Parts of North Friesland disappear underwater forever

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the inhabitants of the North Frisian marshes protected their land with dykes. However, the plague epidemic of 1350 killed so many people that there was not enough labour to maintain the defences.

A devastating storm surge flooded the North Frisian coast on 16 January 1362. Large parts of the island of Strand, including its largest settlement Rungholt, sank into the sea. Whilst early sources speak of up to 100,000 deaths, this is considered to be an exaggeration. After further storm surges, only the present-day islands of Nordstrand and Pellworm remained; the rest of the once proud island of Strand has lain submerged under the Wadden Sea ever since.