Ruisbroek, Antwerp

Ruisbroek is a village in the municipality of Puurs-Sint-Amands located in the Antwerp Province of Belgium.
Ruisbroek was an independent municipality until 1977, when it was merged into Puurs. In 2019, Puurs itself was merged into Puurs-Sint-Amands.

Floods

Ruisbroek is a polder village protected by dikes which has often seen severe flooding. In 1820, a complete neighbourhood was flooded, and was rebuilt north of the Rupel River. The last flood which occurred was a result of the gale of January 1976. The dike broke over a distance of 100 metres, and flooded part of the village. King Baudouin of Belgium visited the town on 6 January 1976. During his visit he was confronted with an angry crowd and accusations. De Waterhoek monument indicates the height the water reached.