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Flood precautions stepped up as water levels rise to highest point in 14 years

Heavy rain has left northern parts of the Netherlands at risk of flooding as water levels continue to rise.

The high winds and heavy storms on Tuesday have given rise to a more familiar danger in the low-lying country, where some areas have recorded their highest water levels for 14 years.

Local drainage boards in Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Friesland and Flevoland have been taking emergency measures to ease the pressure on dikes, as forecasters predict the level could rise by a further 10 centimetres this week.

Some ferry services to the Wadden islands, off the northern coast, have been cancelled because boats are unable to dock, while Groningen’s museum, which is built on a floating pontoon, is also giving cause for concern.

 In Flevoland, windmills have been draining off 15 million cubic metres of water a day, more than seven times the usual amount.

The Hollandsche IJsselkering dam barrier at Capelle aan den IJssel, one of the lowest points in the country, has been closed and is expected to remain shut until Friday.

Source: NOS: Noorden kampt met hoogwater

Photo by Jonas Handel