MEDC Flooding case study Flashcards
What is a case study for MEDC Flooding?
Boscastle floods, North cornish coast
When did the floodings take place?
16th August 2004
What were the physical causes of the Boscastle floods?
Small sized drainage basin
75mm rain fell in 2 hrs
2 million tonnes of water flowed through Boscastle that day
Boscastle is at a confluence of rivers: Jordan, Valency and Paradise
Impermeable rock at Bodmin moor prevented infiltration so water reached the channel faster
What were the human causes of the Boscastle floods?
No flood defense management scheme
Old sewer and drainage system had a low capacity
Street pattern and urbanisation enhanced the flooding
Material caught under a bridge e.g. cars, causing water to build up developing a surge
What were the environmental impacts of the Boscastle floods?
Wildlife habitats were disturbed
Burst sewage contaminated the water
What were the Economical Impacts of the Boscastle floods?
£2 million cost to repair damage
Tourism lost which contributed to 90% of the economy
25 businesses properties destroyed (loss of jobs and cost of repair)
50 buildings damaged
£20 million insurance payout will cause premiums to rise
What were the Social Impacts of the Boscastle floods?
58 Properties flooded
4 swept away by the flood
32 cars washed away
What were the short term responses of the Boscastle floods?
150 people were saved by the RAF
100 people used the Camelford leisure centre for refugee over night
What were the long term responses of the Boscastle floods?
£4.6 million was spent on flood defense schemes in Boscastle (completed in 2008)
2007, the river channel was widened through Boscastle and river depth was increased by 0.75m
