North Sea Flood of 1953
The North Sea Flood of 1953 was a devastating natural disaster that struck parts of Northwestern Europe on the night of January 31 to February 1. A combination of a severe storm and high spring tides caused the sea levels to rise dramatically, overwhelming coastal defenses. The flood primarily affected the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Scotland, leading to widespread destruction.
In total, approximately 2,500 people lost their lives, and thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. The disaster prompted significant changes in flood management, particularly in the Netherlands, where the Delta Works project was initiated to improve coastal protection and prevent future flooding.