Last Wednesday evening, part of a dam on the north side of Maastricht was washed away by high water, as a result of which houseboats nearby were in danger. To prevent accidents, inhabitants were evacuated and offered accommodation with either family or in hotels. That was just in time. Late Wednesday night, early Thursday morning, an evacuated resident was called at her temporary accommodation: her houseboat had become detached and had smashed against the bridge. Saurus’s board also had to rush to its accommodation. The clubhouse, located on the Zuid-Willemsvaart, was immediately opened as a place of shelter. This was done “by order of the police. The day after, Thursday, was extremely busy. We were open all day,” chairwoman Rosanne van Ballegooijen states. Besides the fact that inhabitants could meet each other, there was also a meeting in which the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works, the mayor and emergency services were present to answer questions. “Emergency services reported on the situation at that time and the city brought along some vlaai.” There was a similar meeting on Friday.
Today, Tuesday 9 January, residents can briefly return to their homes. A ferry boat will take them to their houseboats to collect any items, says Van Ballegooijen. Saurus will remain open for another while. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 16:00 to 18:00 hrs, inhabitants can pop in to ask the city representatives questions. There will be no rowing for the time being. Not due to the high water or the rapids, because there has been none of the latter, but because of the cold. “That would be detrimental to the boats.”
At the Saurus pub, residents sit waiting to be allowed on the ferry. Photo: own archive Saurus