Dutch water defences closed and eastern England begins evacuating residents

A storm surge is threatening countries with North Sea coasts.

Ten metre high waves have forced the Netherlands to close floodgates and the UK to begin evacuating residents in eastern England, according to reports.

In the Netherlands, Maeslant and Hartel defence systems near Rotterdam were closed, halting all ship traffic, reported the Associated Press.

The BBC reported that 50ft spray was crashing against Great Yarmouth’s sea wall, sending debris spilling across nearby roads.

In England, the government has warned of serious flooding over the next 48 hours.

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