Very heavy rainfall hit the southern regions of the Netherlands on Tuesday. During the first hour of the downpour, the fire brigade from the province of Limburg received as many as 85 calls for help. Water entered buildings and caused traffic problems.
Residents of Maastricht in the Netherlands have had a difficult evening. On Tuesday, a heavy downpour swept through the city and the rest of the province of Limburg. It was raining so much that the sewage system couldn’t keep up with collecting the water. Manholes were broken in some streets and water was flooding the sidewalks.
The rain started around 6:30 p.m. In less than an hour, the fire brigade received as many as 85 calls for help. Special response centers have been set up at fire stations in Maastricht and Sittard.
Flooded roads and buildings
The recordings made available by Reuters show the problems the drivers faced. Flooded streets contributed to significant road disruptions. Some routes in Maastricht and nearby Geleen had to be closed. Local media reported that several vehicles were stuck on the roads.
Water also entered several buildings. Schools, a hospital and a supermarket were flooded. Some educational institutions will be closed on Wednesday.
Heavy rain warnings were in force throughout the day in the Limburg region on Tuesday. According to forecasters, the weather should be calmer on Wednesday, but precipitation, clouds and strong wind gusts are still possible. It is also expected to be much colder than in recent days.
Reuters, limburger.nl, nltimes.nl
Main photo source: Reuters