Increasing number of cracks in dikes in South Holland due to drought

Water boards in the west of the Netherlands have increasingly discovered cracks in dikes as a result of drought. In the province of South Holland, two water barriers have been identified that need reinforcement due to their problematic condition.

The first location concerns a levee along De Does near Hoogmade. The second location is a dike in Reeuwijk. Both water barriers show cracks, which are considered worrying by local authorities.

According to a spokesperson for the Hoogheemraadschap of Rijnland, these water barriers are not currently in immediate danger, as they are not on the verge of breaking. 'Otherwise, we would have already started working with sandbags,' clarified the spokesperson.

Nevertheless, there is a consensus that action must be taken to prevent further damage. The prolonged drought has led to a situation where the condition of the water barriers cannot be ignored.