The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps issued a statement on Thursday evening, predicting that river levels would begin to drop overnight in some areas, offering blessed relief to the residents affected by the extraordinary flooding across Luxembourg.
Authorities said the Alzette will slowly reduce by Friday afternoon; however this may take longer in areas around Mersch and Ettelbruck.
The water levels around Echternach have begun to subside over the last few hours, but it is expected to take until Sunday to return to normal.
Evacuations have taken place across the country, notably in Echternach, Vianden, Rosport and Steinheim.
Around 300 Echternach residents were offered evacuation from their homes, as they were unable to leave without assistance.
The Trifolion culture centre accommodated people from 3.30pm, offering food and drink, as well as organising hotel rooms for people who had nowhere else to go. Residents spoke of their surprise at how quickly the water had risen, with many suffering from shock in the aftermath.
Mayor Yves Wengler said the evacuation had been voluntary.
It is thought the water levels will take another two days at least to subside in the area. However, a number of people will not be able to return home even when the levels are back to normal, while the damage to their homes is assessed.
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Prime Minister Xavier Bettel visited the town and spoke to displaced residents.
Rosport’s camping ground and football pitch were completely submerged on Thursday after the Sûre river burst its banks. A number of roads and bridges were also closed, as shown in these dramatic images.
Tourists from abroad were dismayed as their holidays were disrupted, with campers offered shelter in cultural centres and village halls. Businesses in the area expressed concern for the tourist season, which has already suffered heavy losses due to coronavirus.
Inondations.lu reported water levels of 9.66 metres late on Thursday morning in Rosport, where the river level is usually one metre high. The emergency services spent hours pumping water and filling sandbags against the flood - the worst in the village’s history, according to Rosport’s mayor.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Nearly 100 residents were rescued from their homes in Vianden and brought to the Larei culture centre for safety.
Mayor Claude Tonino applauded the support received from neighbouring municipalities, who have offered the displaced residents places to sleep and eat while their homes remain without power and heating.
A number of streets in Vianden have been left without electricity, while basements have flooded and cars been borne away by the current. Residents thought they had been granted a brief reprieve earlier in the day, before fresh rainfall led to further flooding.
Another concern, of course, is the SEO hydro power station and nearby reservoir, not far from the town. Tonino said he had been in contact with SEO, who were doing everything within their power to keep the reservoir walls closed, but the reservoir was rapidly reaching its limit.
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