THIS week marked the sixth anniversary of the flash flood in Coverack which was described at the time as "the heaviest rain ever recorded in the UK".
On July 18, 2017, a flash flood hit the coastal town of Coverack, inundating 50 properties and destroying roads. The flooding was caused by heavy rains that fell for a short period and then swept through the town, wreaking havoc.
The road through the town was decimated and a landslide destroyed the coastal road. In St Keverne, eleven properties were flooded, as well as one in Porthallow, with flood damage also occurring in Porthoustock.
The main road through the village was destroyed. (Image: Cornish Council)
Experts at County Hall said the level of rainfall in Coverack was similar to, but faster than, that experienced in the 2004 Boscastle floods that led to the evacuation of the village.
Miraculously, no one was injured and many residents were rescued from their homes by local emergency services and volunteers, including several who were carried to safety from the roof of their home by an HM Coastguard helicopter.
The highway and coastal path were badly damaged. (Image: Cornwall Council)
Dave Watkins, Flood and Coastal Environment Leader at Cornwall Council at the time, told the Neighborhoods Overview and Scrutiny Committee: โCoverack had the same amount of rain as Boscastle, but it happened in half the time.
"The Coverack rain was probably the heaviest rain ever recorded in the UK."
Earlier this week (18 July 2023), in a statement posted to their social media page, Cornwall Council said: "Today marks the sixth anniversary since flash floods wreaked havoc on the village of Coverack.
The main road through Coverack is lost under a torrent of water (Image: Frank Gzonka)
"Rain and hail of up to 50 pence battered the streets as houses filled with water, leaving extensive damage.
"Many residents were rescued from their homes; a couple were taken to safety from the roof of their house by an HM Coastguard helicopter.
"Amazingly, no one was injured, thanks to the quick response and the courageous efforts of the emergency services and local volunteers.
Some residents were rescued from the roof of their homes (Image: Cornish Council)
"Six years later, we reflect on the town's remarkable recovery and this remarkable story of community resilience."
The Mullion Coast Guard rescue team said: "We cannot believe it was six years ago that this devastating event took place on Coverack.
"You'd never know if you were walking around now, well done to everyone involved in saving lives that day and rebuilding the village."
