“The commune of Wanze already had a flood intervention plan as well as a specific thematic plan, which is quite rare. We wanted to update it”underlines the coordinator of the local Mehaigne committee, for the Meuse Downstream and tributaries contract, Samuel Vander Linden.
Concretely, what do we find on this dynamic management tool? It actually compiles a whole series of key data to take into account in the event of flooding or imminent risks, or even practical elements intended to strengthen the effectiveness of interventions on the ground. “It allows the location of a whole series of useful things during threats of flooding and runoff“, he continues. “For example, it locates risk receptors, the presence of rest homes, drain grates likely to be blocked, but also premises which could be used to accommodate disaster victims.“.
In short, with this map, emergency services and authorities will have an overview of sites likely to be impacted by water, such as schools, rest homes, campsites and municipal infrastructure, and areas requiring immediate attention .
The River Contract has been working on this map for several months already and presented it last week to the emergency unit, which received it rather well. It is now in the verification phase by the various services concerned, then will have to be approved by the municipal college.
This project was designed to remain flexible, allowing for regular updates as needs and conditions change. “For example, in the future we could add a forgotten building“, concludes the coordinator.
Alert thresholds adapted to Wanze
At the same time, the municipality of Wanze indicates that it has commissioned a design office to define specific alert thresholds for the Mehaigne on its territory. This approach aims to establish indicators better suited to the downstream position of the municipality, in order to intervene preventively: “Our position means that we are flooded at the Mehaigne a few hours after Wasseiges, hence the importance of knowing as quickly as possible when we are going to be hit.“, explains the alderman in charge Bernard Lhonnay.
Certain proposals to combat flooding are being implemented in Wanze, the elected official recalls, citing “the creation of storm basins, flood zones, the raising of the rue Delhalle bridge“or the installation of merlons along the river,”but all this must be done in consultation with farmers, owners and we must be sure that the developments will not create other problems elsewhere“, he concludes.
