The 800 villagers in Groningen who were evacuated from their homes after the Eems canal threatened to burst its banks were allowed home on Saturday as the high water began to recede.

Water levels have gone down across the two northern provinces of Groningen and Friesland, reducing the risk of flooding.
Nevertheless, officials continue to monitor dyke safety and pumping stations are working flat out to pump excess water into the sea, according to media reports.
Seals
Meanwhile, the seal rescue centre in Pieterburen reports it is completely full following the stormy conditions at sea. There are currently 365 seals being cared for at the centre, compared with 200 on a normal day at this time of year.
‘Seals are being washed up at bus stops, petrol stations and over dykes. It’s a mess,’ the centre’s director Lenie ‘t Hart told Nos television.
The seals can’t swim back to open sea because they are at the wrong side of the dyke. In addition, some are sick or have been injured. Most will be re-released into the wild in two or three months time, Nos said.