Storm season starts: Rijkswaterstaat tests flood defences and introduces new measures
The storm and high water season started on 1 October 2024. Rijkswaterstaat is making sure that the Netherlands is well protected against high water.
We do this by testing storm surge barriers, carrying out constant coastal maintenance and ensuring that flood defences are in good condition. A large proportion of the Netherlands is below sea level, which makes us vulnerable.
Safety first: storm surge barriers tested
At the start of the flooding season, Rijkswaterstaat conducts extensive tests on the 6 storm surge barriers in the Netherlands, as it does every year. On 1 October 2024, it was the turn of the Ramspolkering barrier. During this test, 3,500,000 litres of air and water were pumped into the barrier's 3 large bellows, completely closing the waterway and protecting the Overijssel hinterland.
Expansion of flood defences: floodgates on the Afsluitdijk
The IJsselmeer has been set to its winter level. This is an agreement from the level decree. Additional measures to further improve water safety were also implemented in 2024. The 2 new floodgates at Den Oever and Kornwerderzand on the Afsluitdijk are now fully operational. These sluice complexes provide additional protection against high tides from the North Sea and Wadden Sea.
Extra protection for Vlieland
Additional measures have also been taken on the island of Vlieland. The Omringdijk dyke on the south side of the island has been strengthened to better protect the island from flooding from both the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. This strengthening is part of the High Tide Protection Programme.
Keeping the coastline in place
We are also keeping our coastline in order. We do this with sand suppletion. Dredgers thereby bring sand from the North Sea to the beach or the seabed just offshore. This keeps the coastline in place and our country safe from flooding. For instance, in autumn 2024 we are working on coastal maintenance at Maasvlakte 2 and the Renesse and Kop van Schouwen beaches in Zeeland.
24/7 monitoring: Rijkswaterstaat is always alert
During the storm season, Rijkswaterstaat is on constant standby. Water levels are closely monitored from the National Water Management Centre (WMCN) and timely warnings are issued in the event of threats from high water. This enables water managers to take action quickly, for example by closing coupures or instituting a dyke watch.
Together with other water managers, Rijkswaterstaat is committed to protecting the Netherlands from flooding. But nature remains unpredictable and floods can never be completely ruled out. The Overstroom ik (Am I Being Flooded) website allows residents to see their risks and be better prepared.