GIS-based flood forecasting system helps mitigate storm damage in Belgium

摘要

Located among the Low Countries of northwestern Europe, the country of Belgium has historically suffered from flooding along with its particularly flood-prone northern region of Flanders. Some of this region is at or below sea level and contains a dense network of rivers that increase the potential for flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and storm surges. Appropriately named, Flanders is derived from the Proto-Germanic word flaumaz, which means overflow or flooding. Records indicate that the coastal areas of Flanders were naturally flooded twice daily by the North Sea during high tides from the third to the eighth century. In an effort to protect the region, the Flemish government has implemented flood control projects over the years, including a comprehensive dike and canal system. However, it began exploring methods of flood prediction in response to massive flooding that occurred in 1998 when the Demer River overflowed its banks and caused severe damage.