Be aware around still waters!
Flushing of water intakes and sudden floods are a constant danger!
Keep your distance from rivers when hiking, camping, picnicking or barbecuing.
- Do not play or rest in the riverbed
- Do not stay directly on the riverbank
- In the event of an accident, call 144
Even when the weather is fine, a river can suddenly flood.
- A water intake can be closed or opened, and water can rush into the riverbed
- If a pumped-storage facility needs to be shut down unexpectedly, the reservoir can overflow
During rainfall
- If a water intake is (automatically) flushed, the water level rises without warning
- Natural dams can break and cause sudden flooding
After rainfall
Clogged basins and water intakes are automatically flushed. The water level suddenly rises and carries away everything in its path, like an avalanche.
In case of flash flooding, the water level rises without warning!
BEFORE
AFTER
Flash flooding
Flash floods on rivers with hydroelectric power plants can have technical or natural causes. Floods can occur:
- Even in good weather
- At any time, day or night
- Without warning
- Even several kilometres downstream of the power plants (water intakes, dams)
- Even in dry riverbeds
The powerplant operators disclaim any liability in case of accidents.
