Exercise closing dike passages in Delfzijl
On Thursday evening, September 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards will practice the annual closure of the dike passages, the coupures, in Delfzijl.
The exercise is part of the emergency response organization's preparations. We conduct it every year prior to the storm season. This allows us to maintain our knowledge and skills with regard to closing off areas. Thanks in part to the work of the water board, we can live safely with water in the area. The safety of our residents and businesses is paramount.
Storm season
Storms and high water levels occur most frequently between October and April. During this period, we are on standby to monitor the dikes and quays. A 750-meter dike lies between the city and the port of Delfzijl, protecting the city from seawater. There are four passages in the dike. This allows us to go from the city to the port and vice versa. These passages have large doors: two electric roller doors, one revolving door, and one sliding door. We close these doors (also known as 'coupures') when the water level exceeds 3 meters above NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level). The higher the water rises, the better the doors seal the passageway due to the pressure. It does not remain completely dry behind the closed passageway. That is not a problem: the leaking water is collected in the sewer and does not cause any nuisance.
More information about living safely with water:Storms and high water