Approximately 26 percent of the land in the Netherlands is below sea level, while around 60 percent of the land is at risk of flooding. Dutch Flood Defences, The situation is different now because millions live there with safety, thanks to defensive structures designed for years.
What changes occurred after 1953?
The North Sea flood of 1953 caused 1,836 deaths and flooded 2,070 km2 of land. This was followed by the creation of Delta Works, a system of barriers including Maeslant Barrier that closes when floodwaters rise above normal.
How does it work now?
There is a system of pumping stations supporting dikes and the Room for the River program allowing floodplains to contain the rain. Afsluitdijk dam is 32 km long and protects the northwestern part of the country from the Wadden Sea.
Can it handle rising sea levels? – Dutch Flood Defences
There is a Delta program that is being reassessed every 6 years and has a budget of about EUR 38 billion for the period from 2015 to 2050. Its commissioner suggests that it cannot be ruled out that the sea level can increase by up to 2 meters before 2100. The other problem of land sinking is common for many cities around the globe.
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