Dutch ingenuity: Inside the world's largest flood defense system
The Netherlands is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Over the years, its residents have managed to ensure proper safeguards, among which the Delta Plan—the largest flood protection system in the world—deserves special attention.
The Netherlands has unique terrain. Almost one-quarter of its territory lies in a depression, which means it is below sea level. Any ideas to prevent flooding and mitigate its effects were and are particularly desirable here, and the Delta Plan is a manifestation of an exceptionally advanced and elaborate system.
The largest flood protection system in the world
It is considered not only the largest but also one of the most comprehensive flood protection systems in the world. It consists of several parts, including dikes, dams, locks, and even a storm surge barrier that protects southwestern Netherlands from destructive Atlantic storms. The two elements of this Dutch system that make the greatest impression are the Maeslantkering and the Oosterscheldekering.
The Maeslantkering is a movable barrier that was put into use in 1997. It is believed that the Delta Plan system's construction was completed with this barrier's completion. The Maeslantkering is located on the Nieuwe Waterweg canal in the municipality of Rotterdam.
The Maeslantkering movable barrier
This impressive barrier consists of two movable steel barriers, each about 22 metres high and 237 metres long. The Maeslantkering operates fully automatically. When the water in the vicinity begins to rise to a level deemed dangerous, the sensors cause the arms to fold.
The movable elements move in about half an hour. The arms rest on the concrete foundation for another hour, at which point they fully protect against the advancing water.
The Oosterscheldekering is a storm surge barrier located in the southwestern Netherlands. It was built between 1976 and 1986. It is the largest structure in the Delta Plan system, with a length of 10 kilometres. It consists of several segments separated by concrete pillars and three movable gates. Since it was put into use, the Oosterscheldekering gates have been closed 27 times (excluding test closures). This process also occurs automatically when the water rises to a certain level, taking about 75 minutes. The Oosterscheldekering also serves as a road link between the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland.
The Delta Plan is one of the world's most elaborate flood protection systems. Other interesting solutions to protect against floods' destructive effects include, for example, the giant G-Cans sewage system in Japan or the "sponge city" in China.
