When is heavy rainfall officially recognized as a disaster? This question has gained attention following the severe flooding in Belgium during late 2023. Despite numerous claims for damages, many farmers, including one from Watou, have been denied compensation due to scientific criteria not being met.
- Criteria for heavy rainfall as a disaster
- Definition includes specific rainfall measurements
- Continuous rain counted as a single event
- Assessment by Flemish Disaster Fund
- Scientific agencies provide evaluation advice
- Recent heavy rain did not meet criteria
Understanding When Heavy Rainfall Becomes a Recognized Disaster
Have you ever wondered what it takes for heavy rainfall to be deemed a disaster? In Belgium, this classification hinges on strict scientific guidelines. The Flemish Government outlines that rainfall exceeding 35 mm per hour or 70 mm over 24 hours can trigger such recognition. However, recent evaluations revealed that the floods of late 2023 fell short of these benchmarks.
The Role of Scientific Criteria in Disaster Recognition
The assessment process involves agencies like the Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) and the Flanders Environment Agency (VMM). They evaluate whether rain events surpass established thresholds before any disaster declaration is made. For instance, their findings indicated that the intense rains from October and November did not meet required standards for recognition as disasters.
Key Factors in Assessing Heavy Rainfall Damage Claims
The evaluation process includes several critical factors:
- Rainfall Intensity: Must exceed specified limits to qualify as a disaster.
- Duration: Continuous rain periods are treated as single events.
- Return Period: A thirty-year return period is considered for assessment.
- Affected Areas: Localized flooding impacts are also taken into account.
The Impact on Farmers and Residents Seeking Compensation
This stringent criteria means many residents and farmers face challenges when seeking compensation after flooding events. For example, the farmer from Watou was left without support despite significant losses due to flooding. Understanding these regulations is essential for those affected by future weather-related incidents.
