Maas and Waal flow, learning and experiencing together

 December 31, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of the devastating flood that struck the Land van Maas en Waal region. A breach in the Maasdijk between Overasselt and Nederasselt flooded the entire area. There were no casualties, but the damage and impact were considerable. Now, a century later, the five municipalities in this area are seizing this special milestone to initiate something valuable together: Maas en Waal stroomt (Meuse and Waal flows).

Maas and Waal flows 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 stroomt (Meuse and Waal flows) program. With this program, the municipalities aim to strengthen their unique region between the Meuse and Waal rivers. And to raise awareness about water as a force and a threat. In addition, they also want to stimulate innovative (water) solutions in the area that contribute to a climate-proof future. To this end, they are working together with residents, entrepreneurs, schools, associations, and organizations. 

Past, present, and future 

The Maas and Waal Flows program runs along three tracks: past, present, and future. It consists of activities and projects that allow residents and visitors to experience how water shapes, connects, and challenges the Land of Maas and Waal. 

  • Past: Exhibitions, photographs, and personal stories bring the past to life. In collaboration with theWatersnood '26 working group ofthe Tweestromenland Historical Society, residents, associations, and museums, 2026 will be a meaningful year of remembrance. 
  • Today: Art and exhibitions highlight both the unique and everyday characteristics of the region. This allows everyone to discover and experience how unique the area between the Meuse and Waal rivers is.
  • Future: This is all about climate change and water safety. Through knowledge sharing and innovation, the Land van Maas en Waal can be a starting point for new water solutions.

The Watersnood '26 working group organizes all kinds of activities throughout Maas and Waal. From theater performances, lectures, and exhibitions to a Watersnood Marathon and bike ride. These activities can be found at www.watersnood26.nl.

 Program in development 

Maas en Waal Stroomt will begin with a memorial service in the Heilige Antonius Abt Church in Overasselt on December 31. The King's Commissioner in Gelderland and the dike reeve of the Rivierenland Water Board will be present.  

The program is still under development. Information boards will be installed in the region with stories about the significance of water. Three photographers are also working on a photo exhibition. In it, they capture the identity and contemporary life with water in the Land van Maas en Waal. In the fall, the eleven dike warehouses will be in the spotlight and a digital map will be developed. This map will show how the course of the Maas and Waal rivers has changed over time. 

More information about Maas en Waal stroomt can be found on the websites of the five municipalities. Maas en Waal stroomt is made possible in part by the province of Gelderland.