1956day.year
The dike around the Dutch polder East Flevoland is closed.
On September 13, 1956, Dutch engineers closed the final breach in the dike surrounding East Flevoland, completing a vast land reclamation.
East Flevoland was part of the ambitious Zuiderzee Works, a project to reclaim land from the sea. The closing of the last dike gap marked the end of a multi-year effort of construction and pumping operations. Once drained, the polder provided fertile soil for agriculture and new settlements. The engineering feat showcased Dutch mastery of water management and civil engineering. Cities like Lelystad would later rise on the reclaimed land. This achievement exemplified human ingenuity in reshaping nature while securing safety and prosperity.
1956
dike
polder
East Flevoland