On 16 August 2004, the picturesque village of Boscastle in north Cornwall was struck by a devastating flash flood that transformed its tranquil streets into a raging torrent. In just a few hours, the Valency and Jordan rivers, swollen by a month’s worth of rain falling in a mere two hours, surged through the village, causing widespread destruction.
The Storm Unleashed
The deluge was triggered by a rare meteorological phenomenon. Tropical air from the southwest collided with a sea breeze, forming intense thunderstorms over Bodmin Moor. This convergence led to approximately 200mm of rain falling in just four hours, overwhelming the village’s drainage systems.
Devastation and Rescue
The floodwaters rose rapidly, reaching depths of up to 2.75 meters in some areas, sweeping away 150 cars, four buildings, and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Remarkably, no lives were lost, thanks to a swift and coordinated rescue operation involving seven helicopters, which airlifted around 100 people to safety.
Recovery and Reflection
In the aftermath, Boscastle faced the monumental task of rebuilding. Over £10 million was invested in flood prevention measures, including the construction of an overflow culvert to divert excess water and the installation of new flood defences.
Today, the village stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, located in Boscastle, offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s history, including exhibits related to the 2004 flood.
Video
Click on the thumbnail below to watch the news report from Sky News.