Boscastle Flood 2004

Causes 200mm Rainfall on Ottersham Moor, east of Boscastle

within 4 hours. Combined coastal winds and high tides. Saturated ground from previous rainfall. The small drainage basin allowed run-off and through

flow to reach the channel quickly. Steep valley sides meant surface run-off travelled

quicker. Large volume of water collected quickly at the

confluence of the Jordan & Valency Rivers. Building on the floodplain meant water could not

infiltrate it. Bridges narrowed the river channel. Low drainage density meant that there were not

enough channels to carry away the water. Water was not intercepted due to vegetation cleared

from the valleys.

Effects1.Primary

Business damage and stock loss50 Cars carried to sea by 3m high waterRoad damage3 Homes destroyed80 properties suffered damageHarbour DamageSome minor human injuriesPeople needed to be airlifted to safetyPeople left homeless20 destroyed bed and breakfasts Sewer Damage

2.SecondaryShop food damageWater Contamination from sewageClean water unavailableElectricity unavailableAccess to food unavailable

3.TertiaryBusiness decline as buildings unavailable for workStructural Engineers estimated repair cost at £500

million£25 million of businesses lost Job Losses Insurance Premium Increases

Clean Up & SolutionsDamaged buildings securedGeneral damage repair. Roads, sewers, Electricity etc.Removal of rubble & debrisA 4.5 million scheme to improve flood defences It incorporates drainage, sewer systems & land re-

gradingBoscastle car park raised in height next to river to

avoid easy floodingDrain allows water to run into the lower section of the

river quicklyRiver channel deeper and wider to accommodate more

waterNew sewage systemsStronger bridges that are blocked less easily were

introduced