Sigma plan
The Sigma Plan is a Belgian project, originally launched in 1977, to develop an improved protection system for the Zeeschelde basin against floods and storm surges . The plan has been revised numerous times.
The Sigma Plan is generally based on that of the Netherlands immediately after the North Sea flood of 1953 launched Delta Plan . Since the Flemish part of Belgium was also affected by the flood disaster , the plan was to set up the Sigma Plan much earlier. It was not until 1976, a violent storm, combined with a spring tide , again dikes in Ruisbroek caused, in turn, flooding vast areas of the province of Antwerp a result, it came to the preparation of the Sigma-plan to the Zeescheldebecken against future storm surges of the North Sea to to back up. The intention is to protect the areas around the Scheldt and its tributaries Durme , Rupel and parts of the Nete , Dijle and Zenne from flooding.
Over time, the Sigma Plan has been revised and changed numerous times. The priorities shifted from the fortification and elevation of the dykes in the direction of an increased installation of retention basins for controlled flooding in the event of flood risk. However, these plans sparked numerous local protests. The retention basin at Kruibeke has not yet been completed.
By 2008 around 80 percent of the planned dike heights and 60 percent of the retention basins had been implemented.
Web links
- Internet presence of the Sigma Plan (Dutch / English)