Why isn’t the Netherlands underwater?

​First part of the lesson.

You will watch the video again this time the video has been broken down into clips.
The transcript does not match what you hear, you must find the incorrect words and write the correct words below.

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In January of 1955, a tidal surge shook the North Sea. The titanic waves flooded the Dutch coastline, killing almost 3,000 people. 64 years later, a similar storm threatened the region. But this time, the Netherlands were ready. As the water swelled, state-of-the-art computer sensors activated emergency protocols.

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Over the next 35 minutes, a pair of 250-meter steel arms swung shut, protecting the channel ahead. Using 620-tonne ball joints, the barrier moved in rhythm with the shifting wind and waves. By morning, the storm had passed with minimal flooding. The first field activation of the Maeslantkering had been a resounding success. As one of the planet’s largest mobile structures, this storm surge barrier is a marvel of human engineering.

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But the Maeslantkering is just a part of a massive, interlocking system of water controls known as the Delta Works— the most sophisticated flood prevention project in the world. The Netherlands had a long history with water management. The country lays along the delta of three major European rivers, and nearly a quarter of its territory is below sea level.

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This geography makes the region extremely prone to flooding. So much so, that some of the earliest Dutch governing bodies were informal “water boards” that coordinated flood protection projects. But after the storms of 1955, the Dutch government took more official measures. They started the Delta Commission, and tasked them with protecting the entire southwestern region. Focusing on densely populated cities, their aim was to decrease the annual odds of flooding below 1 in 10,000, about 100 times as safe as the average coastal city.

​Second part of the lesson.

In the transcript you must find the correct use of English, using the words in red bold.

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Accomplishing this lofty goal required / requires various infrastructure projects along the southwestern coast. The first line of defence was / is to dam the region’s flood-prone estuaries. These large inlets fed many of the country’s rivers into the North Sea, and during storms they allowed flood water to surge inland. Using a series of dams, the Delta Commission transformed these / those estuaries into expansive lakes that serve as nature preserves and community parks.

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However, this solution wouldn’t / couldn't work for the Nieuwe Waterweg. As the lifeblood of the local shipping industry, this passage had to be kept open in safe conditions, and barricaded during storm surges. In 1998, the complete / completed Maeslantkering provided the flexible protection necessary. Alongside additional barriers, like grassy dikes and concrete seawalls, these fortifications made up the bulk of the Delta Works project, which was primarily focusing / focused on holding back ocean storms.

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But in the following months / decade / years, the Dutch pursued additional plans to complement the Delta Works and protects / protect / protecting against floods further inland. Under the "Room for the River" plan, farms and dikes were relocated away/ far / just from the shore.

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This is / was / left more space for water to collect in low-lying floodplains, creating reservoirs and habitats for local sea life / wildlife / land. This strategic retreat not only decreased flood risk, but allowed for the redeveloped settlements to be built many / much / more densely and sustainably.

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Perhaps no city embodies the Dutch / Netherlands' multi-pronged approach to water management as much as Rotterdam, a thriving / boosting / growing city almost entirely below sea level. When a storm threatens, densely populated older districts are protected by / at / for traditional dikes. Meanwhile, newer districts have been artificially elevated, often sporting green roofs that store rainwater.

​Third part of the lesson.

In the transcript you must find the correct prepositions.

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Numerous structures ___ the city transform ___ water storage facilities, including parking garages and plazas which normally serve as theatres and sports arenas. Meanwhile ___ the harbour, floating pavilions rise ___ the water level.

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These are the first ___ several planned amphibious structures, some ___ which house water purification systems and solar collectors. These strategies are just some ___ the technologies and policies that have put the Netherlands ___ the cutting edge ___ water management.

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The country continues ___ find new ways ___ make cities more resilient ___ natural disasters. And as the rising sea levels caused ___ climate change threaten low-lying cities ___ the world, the Netherlands offers an exceptional example of how to go ___ the flow.

​Fourth part of the lesson.

Comprehension Questions.

Multiple Choice

How long are each of the two steel arms of the Maeslantkering?

• 50 metre

• 120 metre

• 240 metre

• 400 metre

Multiple Choice

How many years did it take from the creation of the Delta Commission to the construction completion of the Maeslantkering?

• 44 years

• 27 years

• 20 years

• 5 years

Multiple Choice

What is the annual odds of flooding of densely populated cities in the Netherlands.

• 1 in 100

• 1 in 1,000

• 1 in 10,000

• 1 in 100,000

Multiple Choice

About how much of the Netherlands’ territory lies below sea level?

• 5%

• 10%

• 25%

• 75%

Multiple Choice

What is NOT a flood prevention measure?

• A storm surge barrier

• A dike

• Artificially-elevated land

• A ball joint