Boscastle 2004 Flashcards
1
Q
physical reasons for the flooding
A
- a very wet august - ground saturated
- impermeable rocks & thin soils
- steep slopes - rapid runoff
- confluence of rivers valency & Jordan is just above the village
- a very high tide - made it difficult for water to flow out to sea
- 6 cm of rain fell in two hours
2
Q
does it have a long or short lag time
A
very short lag time
3
Q
human reasons for the flooding
A
- bridges were low so acted as a dam - debris such as tree trunks caught on them until it burst through in a great wave
- many buildings & roads were positioned close to the river so more property damage
4
Q
primary impacts
A
- 50+ cars, and caravans were swept out to sea
- a wall of water swept through the village destroying everything in its path
- 6 buildings were swept away
- many other houses, shops etc were flooded, with mud + sewage as well as water; possessions also ruined
- no deaths, few serious injuries
5
Q
secondary imapacts
A
- 90% of economy dependant on tourism > lost money > 20 accommodations providers & tourist attractions/shops forced to shut
- insurance companies pay out £20 million
