22 dike breaches, 6 flooded provinces, 60% of Friesland under water, and 379 deaths. In 2025, it will be two centuries since most of Northern Netherlands was flooded. The disaster of 1825 was the largest flood of the 19th century. Since then, our knowledge about water has grown tremendously.
‘The reason this disaster is forgotten is mainly because of the flood disaster of 1953, which is much fresher in memory, and not all flooded provinces were equally affected in 1825,’ says Bert Toussaint, historian at Rijkswaterstaat.
In 1825, the Zuiderzee still existed, an open sea area in the middle of the country. Due to the storm surge that swept across the land in early February 1825, the Zuiderzee dikes broke. ‘A major storm moved from the Atlantic Ocean towards the North Sea. These gusts of wind pounded against the coast with enormous force.’
Almost all of Northwest Overijssel under water
The most casualties occurred in Overijssel, where 305 people died. There were also severe dike breaches in Groningen, Friesland, Gelderland, Utrecht, and Holland.
However, people generally responded resignedly. ‘A flood was not unique, and there was a culture of resignation. Many citizens thought that God had willed it,’ says Toussaint.
Give generously!
Fundraising campaigns were organized for the affected areas. This was coordinated by the government, with the slogan ‘Give generously!’ Booklets were published to encourage people to donate. This was also stimulated by then-King Willem I.
The fastest way to the sea
During this disaster, the Corps of Engineers, as Rijkswaterstaat was then called, was already building knowledge about water management. For example, river maps were made.
It wasnt until 1850 that a national strategy to manage water was developed. ‘The water had to reach the sea faster and more efficiently. New estuaries were created, branches were closed, and dikes were raised. This is the basis of water management as we know it today,’ says Toussaint.
We are still working on strengthening our dikes, among other things, through the Flood Protection Program (HWBP). 21 water boards and Rijkswaterstaat are collaborating on the largest dike reinforcement operation ever since the Delta Works. Over the next 30 years, 1400 km of dikes and 400 locks and pumping stations will be strengthened.
From Zuiderzee to IJsselmeer
The Zuiderzee was closed off in 1932 by the Afsluitdijk, this 32.5 km long water barrier protects the Netherlands from flooding. Since then, the Zuiderzee has been renamed the IJsselmeer. In 2018, the strengthening of the Afsluitdijk began. The drainage capacity from the IJsselmeer is being increased, and the waterways are being equipped with return and discharge sluices.
Since the 19th century, the Netherlands has been busy protecting the land from water. What started with mapping rivers has developed into advising internationally on water management.