MEDC flood - Boscastle Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Boscastle flood?
A
August 2004
2
Q
What are the three rivers that flow through Boscastle?
A
Valency, Jordan and Paradise
3
Q
Physical causes of the flood:
A
- Over 60mm of rainfall fell in two hours
- The ground was already saturated due to the previous two weeks of above average rainfall
- Drainage basin has many steep slopes
4
Q
Human causes of the flood:
A
- Urbanisation
- Lack of flood protection
- Deforestation
5
Q
Social effects:
A
- Destroyed homes
- Stress & anxiety for locals
- Over 1000 cars washed away
6
Q
Economic effects:
A
- 25 business properties destroyed
- Bridges and roads damaged
- Income from tourism lost
- Insurance companies paid out roughly £20 million
7
Q
Environmental effects:
A
- Gardens and pavements destroyed by the weight of floodwater
8
Q
How many lives were lost?
A
No-one was killed, mainly because of the rapid response from emergency services
9
Q
Short-term responses:
A
RAF Search & rescue alerted to rescue trapped people
10
Q
Long-term responses:
A
- Low bridges were removed
- River channel widened and lowered
- Flood defense wall built in village centre
