It was created by a succession of storm surges in the 14th and 15th centuries , including the St. Elizabeth 's flood ( 1404 ) and the St. Elizabeth 's flood ( 1421 ) . For a long time the Braakman was a natural barrier between east and west Zeelandic Flanders , and also access to the ports of Boekhoute , Philippine , Axel and Sas van Gent . Over the centuries it steadily spread , drowning at least 15 villages between 1200 and 1601 . Then , people fought back . Successive empolderings shrank the Braakman to a remnant , which was finally closed off from the sea in 1952 . During the North Sea flood of 1953 , this dam proved its worth : it resisted the flood and prevented flooding in the hinterland
North Sea flood of 1953
North Sea flood of 1953
Braakman