Week 16 Overview Belgium

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Final Hazards Report for Belgium


Belgium is a great country located in the heart of western Europe and includes a vibrant culture and history. Belgium is not vulnerable to many natural disasters but the country is vulnerable to flooding. From the rivers to the busy city streets, Belgium's landscape is one of a kind. In this post I will dive into Belgium's most detrimental natural disasters.





One of the most damaging natural hazards affecting Belgium is flooding; due to its geographic location with a lot of the country residing below sea level. Belgium experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year which creates more of a risk of flooding. There is an especially high risk of flooding in the low lying areas. Flooding poses a significant threat to infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety making it a top priority hazard to address.


Another critical hazard is heat waves which have become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. Belgium's urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas. Heatwaves pose health risks to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children, but also strain energy resources and infrastructure.

Mitigating the disasters:


To address these hazards effectively, a combination of structural and non-structural measures is necessary. Structural measures include the construction and maintenance of flood defenses such as dikes, levees, and stormwater management systems. Investment in green infrastructure such as wetland restoration and green roofs could also help mitigate flooding through enhancing natural water retention and infiltration.


Non-structural measures involve policy interventions, public awareness campaigns, and community training programs. Implementing zoning regulations to limit development in flood prone areas and promote proper urban planning can reduce vulnerability to both flooding and heatwaves. These are just some ways Belgium can combat the strength of natural disasters. It's important to know that the government of Belgium is taking steps to further mitigate those risks of natural disaster. 


Optimal House Location:


Choosing the best location for residential living involves avoiding areas prone to natural hazards while at the same time accommodating for proper accessibility and livability. In Belgium, selecting elevated sites away from floodplains and coastal areas can minimize the risk of flooding and storm surge damage. Also, prioritizing locations with access to green spaces and adequate urban infrastructure can enhance resilience to heatwaves and other climate-related hazards. Urban areas with good connectivity to public transportation and essential services offer the best compromise between safety and convenience for residential living. 




Sources:

https://www.brusselstimes.com/860658/belgium-inundated-by-floods-in-early-2024-photos-tbtb

https://crisiscenter.be/en/risks-belgium/natural-risks/flooding

https://www.brusselstimes.com/688446/belgium-is-among-the-countries-at-highest-risk-of-extreme-heatwaves

https://crisiscenter.be/en/risks-belgium/natural-risks/heat-wave







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