Hundreds of Kayakers in Trouble on Belgian River Lesse: 'I've Never Seen This Before'

dinant, belgium - Hundreds of kayakers got into trouble on the Belgian river Lesse. The popular water sport activity in the Ardennes is beloved by Dutch individuals and schools.

Approximately 600 kayakers were on the river when the water level suddenly rose rapidly. Kayak company Dinant Evasion cannot confirm if any Dutch citizens encountered problems. According to the municipality of Dinant, several people are suffering from hypothermia symptoms, and five youths have been taken to the hospital.

'I've never seen this before,' says Olivier Pitance from Dinant Evasion to VRT News. 'The water level rose by a meter within an hour.'

Emergency services have successfully rescued everyone from the water, with a helicopter flying above the popular kayak route to ensure no one is left stranded. Dinant has activated the municipal disaster plan.