PParaat

Flooding

The Netherlands has many dykes and other flood defences. Even so, a flood can never be fully ruled out (Denk vooruit, in Dutch). This page explains how to look up your risk, what to arrange in advance and what to do if the water comes. There is no need to be afraid, but it helps to be prepared.

Most official pages below are in Dutch. Where an English version exists, we link to it.

What happens in a flood?

Homes and streets go under water, and people and animals are in danger. The risk is highest in winter and spring. Very heavy rain can also cause flooding, as in Limburg in 2021 (Denk vooruit).

Electricity, gas, water and internet may fail (Denk vooruit). Drinking water can also become unsafe (Red Cross, in Dutch).

How high could the water get where you live?

On overstroomik.nl you can see how high the water could get in your area if the sea, rivers or large lakes flood (Denk vooruit). The result is an estimate. The site also shows whether your home is likely to have a floor that stays dry (overstroomik.nl, in Dutch).

What to arrange in advance

When a flood threatens: the first hours

Follow the authorities’ instructions. Sometimes the advice is to stay indoors, sometimes to leave (Rijksoverheid, in Dutch). In a flood, the safety region takes charge and informs residents (overstroomik.nl).

If you have to leave, go in good time. If you stay, go to the highest point in your home from which you can still get out, for example through a roof window (Red Cross). The water on your route may be higher than at your home. Being caught by the water on the way is life-threatening (overstroomik.nl). See also the Evacuation guide.

While there is still time (Red Cross):

Stay out of the water

Never walk or drive through water. Even ankle-deep water can knock you over. A car can lose grip in about 15 centimetres of water (Red Cross). Manhole covers and parts of the road may have been washed away (Denk vooruit).

The first days: up to 72 hours

A flood can last for days. Keep dry, warm blankets and towels, enough drinking water, food and medicines. The risk of hypothermia is real (Denk vooruit). Follow the news through your safety region or local radio or TV. In a major crisis, a local station acts as the emergency broadcaster (Denk vooruit). Keep following the authorities’ instructions after the water goes down as well (Rijksoverheid).

What to keep at home

Put together a kit you can use whether you stay at home or leave (Denk vooruit). The basics are about 3 litres of water per person per day, food that keeps, a battery radio, a phone with a power bank, a torch, a first aid kit, blankets, cash and copies of your ID (Denk vooruit). Use waterproof packaging, such as a backpack (Denk vooruit).

You do not need to buy an expensive ready-made kit. The government advises building your own, mostly from things you already have (Denk vooruit). The wizard asks about your flood risk and which floor you live on, and adds the right items. See also the examples house with high flood risk and high-rise apartment.

Special situations

Where to find official information

Sources

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