The Guardian Weekly

Judge clears the way for possible flood charges

A judge has opened an investigation for possible manslaughter over floods that claimed 38 lives, the prosecutors office in Liège announced.

The investigating magistrate has the task of identifying who might be responsible for “involuntary homicide by lack of foresight or precaution”.

Liège, in the French-speaking region of Wallonia in the south of the country, was worst hit by the disaster last month. Questions are already being asked over possible failings in the flood alert system.

Some of those caught up in the disaster have said they had no warning that a dam at Eupen, in the east of the country, which was overwhelmed by the waters, had its sluice gates opened.

Global Report

en-gb

2021-08-06T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-06T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://theguardianweekly.pressreader.com/article/281672552989645

Guardian/Observer