Survivors are still being searched for in the affected areas of Belgium. Here and there a glimmer of hope gives hope. The story of 61-year-old Roland Noirhomme falls into this category. He helped evacuate and house three Scout camps. Then he wanted to move his horses to safety. He succeeded, but in the process got stuck in a shed surrounded by water. His son immediately called emergency services, but their hands were already full.
Riverbed
The water continued to rise, and eventually the walls were torn apart by the force of the flying water. Roland tried to remain calm, but was dragged. He was only able to raise his head above the water three hundred meters away. Went under several times. Roland told himself not to fall into the river under any circumstances, as he might injure himself with stones and boulders.
Roland’s rescue came in the form of a tree on the banks of the Essen River. He can catch a branch. His son kept following him and shouted to him that they would come and help him. But it took a long time and hours passed. Roland kept calling and making noises to give a sign of life. It’s even darker now.
rescue workers
On one occasion Roland saw the lanterns and lifeguards and was helped onto land. He had no fractures or serious injuries, but he was suffering from hypothermia. He was taken to the hospital, but was able to return to his family the next day.
The guy knows he was lucky. He is grateful for the fact that as a supplier to a brewery he has always had to do hard physical work. Otherwise, it might not last long.
