The Maeslantkering is a storm surge barrier on the Nieuwe Watereg, in South Holland, Netherlands. It is controlled by a supercomputer, and automatically closes when Rotterdam is threatened by floods. It is one of largest moving structures on Earth. The main purpose of this barrier is not to control the water, but rather to slow the waves/break the force of the waves.
There are two large floating gates on both dikes of the waterway. The construction of these dikes started in 1991 and it took six years to build the 22 meter high and 210 meter long steel gates. Due to the size of these gates, they take two hours to close. Although they are only expected to need to be closed once every ten years, they are very worth it. The efficiency of them to prevent catastrophic flooding is vital to the Netherlands. Without the barriers, mass destruction and death could occur.
The Netherlands also employ natural tactics to help prevent flooding. An example of this is deploying sand a decent way into shore and using this sand to ease the waves and to help lead to dunes being created. The dunes will act as natural barriers to the threatening waters. Another cool fact is that the storm surge barriers are painted white in order to reflect the sun so that they don’t contract due to the heat.