The Zeeland Flood, also known as the North Sea Flood of 1953, was a devastating natural disaster that struck the southwestern coast of the Netherlands on the night of January 31 to February 1, 1953. A combination of a severe storm and high spring tides caused the sea to breach dikes, leading to widespread flooding in the region. Approximately 100,000 acres of land were inundated, and many towns were severely affected. The flood resulted in the loss of over 1,800 lives and left thousands homeless. In response, the Dutch government initiated the Delta Works, a series of dams and barriers designed to protect the region from future flooding. This engineering project is considered one of the most advanced flood defense systems in the world.