Shot Notes
I never had real intentions to post this photograph, but the Dutch Delta-Commission (dike and water management) was quite a big news item in Holland this week. We all saw the terrible results after floods like the 2004 Tsunami and ‘Katrina’ in New Orleans. Also in 1953 the sea flooded a part of the dutch landscape in the south-western province of Zeeland. Officially, 1835 people were killed there. So, a big “investigation” followed by the Dutch Delta-Commission. This week they presented their findings to our government and press.
In short; there is no reason to panic or hurry, but the current situation is urgent enough to be aware of drastic changes to come in our landscape. Our old dikes are not high enough anymore, because the seawater level slowly gets higher and our dikes are lowering. They did made it very clear there is no big hurry but the matter is urgent enough for proper preparations and to start up the work.
Risks for the Dutch coast is currently one flood in every 10.000 years. In New Orleans they are willing to take a 1:250 year risk. Of course, the Dutch Delta-commission wants to remain this high standard. Expectations are this operation will cost about 1,5 billion (miljard) Euro each year until 2050. So there is a lot of money involved here but our government realizes it has to be done sooner or later, so its worth every penny. Source: Delta-commission
One thing is for sure. Our coastline will face a slow but drastic change in the (near and far) future. Also these old historical dikes (photograph) as seen here at Lake IJssel will change… one day…
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* Stunningly beautiful picture. Love the curved shore and the colored layers of water. Outstanding image!
John Maslowski @ 2008-09-05 16:57:07
* Interesting info you’ve included in this post. The image is fantastic as always…
Is that sheep grazing by the shore? An unexpected and lovely addition to this image.
sherri @ 2008-09-05 18:12:08
* The environment is changing before us and we, in part, are the cause. How to stop the wave of human behavior that is washing away the life that everything knows? This is the difficult question yet we have no choice unless we willing to accept the rising seas.
Your image is beautiful and powerful in its message.
Diane – Daily Walks @ 2008-09-06 00:00:37
* The sunlight on just a part of the water makes this really interesting. Gotta love that Dutch coast!
Arjan – PlasticDaisy @ 2008-09-06 12:32:07