Due to the combination of spring tide and strong westerly winds, high water levels are expected on the Scheldt. This increases the chance that the controlled floodplains of Hamme will be activated, potentially submerging parts of the polders. These areas temporarily absorb excess water to prevent flooding elsewhere. For safety reasons, the floodplains in Hamme are being closed preventively.
The expected reopening of the floodplains is scheduled for Monday, October 26th, around 8:00 AM, but this depends on the weather conditions during the night. De Vlaamse Waterweg, the safety services, and the local government are closely monitoring the situation and will reopen the dike as soon as it is safe to do so.
The floodplains De Bunt, Lippenbroek, and Wal-Zwijn are part of the Sigmaplan, Flanders' program to protect the region from tidal river floods while restoring valuable riverine nature. Together with other floodplains, they form a robust network that better protects residents along the Scheldt and is developing into an important nature and recreation zone within the Scheldt Valley National Park.
Safety services urge the public to respect the signage and adhere to the closures. The situation is continuously monitored and may change depending on weather conditions and water levels.
