Moving to the Netherlands usually means falling in love with the canals, the bikes, and the cozy gezelligheid. But have you ever wondered why this country is famously "flatter than a pancake" yet stays dry despite being mostly below sea level?
I’ve just posted a new blog about the night that changed the Dutch landscape forever: The North Sea Flood of 1953.
Did you know?
The storm was so powerful that the water level rose more than 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) above the average sea level. That’s higher than the ceiling in most modern apartments!
Why should you read this?
If you’re living here as an expat or international student, understanding "The Flood" is the key to understanding the Dutch DNA. It’s the reason why:
The Netherlands has the most advanced water engineering in the world (the Delta Works).
The Dutch have a "polder model" mentality of working together during a crisis.
You feel safe living 5 meters below sea level!
From the "wall of water" that hit at midnight to the incredible international rescue effort that followed, this story is a rollercoaster of heartbreak and "never again" resilience.
Read the full story here: Link to Blog Post
Sarah-Manon, Community Manager - Dutch