has led to the closure of the Loevestein castle in Zaltbommel, Gelderland, as the water level is expected to rise further, making access unsafe and flooding parking areas for visitors and personnel. The castle, a significant historical site, will remain closed until January 1 due to the flooding threat​​.

Flooding was reported in many parts of the country on Tuesday, December 26, following heavy rains over the weekend.

Overijssel and Gelderland were among the hardest hit, but Drenthe and Noord-Brabant also faced issues like flooded basements, roads, and cycle paths.

In Overijssel, a partial flood at an electricity station caused a power outage affecting over 11 000 households around Nijverdal on Tuesday morning, December 26, 2023. The issue began at about 03:30 local time, and by 06:00, power was restored to 4 600 households.

The fire brigade was actively involved in pumping out the water at the station. By 08:30 LT, only about 450 homes remained without power, with full restoration expected by 09:30. Residents were advised to avoid using heavy electrical appliances immediately after power restoration to prevent further outages.

The hamlet of Fortmond in Overijssel’s municipality of Olst-Wijhe became inaccessible by car due to high water, leading to residents and visitors relying on a special ferry for transportation. In Losser, streets flooded as the Ruhenbergerbeek River overflowed. Elsewhere, in Poederoijen, Zaltbommel municipality, volunteers and employees rescued 120 Konik horses and cattle from an area expected to flood. Drenthe saw flooded fields and a small sinkhole in Eelde, affecting local roads.

In northern Limburg, the Niers River reached a record discharge rate of 28 cubic meters per second, with high water levels noted especially in the north of the province. While this did not lead to major problems, authorities remained vigilant. Additionally, people parking along the Lek near Vianen and Duurstede were instructed to move their vehicles due to the risk of flooding.

References:

¹ Concern over record high water levels in the Netherlands – NLTimes – December 28, 2023

² Flooding in many parts of the Netherlands; Situation “closely monitored” says Rutte – NLTimes – December 26, 2023

Featured image credit: jan B (stillshot)