Bewerkte illustratie van wateroverlast in een laaggelegen landschap

The increasing risk of flooding

November 19, 2020

Last October, the amount of precipitation that fell in the Netherlands was more than double the normal amount of precipitation[1]. In all currently known future scenarios, precipitation will continue to increase in all seasons except summer[2]. This means that heavy rainfall will become the norm and our climate as we know it will change. These heavy rain showers can cause flooding in the areas where the rain falls, but flooding and inundations can also be caused by rising sea levels, climate change, land subsidence, and urbanization[3].

Because water management is so well organized in the Netherlands, the Dutch are barely aware of the risks of flooding in their area. However, these risks do exist, as the Netherlands is located in a flat, low-lying area. This densely populated, highly developed area below sea level makes the Netherlands vulnerable[4].

Measures to control nature have been taken by developing dikes, dike rings, polders, and so on. All these measures together form the flood defenses that protect the Netherlands. Rijksoverheid.nl states that approximately 60% of our country would regularly be underwater if these flood defenses were not in place[5].

Flooding can lead to enormous economic damage and even casualties. The KNMI's climate scenarios predict that the Netherlands will face even more and more intense downpours in the future[6]. However, the Netherlands is not able to cope with these heavy downpours everywhere. The damage and inconvenience this entails will also increase.

An example of this damage is the flooded basements, overflowing sewers, and flooded streets last summer (2020) in North Brabant and South Holland. In some areas of Brabant, the water rose so high that even the ground floor was flooded. The government's Delta Programme is trying to protect the Netherlands now and in the future against floods, but you can already prepare yourself for the possible risks. On the waternet.nl website, you will find the following helpful tips[7]:

1. Clean your gutter at least once a year

2. Disconnect your downpipe (e.g., install a rain barrel)

3. Make sure you have a pump in the basement

4. Arrange your basement to minimize risks

For point 3, you can contact us, Submersible Pump Shop sells the pump that can help you prevent or limit damage from flooding. We offer a wide range of user-friendly pumps and provide expert advice (without obligation). For emergencies, we now offer complete 'flood boxes' with a high-quality submersible pump, roll-up hose, and storage box. These sets are your first aid in case of flooding.