Stavenisse, Scherpenisse, Sint-Annaland

On the night of 1 February 1953, parts of the Netherlands were rocked by a storm surge. A storm that had already had a chance to develop considerably on the Atlantic Ocean in the previous days is heading towards the Dover Strait with a wind force of 11 to 12. By 31 January, it was clear that coastal areas could expect "dangerously high tides". People climbed on the dykes to watch the natural spectacle. If the water does not subside during low tide, it becomes clear that things are seriously wrong.

Between 4am and 6am, several dykes around the Eastern Scheldt break through, including in Stavenisse. In a short time, an 1800-metre hole forms here. Huge waves enter the polder, one dike after another fails. Much of the island of Tholen was flooded. Stavenisse can no longer be reached by land, up to Scherpenisse there is nothing but water. The polder around Poortvliet is also flooded. In Stavenisse 156 people drown. The Watersnoodhuis in Stavenisse collects stories, images and information about the disaster.

You cycle here over a section that had become off-limits to citizens. Because of the water, it was too dangerous. The Reformed church in Stavenisse did not remain unscathed either. The water stood up to 3.20 metres, the damage was enormous. Up to 4 metres, the salt water affected the walls, this line can still be seen. On the road between Stavenisse and Sint- Maartensdijk, you pass a work of art originally intended for in the village of Stavenisse. Add the Pit stop to your route and read more about 'Het Zeemonster'.

Photo: Joop van Bilsen, National Archive / Anefo Collection