ON THIS DAY - BOSCASTLE FLOODING - 16th August 2004

ON THIS DAY - BOSCASTLE FLOOD
It is 20 years since a huge surge of water hit #Boscastle, destroying four buildings and sending cars careering into the harbour.
About 100 people were airlifted to safety after the flash flood hit the Cornish village on 16 August 2004.
About two billion litres of water then rushed down the valley straight into Boscastle.
Residents had little time to react. Cars were swept out to sea, buildings were badly damaged and people had to act quickly to survive.
Fortunately, nobody died - thanks largely to a huge rescue operation involving helicopters - but there was millions of pounds worth of damage.
Some 7.9ins (200mm) of rain had fallen in 24 hours, leading to rivers bursting their banks. #Onthisday #Boscastleflood #Cornwall #UKWeather