On January 31, 1953, a catastrophic storm surge hit the coastal areas of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Belgium, resulting in widespread flooding. The surge, driven by high winds and low atmospheric pressure, breached sea defenses, inundating towns and villages. More than 1,800 people lost their lives, and thousands were displaced. In the Netherlands, the flood led to the creation of the Delta Works, one of the most advanced flood defense systems in the world. The tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying coastal areas and led to significant changes in flood protection strategies.