Visitors to Devon and Cornwall urged to be flash flood ready
Published: 21 August 2024
People holidaying in Devon and Cornwall are being urged to ensure they are prepared should flash floods occur in the region.
The warning comes from the Environment Agency, 20 years after the small village of Boscastle in Cornwall was engulfed by a devastating flash flood.
The Environment Agency has launched a campaign encouraging holidaymakers to be aware of the risks of flash floods in the region and how to prepare ahead of a flash flood.
The potentially life-saving advice is also helpful for those living in Exeter who might also be holidaying elsewhere in the county or in Cornwall.
The Environment Agency says: “Both counties are well known for their rugged coastal landscape and stunning beaches. Visitors are used to preparing for all scenarios during the summer, but one scenario which might not be top of your list is to be prepared for is flash flooding.
“Due to the incredible landscape of the southwest, there are lots of places in the region with steep valleys and fast flowing rivers. As our climate changes, we can expect to experience more intense summer rainfall more frequently. Flash flooding is very difficult for authorities to predict and often happens very suddenly in localised areas. This means that there is often very little time for warnings to reach those affected.
“They can also happen in places located away from rivers and the sea, in places that have never flooded before, and in places that haven’t flooded for a long time. Knowing how to respond to a flash flood could save your life!”
The campaign encourages people to look out for the warning signs of heavy rain and fast rising water levels, have a plan of how to react in the event of a flash flood, and know the evacuation procedures at the place that they are staying.
There’s also handy online advice on how to check up on the flood risk in areas where holiday makers are staying, how to sign up for Met Office weather warnings, and how to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings.
There’s also a chance to watch the Environment Agency’s short animation below, which shows Mollie and her family react to a flash flood on their holiday.
To find out more visit the Environment Agency’s website at https://thefloodhub.co.uk/household/#household-flood-plans