Power cut leaves De Haan flooded

8 August 2008

FLANDERS – Many streets in De Haan at the Flemish coast were flooded after the thunderstorm on Wednesday night.

A local power house was hit by lightning, causing a power cut in a large part of the municipality. As a result, water pumps were out of order, with all water flowing to the lowest point in the area.

Many streets were flooded, and fire services had their hands full trying to remove the water.

Despite the flooding in the area of the Lindenhof, most local residents could keep their houses dry.

The floods were under control by Thursday afternoon, but the power cut lasted for most of the day. Most restaurants, hotels and shops at the coastal resort had to keep their doors closed.

Torrential rains also caused local floods in Knokke, Zeebrugge, Blankenberge and the city of Brugge.

Storm causes bell tolling in Moeskroen
In Moeskroen, the thunderstorm had other unpleasant consequences. The tower of the local Bon Pasteur Church was hit by lightning, causing the tower bells to toll… just before 5am in the morning.

The bells kept ringing continuously, until the computer system could be totally switched off.

[flandersnews.be / Expatica]

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