Belgium declares day of mourning in honour of flood victims

“Those that were supposed to be beautiful summer days suddenly became dark and extremely painful days for our fellow citizens. These are particular circumstances, which our São country has seen in the past”, said Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Cruo.

The week - long cloud finally stopped, for in some places it reached the level normally expected once every 200 years. However, residents in some parts of Belgium still feel unsure because the Meuse River is increasing the water level. This river runs through Leege City.

We've worked, renovated everything, lost everything we've had. Now we have to start from zero and work little by little to get things back to the site”, Sylvia Calvo Laurente said, while observing the damage to her home in the town of Trooz.

In the eastern town of Verviers, the river with increased water level was still affecting roads, where people tried to save shops, homes and cars, Reuters writes, broadcast the Express newspaper.

The government decided Tuesday to be a day of mourning and to reduce celebrations the following day when the National Day of Belgium is marked.

Belgium has called for assistance to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, resulting in aid from France, Austria and Italy, mainly through boats, helicopters and search-for personnel.