The national government is preparing for potential floods from expected heavy rain over the coming days, even as the country continues to deal with a water shortage. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management announced this after a recent meeting with the Water Shortages Management Team, which includes Rijkswaterstaat and local water boards.
Despite the coming rain, a water shortage remains a significant issue. Some areas, particularly around the IJsselmeer, remain highly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. Measures affecting shipping, industry, and agriculture remain necessary in many regions.
The Ministry explained that upcoming showers could have more severe consequences because of the ongoing drought. Dry soil absorbs rainwater poorly, meaning the water tends to stay on the surface. Furthermore, water boards have already used up many of their water buffers to fight the drought, leaving less room to store sudden heavy rainfall.
While the rain will ease the drought slightly and allow some regions to lift restrictions, groundwater and river levels will not return to normal until well into the autumn.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
