the Netherlands were ready

In January of 1953, a tidal surge shook the North Sea.The titanic waves flooded the Dutch coastline,killing almost 2,000 people.54 years later, a similar storm threatened the region.But this time, the Netherlands were ready.As the water swelled,state-of-the-art computer sensors activated emergency protocols.Over the next 30 minutes,a pair of 240-meter steel arms swung shut,protecting the channel ahead.Using 680-tonne ball joints,the barrier moved in rhythm with the shifting wind and waves.