Today marks the tenth anniversary of a devastating flash flood in the village of Boscastle, Cornwall. An estimated 440million gallons of water swept through the picturesque West Country town on 16 August 2004, after heavy rainfall led to the bursting of banks and the convergence of three rivers.
In this way, why was the Boscastle flood so bad?
Very heavy rain fell in storms close to the village, causing two rivers to burst their banks. About two billion litres of water then rushed down the valley straight into Boscastle. Residents had little time to react. Cars were swept out to sea, buildings were badly damaged and people had to act quickly to survive.
Additionally, how much did the Boscastle flood cost?
Boscastle's flood loss estimated at £50m
The cost of the flash flood that devastated the Cornish village of Boscastle could reach £50m, experts have estimated. The village's main source of income is tourism and Monday's flood coincided with the busiest time in the tourist calendar. Did anyone die in the Boscastle flood?
However, no one was killed or seriously injured during the floods. The Boscastle flood came 52 years to the day after floods in Lynmouth, Devon, swept 34 people to their deaths.
How did Boscastle flood?
Floods devastate village
Very heavy rain fell in storms close to the village, causing two rivers to burst their banks. About two billion litres of water then rushed down the valley straight into Boscastle. Residents had little time to react.