3 Strategies Other Countries Use To Prevent Flooding

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

The Thames Barrier of London

Learn About These Flood Solutions

Flooding is a problem that impacts not just businesses in Edmond, OK, but also populated areas around the world. Engineers from these nations have created effective strategies to mitigate high water, which prevents flooding and water damage. Business owners and residents operating in US cities near water can benefit from learning about these flood solutions.

1. The Delta Works

People in the Netherlands have always lived on land that is usually below the sea level. Therefore, they have created numerous inventive solutions to stop flooding. One of these projects is the Deltawerken, or the Delta Works. It is a system composed of structures such as dams, storm surge barriers and sluice gates. Construction started in 1950 and concluded in 1997. The most impressive part of the project is the Oosterschelde, which is composed of multiple gates that can be moved.

2. The Thames Barrier

The Thames River in England runs the risk of high water during large storms or natural disasters. However, this area is also necessary for ship transportation. First constructed in 1974, the Thames Barrier uses hydraulic beams to turn the steel water gates toward each other and create a barrier that prevents flooding. Operators usually leave the barrier open to let ships go through, but close it when flood prevention is necessary.

3. The MOSE Project

While the famous water streets of Venice, Italy impress locals and tourists alike, they can also present a dangerous flooding hazard that necessitates emergency restoration services. The government has enacted the Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico (MOSE), or Experimental Electromechanical Module, which is composed of around 78 barriers facing the Adriatic Sea that can be activated separately or together. Construction has begun in 2003 and full implementation is not yet complete.
The threat of high water is present in several cities throughout the world. The US and other countries can learn from these experiments to develop their own anti-flooding strategies.