Boscastle Flashcards
What was the date of the flood?
16th August, 2004
Which rivers flooded and meet at a confluence in town?
Jordan + Valency
What was the population
880
Describe the valley
Steep, composed of shale (impermeable rock)
Name the 1st physical cause of flood
Remnants of Hurricane Alex + conventional rainfall triggered by intense heating of the ground by summer heat = heavy rainfall in S of England
Over 2hrs how much rainfell in Boscastle?
60mm
In total how much rainfell?
200mm
What was the 2nd physical cause if flooding?
Area composed of shale that has sparse vegetation
Increase runoff due to lack of both infiltration + interception = increase water reaching the rivers
List 2 more physical factors of flooding?
River valley = high relief + steep sides increase surface run off
Human causes of flood
Urbanised floodplain
Lack of flood control system
Sewer + drainage system = v.old + small capacity
River has never flooded = unprepared
Economic impacts
Insurance claims: £15-30,000 per property + insurance now v.high
76 cars washed out to sea
Lower bridge badly damaged
Main source of income = tourism
6 buildings washed out to sea
Social impacts
No one killed but some suffer hypothermia + broken bones
Flood blocked road = difficult access apart from air
People trapped in buildings and forced into roofs
Baby was born
Water + power supplies taken out
Environmental impacts
Raw sewage washed out to sea + into river
Habitats ruined
Short-term responses
Flood warning issued 3:30pm
Few hours after flooded = S&R until 2:30am next day
S&R rescued over 150
Geologist flew over to assess likelihood of landslide
Provided accommodation for 11 tourists
Long-term responses
Early 2005 mains power + water back up
Council invested in flood defences: widened + deepened
Bridge replaced with larger one
Made people think about environmental foot print more = won 5 awards for Eco-friendliness
