The city of Dordrecht is preparing for potential flooding by creating refuge areas in higher neighbourhoods and raising awareness among residents. Dordrecht is the first city in the Netherlands to implement a multi-layer safety approach to limit the consequences of flooding. In the beginning of summer the Dutch Delta Commissioner visited Dordrecht to talk about this innovative approach.
As a government commissioner, the Delta Commissioner makes proposals for the National Delta Programme. He also advises relevant ministers on water safety, the availability of fresh water, and spatial adaptation. He was particularly impressed by Dordrecht’s design of the districts De Staart and Maasterras as shelter locations in the event of a major flood.
When prevention isn’t enough: Dordrecht’s flood readiness plan
Although the Netherlands is well-protected, Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas stresses the importance of accepting that floods can still happen. He advocates not only for prevention but also for readiness and public awareness.
During his visit to Dordrecht, Verdaas joined local officials to discuss the city’s unique challenges.
Dordrecht is an island and vulnerable in the event of a major flood. The city can become isolated during high water, and while protected by the Maeslant Barrier, alternative solutions, like a flood barrier boulevard around the city, are being explored in case it fails. The city already uses the Voorstraat, a shopping street, as a water barrier and the street’s flood barrier function is checked annually.
The municipality is working together with the Province of South Holland, the Hollandse Delta Water Board, and the South Holland South Safety Region to ensure the island’s water safety. This is done using a so-called "multi-layered" strategy. This approach consists of four layers:
- Prevention through reinforcement of dikes,
- Limiting the consequences of flooding through spatial planning,
- Crisis management, and
- Rapid recovery after a flood.
Living with water: Dordrecht’s multi-layered approach to flood preparedness
Raising public awareness of the risk of high water and flooding forms the foundation of all four layers. In addition to preventing floods and preparing effective emergency response plans, Dordrecht is also developing so-called ‘shelters’. These are safe refuge locations in the higher-lying districts De Staart and Maasterras, where residents can take shelter during a flood. After the flood, these locations will also serve as coordination points for rescuing affected inhabitants and repairing damages. Dordrecht is the first city to adopt this multi-layer safety approach to reduce the impact of flooding.
Plans in Dordrecht also include educational initiatives, such as school lessons and public awareness campaigns. And the city is working on the development of escape routes and high-ground shelters.
The Delta Commissioner emphasizes the need to accept that we “live with water” in the face of climate change. Dordrecht serves as a model for how communities can balance protection with preparation. While not necessarily at higher risk than other areas, the city's proactive approach ensures that its residents know how to respond if disaster strikes. And for that, preparedness makes a vital difference.