Rivers hazards Flashcards
when were the floods of belgium?
July 14 2021
parts of Belgium saw rainfall in a day what they typically receive in a month.
How much rainfall was there in spa the 14-15 July
more than 215mm fell in Spa in 48 hours
This was due to a slow moving low pressure system, which rested over W. Europe for several days.
why was there a large amount of surface run off in the belguim floods
The soil was already saturated due to the previous rainy weeks
Many large towns/farmland have been built close to the major rivers, which flooded. This has resulted in the removal of vegetation & the increase in Impermeable surfaces ( tarmac) which increase surface runoff.
This created surface runoff and a short lag time.
where is the river dijle
The River Dijle is a small river originating in Wavre, Belgium, flowing through Leuven where it is diverted into a canal connecting to Mechelen and eventually joining a larger river leading to the port of Antwerp.
What is the population of Leuven?
Leuven has a population of 100,000 people.
When did Leuven experience frequent floods in modern history?
Floods occurred in Leuven in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1996.
What caused the heavy rainfall in Belgium in July 2021?
The rainfall was caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system that rested over Western Europe for several days.
How has climate change affected rainfall patterns?
A 1.2°C rise in temperature increases the likelihood of heavier rainfall (by 7%) as warmer air holds more moisture.
What human activities have increased the risk of flooding in towns like Leuven?
The development of towns and farmland near major rivers, removal of vegetation, and an increase in impermeable surfaces (such as tarmac) have contributed to increased surface runoff.
How did Belgium’s Home Affairs Minister describe the 2021 floods?
The Home Affairs Minister called it “the greatest disaster our country has ever seen.”
How many people died in Belgium due to the 2021 floods?
42 people died in Belgium during the 2021 floods.
What was the impact on crops during the 2021 floods?
Crops were destroyed in the floods.
What transportation issues were caused by the floods in Belgium?
Railway lines in southwestern Belgium were closed, and cars were swept away in Dinant, causing a pile-up.
What occurred in Namur due to the 2021 floods?
Mudslides occurred in Namur.
How many homes in Wallonia lost electricity during the 2021 floods?
41,000 homes in Wallonia were without electricity.
