Update 03-01: Heavy rainfall, but situation remains manageable
Last night's storm brought widespread rainfall to our working area over the past 24 hours: between 30 and 40 millimeters. This has led to increased water levels. Our pumping stations are operating at maximum capacity to drain the water. It is very wet, but water safety is not at risk. There is no need to deploy water storage facilities.
Measures
The water level in our area is reaching its highest levels. To drain the large amount of water, our pumping stations are operating at maximum capacity. Where possible, we are discharging the excess water from Lauwersmeer into the sea by gravity. We have also closed the check valve at Schouwerzijl to speed up the discharge of water from Drenthe to the De Waterwolf pumping station. The check valve at Reitdiephaven is also closed. We are placing sandbags at the campsite on Leekstermeer to prevent further flooding. We are also placing sandbags as a preventive measure at a (non-dike) holiday home near Wirdum (Damsterdiep flood barrier). In addition, we are opening the valves at the Lettelberterdiep to activate the Lettelberterbergboezem (which moves with the water level). We remain alert and are carrying out inspections of our flood barriers. The excess water is causing local nuisance but remains manageable.
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the coming days is favorable: between 2 (northeast) and 8 mm (south). As a result, water levels will slowly decline.