By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia’s Honorary Consulate in Belgium situated in the city of Liege has not been affected by the deadly floods in the country over the past week, confirmed a source from Malaysia’s Embassy in Belgium.
The source confirmed that the consulate was located on high ground, thus reducing the risk of flooding.
“So far, no Malaysian was reported to be affected by the flood in Belgium and all are safe,” said the source in a reply statement to Bernama.
Asked on the fate of Malaysians in Luxembourg, the source confirmed that all of them were safe from the floods at press time. Malaysia’s Embassy in Belgium is accredited to Luxembourg.
“Nicolas Comes, (Malaysia’s) Honorary Consul in Luxembourg informed that the flood situation in Luxembourg was under control and the local government had allocated €50 million as disaster relief funds.
“No Malaysian was reported affected by the disaster in Luxembourg,” said the source.
Deadly floods inundated parts of Western Europe, with at least 200 people having lost their lives in Germany and Belgium, in floods that came quickly and forcefully which is said to be due to extreme weather conditions.
The destruction brought by the floods is understood to be linked to an overflowing dam in the Vesdre valley, which caused the river Meuse to burst its banks.
The source said that the disaster affected only parts of Belgium especially in several low areas along the Meuse River due to continuous torrential rain for five days.
“At one particular time, a stay away warning was issued in six municipalities along the Meuse River and residents were evacuated in anticipation the dam would burst,” said the source, adding that Belgium’s local flood victims are being assisted by their government.
Belgium observed a national day of mourning on July 20 (Tuesday) to pay tribute to the flood victims in the country.
— NNN-BERNAMA