The locks in the Zuid-Willemsvaart, which were closed on Thursday due to the high water level in the Maas, were opened again at 1 am on Thursday night. Eight ships were waiting at the locks in Den Bosch, Veghel and Schijndel, among others.
Locks were also closed at other places in the canal. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the water level in the Meuse had reached its peak on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Aa and Maas water board tried to drain water into the so-called water collection areas in the area. For example, the Diesdonk water storage area near Helmond and Asten was used for this purpose. This was accomplished around one o’clock at night, causing the water level to drop enough to open the locks.
The Zuid-Willemsvaart is a canal between Den Bosch and Maastricht. The route is often used to sail faster from the Maas in Belgium to the Maas in Gelderland.