The Christmas Flood of 1717 was the most recent large flood in the northern Netherlands, caused by a northwesterly storm that hit the coast of the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia on Christmas night of 1717. Approximately 14,000 people drowned. Floodwaters reached the towns and cities of Groningen, Zwolle, Dokkum, Amsterdam, and Haarlem. Many villages were devastated in the west of Vlieland, behind the sea dykes in Groningen province, and elsewhere.Engraving: Unknown