Oosterschelde Delta works

The storm surge barrier across the Eastern Scheldt, between heaven and the here barely discernible earth. It was built on the foundations of fear for the water seen sparkling so gently here, as the culmination of the Delta works. Sand banks were reinforced, special underwater mats constructed and pillars put in position. All done to give back to the people of Zeeland province the sense of security they had enjoyed until it was swept away in the sea disaster of 1953. There were fatal floods then as the primeval power of the sea smashed through the dykes. Now the area is protected by 62 sluice gates that can be closed against a wave emergency. Today that’s not necessary, and the windmills are almost motionless. Poseidon is content.