♪ Calm music.
For centuries, our low-lying country has faced a constant threat from water.
This water comes from the rough North Sea...
...and the large inland rivers and lakes.
By trial and error we have developed ingenious methods to protect our land...
...including flood barriers that prevent the water from going any further.
The Ramspol is one such flood barrier...
...and unique in its kind.
It makes it possible to fully isolate the Ketelmeer from the Zwarte Meer.
We work here on the water safety of the hinterland...
...and we ensure accessibility...
...by making easy passage possible in the waterway.
This means that we make sure...
...the right things get done in terms of maintenance...
...and that the right people are available at the right time...
...to ensure that the flood barrier closes properly.
The inflatable rubber dam normally lies on the bottom of the Ramsdiep.
If the Ketelmeer becomes dammed up due to extreme weather...
...and high water starts to flow towards the Zwarte Meer...
...the system is on alert.
♪ Thrilling music.
The moment the Ramspol sensors detect an unsusual water level...
...of more than 50 cm above Normal Amsterdam Water Level...
...the system is triggered.
If the water level remains for more than a minute...
...the computer automatically activates the inflatable rubber dam.
♪ Dramatic music.
Powerful pumps switch on...
...and the dam, made of extremely heavy rubber canvas, is inflated.
It is as if a giant bicycle tire rises out of the water.
Ship traffic is halted...
...and three enormous rubber dams slowly break through the water surface...
...putting a stop to the rough waves of the IJsselmeer.
As you can see, the flood barrier is closed. This is quite unique.
The flood barrier closes every two to three years...
...in principle in response to a severe northwesterly storm.
The rubber dam is high enough to withstand a severe storm.
This guarantees safety...
...and protects the hinterland from flooding.