Worldwide, sea levels are rising faster than expected.
To deal with this problem, the Netherlands increased the renovation work at the Afsluitdijk Dam.
Due to the faster-than-expected sea level rise in the world, the Netherlands, with 26 percent of its land below sea level, continues its struggle against rising waters by increasing the renovation works in the 91-year-old Afsluitdijk Dam.
In the report published by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on April 21, it was stated that the sea level has risen faster than expected throughout the world, and it was pointed out that the rise in sea level in the last 10 years has been twice as much as the previous decade.
The Netherlands, with a significant part of its lands below sea level, continues its struggle against rising waters in its efforts to protect its lands, by increasing the maintenance and reinforcement works of the Afsluitdijk Weir.
Afsluitdijk, which was described as a “multifunctional iconic building” by Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, the former Minister of Infrastructure and Water Affairs due to its use for many different purposes, is a highway connecting two land parts in the north of the country separated by the Wadden Sea, as well as controlling the water level, protecting the natural life, wind It also has features such as generating electricity with its energy and using it for military purposes.
The 32-kilometer Afsluitdijk Weir, which separates the Wadden Sea and Lake Ijssel in the north of the Netherlands, stands out in protection against rising sea levels and storms, while the difference in water level between the north and south of the weir reaches 2.6 meters.
Constructed to cope with the rise in sea level, completed in 1932 and consisting of approximately 75,000 blocks, the dam is undergoing renovation and strengthening works to provide stronger and safer protection against rising waters.
Afsluitdijk Wadden Sea Center official Richard Bijstra told AA correspondent, “Some maintenance and renovation works are in progress.” said.
In the information text prepared regarding the renovation works in Afsluitdijk, it was stated that 8 new passages will be added while the existing water passages continue to be maintained and strengthened.
In the text, it is stated that the number of pumps to be used for water discharge will be increased to 4 with 2 new pumps to be added to the 2 pump stations on the dam.
It was noted that efforts were made not to affect the living conditions of land and sea animals in nature, while aiming not to destroy the environment during the works.
The bridge, which is used by approximately 18 thousand motor vehicles daily, is controlled during the works, while the renovation works that started about 3 years ago are expected to continue for a few more years.