Violent storms sweep across Belgium

Strong winds, hail and heavy rain caused widespread damage across the country during the Pentecost bank holiday weekend. The entire country was put on ‘orange alert’ until June 10, 08.00, indicating a high risk of violent storms and flooding.

On Monday, the town of Sint-Niklaas in East Flanders activated its municipal emergency plan after large hailstones rained down on its streets on Sunday. The local hospital treated 25 people for injuries sustained by broken glass. The town’s crisis centre received 1,500 calls for help.

In the Namur region, firemen were called out in Andenne more than 10 times on Monday evening alone to deal with trees that had fallen across cars and houses. In the north of Namur province, around 60 call-outs were made after 21.00.

The storms were particularly destructive in the Antwerp area where dozens of calls for help were put through to firemen in Geel, Herentals and Turnhout. In Mol, a man is still missing after his inflatable boat was overturned by the wind and he disappeared under water. Several diving teams have been deployed on the site of the accident to search for him.

Further damage was reported in the east of the country with the greater Liège area fire service receiving dozens of calls between 19.00 and 20.00 for help with fallen trees, flooded cellars and broken electricity lines.

Brussels was not spared either:  the Mini-Europe park at the foot of the Atomium was damaged on Saturday by a passing hailstorm which pierced the miniature buildings and ripped off many of their key features. The mock-up of the Eiffel tower was one of the most visibly affected buildings. The cost of repairs is put at between €20,000 and €30,000.