This morning, the group had free time until the afternoon, so we decided to try out a café down the street from our hostel. There were many great food options for breakfast and drinks, and we will definitely be going back  before we leave Rotterdam. After breakfast, we boarded the bus and headed off to the Watersnoodmuseum. This museum focuses on the history of the flood that occurred in the Netherlands on February 1, 1963. The museum is in Ouwerkerk and is actually inside the four caissons that closed the last breach after the flood. The drive was about an hour long, but I did not mind simply due to all the views we saw along the way. We passed several fields of greenery, grazing sheep, and towering wind turbines, while also watching several boats go by on the water.

The Watersnoodmuseum had several memorials, videos, and images that told the story of the flood and its impacts. I learned that it occurred due to both the wind and low pressure in the area, causing the storm to push the water of the North Sea. The dikes in place to prevent severe floods were unable to withstand the pressure, and when they were breached, the waters poured into the Netherlands. The water rose three meters and was ice cold, causing many to get hypothermia while they were waiting to be rescued. Ultimately, 1836 people lost their lives due to the tragic event. The museum also showcased how many countries assisted them in the recovery and rebuilding of the dikes. I learned that the United States actually donated 300,000 sandbags, 20,000 spades, drinking water purification tablets, and 6.5 tons of clothing and blankets to help with recovery efforts. While the museum showcased the history of this disaster, it also provided valuable insights into flood control, emphasizing how important it is today with water levels continuing to increase.

After we got back from the museum, my roommates and I decided to go to a local laundromat and do some much-needed laundry. While we sat there waiting for our clothes to be washed and dried, we grabbed dinner at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the hostel. All in all, it was a busy day, but I really enjoyed getting to learn more about flood control in the Netherlands and the history behind the flood of 1963.