The Maas and Waal Rivers Flow: Learning and Experiencing Together

 December 31, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of the major flood that struck the Land van Maas en Waal. A breach in the Maas embankment between Overasselt and Nederasselt flooded the entire region. There were no casualties, but the damage and impact were significant. Now, a century later, the five municipalities in this area are seizing this special milestone to jointly launch a valuable initiative: Maas en Waal Flows.

Maas en Waal logo

Learning and experiencing together 

The municipalities of Beuningen, Druten, Heumen, West Maas en Waal, and Wijchen were flooded 100 years ago. These five municipalities have now launched the 'Maas en Waal flows' program. With this program, the municipalities aim to strengthen their unique region between the Maas and Waal rivers and increase awareness about water as both a force and a threat. Additionally, they want to stimulate innovative (water) solutions in the area that contribute to a climate-resilient future. They are collaborating with residents, entrepreneurs, schools, associations, and organizations. 

Past, Present, and Future 

The Maas en Waal Stroomt program has three strands: past, present, and future. It consists of activities and projects designed to let residents and visitors experience how water shapes, connects, and challenges the Land van Maas en Waal. 

  • The Past: Through exhibitions, photographs, and personal stories, the past comes to life. In collaboration with the“Flood of ’26” working groupof the Tweestromenland Historical Society, residents, organizations, and museums, 2026 will be a meaningful year of remembrance. 
  • Today: Art and exhibitions highlight both the distinctive and the everyday features of the region. This allows everyone to discover and experience just how unique the area between the Maas and Waal rivers is.
  • Future: The focus here is on climate change and water safety. Through knowledge sharing and innovation, the Land van Maas en Waal can serve as a starting point for new water solutions.

The Watersnood ’26 Working Group is organizing a variety of activities throughout the Maas and Waal region. These range from theater performances, lectures, and exhibitions to a Watersnood Marathon and a bike ride. These activities are listed at www.watersnood26.nl.

 Program in development 

Maas en Waal Stroomt will begin with a memorial service at St. Anthony the Abbot Church in Overasselt on December 31. The King’s Commissioner in Gelderland and the dike reeve of the Rivierenland Water Board will be in attendance.  

The program is still very much a work in progress. For example, informational signs will be installed throughout the region featuring stories about the significance of water. Three photographers are also working on a photo exhibition in which they capture the identity of the Land van Maas en Waal and contemporary life with water. This fall, the eleven dike warehouses will take center stage, and a digital Map will be Map . It will show how the course of the Maas and Waal rivers has changed over time. 

More information about "Maas en Waal Stroomt" is available on the websites of the five municipalities. "Maas en Waal Stroomt" is made possible in part by the Province of Gelderland.