Boscastle Flood

Question 1

where is boscastle?

Answer 1

cornwall

Question 2

when was it?

Answer 2

16th august 2004

Question 3

what were the causes

Answer 3

-75mm of rainfall in 2 hours (2 moths worth)
-saturated ground, impermeable
-steep sided valley, funnelled water
-debris filled river channel
-strong winds and torrential rain
-500mm in 4 hours
-confluence where river valency and jordan meet

Question 4

provide a timeline of events

Answer 4

1:00- river levels rising
3:30-river valency burst banks
3:45- fire service called
4:00-people escape through roofs
4:45-7 helicopters called
peacetime rescue declared

Question 5

name some effects

Answer 5

-roads blocked=hard for emergency services
-50 buildings damaged
-25 businesses destroyed
-£20 million damage
-sewage pipe burst
-75 cars washed out to sea by 40mph waters
-houses destroyed by trees and cars
-1000 homeless
-cars and trees stuck under a bridge, stopped flow of water

Question 6

name some responses

Answer 6

-7 helicopters called
-insurance companies paid £20 million for repairs
-car parks raised above flood levels
-£4.6 million spent on flood defence measures completed in 2008
-parts of river widened to prevent blockage, increased volume it can carry
-river dredged 1m deeper
-removed low bridges built flood defence walls

Question 7

what is the drainage basin?

Answer 7

steep valley sides, water runs quickly into it, trees cut down above river (flooding worse)
-settlements upstream, less water absorbed
-narrow mouth