Evacuation of the Rivierenland
Description
In February 1995, one of the largest evacuations in Dutch history takes place. High water levels of the Rhine, Meuse and Waal rivers force the evacuation of 250,000 people from large parts of the Rivierenland region. A mini-symposium on 19 September 2012, organised by study association ConcepT, will discuss the role of administrators and engineers in the evacuation of the river area. Did emotions and a lack of scientific understanding play a major role during the high water of 1995?
In late January 1995, the water in the Dutch rivers begins to rise rapidly; it has been severe weather in Europe for days. The large amount of water that needs to be drained causes flooding, floodplains flood. A dike breach causes the A2 to flood. On 29 January 1995, the situation in the river area also becomes threatening, alarms are declared and evacuations prepared.
On 30 January 1995 the time had come: Bommelerwaard had to be the first to evacuate. By cars, buses and trains, about 45,000 Bommelerwaard people leave the area. Eventually, 250,000 people, including entire herds of farmers, have to be compulsorily evacuated from large parts of the Rivierenland. The evacuations in the Netherlands are world news. Famous for their fight against water and thereby acquired expertise in hydraulic engineering, their own dykes are in danger of failing.
The state of emergency in 1995 brought the issue of dyke reinforcement to the top of the political agenda. For years, dyke reinforcement along the rivers had been debated, but even during the flood, the cabinet was already discussing the need for a plan for the major rivers. A law was passed on 13 April that allowed for a quick approach, with the aim of having all weak dyke sections reinforced by 2000.
The 'Evacuation of the Rivierenland' mini-symposium will feature various stories and anecdotes. Political and official bickering in early 1995 will be discussed and the link between politics dealing with flood risks on the one hand and civil engineering solutions (in the future) on the other.
the world's best-known dyke expert (Prof.dr.ir Arnold Verruijt), former mayor of Arnhem (Mr Paul Scholten) and Jan Bervaes (evacuee in 1995 and former chairman of the Historical Circle Bommelerwaard) will give a lecture. In conclusion, there will be a discussion based on a number of propositions. The afternoon will be led by Drs Elja Diepenbrock, author of 'Evacuation 1995: Crisis in Crisis Teams, Administrators and Officials Reveal'
13:30 - Walk-in and welcome - Oskar Eikenbroek (chair of study association ConcepT)
13:45 - Introduction by chairman of the day - Drs Elja Diepenbrock
14:10 - The role of technicians; the counter-expertise - Prof.dr.ir. Arnold Verruijt
14:40 - The role of bestuuders; the evacuation - Mr Paul Scholten
15:10 - The necessity of the evacuation? - jan Bervaes
15:40 - Discussion based on propositions
16:15 - Closing
Location
University of Twente, Building de Horst,
Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede
Organiser
Construction and Hydraulic Engineering
Land Use and Water Management
Study association ConcepT
Name and contact details for information
Oskar Eikenbroek, chair of Study Association ConcepT, tel. 053 - 489 3884 / 06 - 555 25 019 or via the e-mail address below
Register via
Study Association ConcepT via the website above