THIS week marked the sixth anniversary of the flash flooding in Coverack that was described at the time as being the "most intense rainfall ever recorded in the UK."
On July 18, 2017, flash flooding struck the coastal village of Coverack, flooding 50 properties and ripping apart roads. The flooding was caused by intense rainfall that had fallen over a short period and then washed through the village, wreaking havoc.
The road through the village was decimated and a landslide destroyed the coastal path. In St Keverne, eleven properties flooded, as well as one at Porthallow, with flood damage also occurring in Porthoustock.
Experts at County Hall said the level of rainfall at Coverack was similar to – but faster than – that experienced in the Boscastle floods in 2004 which led to the village being evacuated.
Miraculously, nobody was injured, and many residents were rescued from their homes local emergency services and volunteers, including several who were winched to safety from the roof of their home by HM Coastguard helicopter.
Dave Watkins, flood and coastal environment lead at Cornwall Council at the time, told the neighbourhoods overview and scrutiny committee: “Coverack had the same amount of rainfall as Boscastle but it happened in half the time.
"The Coverack rainfall was probably the most intense rainfall ever recorded in the UK."
Earlier this week (July 18, 2023), in a statement posted on its social media page, Cornwall Council said: "Today marks the six-year anniversary since flash flooding wreaked havoc on the village of Coverack.
"Rain and hailstones as large as 50p pieces pounded the streets while homes were filled with water, leaving behind extensive damage.
"Many residents were rescued from their homes - a couple were winched to safety from the roof of their home by HM Coastguard helicopter.
"Astonishingly nobody was injured, thanks to the swift response and brave efforts of local emergency services and volunteers.
"Six years on, we reflect on the village's remarkable recovery and this extraordinary story of community resilience."
Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We can't quite believe this was six years ago that this devastating event took place in Coverack.
"You'd never know it if you walk around there now, well done to everyone involved in saving lives that day and rebuilding the village."
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