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Boscastle Pages by Geoff_Wright
| Page Views: 4,641 Last Visit to Boscastle: February, 2004 | Boscastle, North Cornwall by Geoff_Wright - last update: Aug 17, 2004 |
The Devastation of Boscastle*
The date of Monday, Aughust 16th, 2004 will long remain in the minds of the residents of, and visitors to the picturesque North Cornish village of Boscastle. Nestling as it does in a deep valley, with the usually tranquil Valency River trickling down from the steeply wooded hills, through the village, into the harbour and finally escaping out to the Atlantic Ocean.
At about 4.30 pm on the 16th August, a massive thunderstorm swept along the coast, and dumped 3 inches of rain (more than one month's worth) in just a few minutes.
There is no access to the village at this time (17th August), and search teams are still trying to ascertain whether or not anyone is missing, caught in their cars or in the debris. I have posted some pictures, taken with my digital camera from in front of the TV, into a Travelogue. The quality isn't good, but the scenes of disaster are more than evident.
Every visitor to Cornwall should try and visit Boscastle, even if just for an hour or two. In the Summer months it is crowded with tourists, and in the Winter is still attracts the tourist. And at all times of the year it is spectacular.
Boscastle consits of a number of houses scattered along a deep, picturesque valley, down which rushes a stream, the Valency River, which in earlier times turned the water wheels of varios mills. One such millwheel has been restored, and can be seen at the Wellington Hotel.
Boscastle is not visited for the charm of its old houses, but more for the breathtaking scenery of the ancient harbour and the high, rugged cliffs. There is a large car park here, but this will fill quickly in hte summer months, so eiher arrive early or later in the afternoon. A word of advice here; do check the times fo high water. On a windy day, and on a rising tide the harbour entrance will be spectacular. And on a still say, at low water, you can explore the harbour entrance, but have some wellington boots due to the river water which flows here. |
| Rescue Helicopter airlifting people to safety |
|  | More on the Floods They are reporting the tragedy in Boscastle as one of the biggest rescue events in Britain! 50 or more vehicles and caravans (trailers) were washed away, and out into the harbour and ocean. 111 people have been airlifted to safety, and there are a dozen or so people with various, and thankfully, minor injuries. So far (17 Aug) there are no reports of deaths, although the rescue teams are still searching homes and upturned vehicles. |
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 Comments for Geoff_Wright about Boscastle | | | | |
stevo666 Thu Mar 22, 2007 19:11 UTC
i think i drove pass your way the other day was off to boscastle and bude... (from st anns chapel) was going to pop in for a cup of tea but thought youd be at work :))) | Florida999 Wed Jun 14, 2006 16:23 UTC
I would have loved to see this village before the flood, it looked like a very nice place. Didn't know they had floods like that in the UK. We had 3'' rain here yesterday ( tropical storm), but nothing much flooded | bugalugs Sat May 6, 2006 19:47 UTC
Such devastation hit this tiny village, I hope things are getting back to 'normal'. Maybe we will have time on our 'flying visit' to see it. | iandsmith Sun Dec 4, 2005 09:08 UTC
Amazing indeed, thank goodness it's just about cleaned up! Exciting pages. |
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