While 12% of Walloon territory remains exposed to a high risk of flooding, Chaudfontaine, marked by the tragedy, strives to learn lessons from the past. Revised emergency plans, simulation exercises, citizen awareness… What measures have been taken to face the unthinkable and prepare for new disasters?
The images of July 15, 2021 remain engraved in the memories of the inhabitants of Chaudfontaine. That day, unprecedented floods ravaged the town, leaving behind a landscape of desolation. Three years later, the trauma is still raw and prevention has become an absolute priority.
“We must make citizens actors of our flood emergency plan“, explains Benoît Doumont, prevention advisor to the commune of Chaudfontaine. An informative brochure was distributed to residents, encouraging them to set up evacuation routes and prepare an emergency kit containing “a mobile phone and a charger, a flashlight, candles, identity papers, water, food for the animals“.
During information meetings, painful memories resurface. “These are tragic images. And then people screaming, shouting ‘We’re forgotten!’“, recalls a stricken resident. But the advice provided also brings a certain comfort. “Being warned, being prepared, changes everything“, recognizes Raphaël, also affected in 2021. “It’s a game changer, especially for older people.“
We are better prepared
Since 2021, municipalities have been actively preparing for a potential new disaster. Emergency plans have been updated and full-scale exercises are regularly organized. “We are better prepared.”assures Valentine Defraigne, communications manager at the commune of Chaudfontaine. “We have new, more efficient equipment, mega pumps… And above all, the actors know each other.“
Risk assessment
Among the Walloon issues, the assessment of future floods. In the offices of the Risk Coordination Center, maps are generated which pinpoint so-called sensitive areas, 12% of Walloon territory. Among the factors to take into account the weather, obviously unpredictable, but also our urbanization. What is worrying is the evolution of risk probabilities and their seriousness. “Climate change is making the situation worse, with more intense rains and greater impacts“, fears Simon Riguelle, director of the risk coordination center.
Clearly, it is therefore impossible to predict these floods. So, the emergency services, too, are preparing and learning the lessons of 2021. In this barracks, life jackets are now available for firefighters and disaster victims. Specific boats too. “The idea first is that people go upstairs. And then we will go and look for people who are unable to find safety on their own in their homes.“, explains Yannick Gohy, fire officer of the Vesdre-Hoëgne and Plateau emergency zone.
Volunteer management
Last lesson from the 2021 floods: the management of volunteers, thousands at the time. The Red Cross has set up a platform that is still used to optimize its aid. “Being able to offer the most impactful aid for those affected, for example distributing food aid, distributing hygiene products and not adding chaos to chaos“, develops Marie Masset, communications director at the Red Cross.
At all levels of intervention. We try to prepare as best we can for possible unpredictable floods.
Floods prevention focus Vesdre verviers flood zone natural disaster water
