Flash floods hit UK villages

A dramatic rescue operation was underway tonight after flash floods trapped scores of people in cars and buildings in the UK.

Around 30 vehicles were washed into the harbour in the picturesque north Cornwall village of Boscastle following a burst of torrential rain.

At least 15 people were airlifted to safety from the village where two buildings collapsed during the storm, the UK Coastguard Agency said.

Six emergency helicopters were scrambled to the scene where rising flood waters caused traffic chaos and hampered rescue efforts.

The debris-loaded water trapped around 50 people in their vehicles.

There were reports of people climbing up into trees and lighting fires to attract the attention of the emergency services.

Around 1,000 residents and holidaymakers were said to be in the worst affected areas around Boscastle. Nearby Tintagel and Camelford were also hit by the torrential rain.

In Boscastle, coastguard teams evacuated people into the village hall. Some shop keepers and residents put up sandbags in a bid to keep the water out. Others were already bailing water out of their properties.

Coastguard Agency spokesman Mark Clark said four adults and four children had been trapped on the roof of a visitor centre in Boscastle.

Further along the coast at Crackington Haven, a pub had been swamped by heavy rain.

The emergency began after around two inches of rain fell in the North Cornwall area this afternoon.

Holidaymaker Wayne Grundy told Sky News how he saw parked cars being washed out to sea.

“The rain came down and turned the roads into rivers. Cars started coming down the High Street and then out to sea. I actually saw a caravan and two cars washed over the top of a bridge. I have never seen anything like it.”

Mr Grundy told how he saw people climbing into windows to escape the rising water.

“The bed-and-breakfast and tea shop just filled with water.

“One minute they were ankle deep and the next they were up to their chests trying to climb into windows to escape the wash,” he said.

MP for North Cornwall, Paul Tyler, said: “It’s a very dangerous situation.

“I have never seen such rain for so long. Quite a lot of people have been trapped.”

Devon and Cornwall police said the A39 and A395 roads into the area had been closed, causing traffic gridlock on some other routes.

Six helicopters were scrambled from RAF St Mawgan and RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and RAF Chivenor in north Devon. A coastguard helicopter from Portland was also tasked.

Lifeboats from Port Isaac and Bude had also been sent to give assistance if required, Mr Clark said.

The incident began just before 4pm when heavy rain combined with the rising tide.

Nigel Doyle, landlord of The Darlington Inn in Camelford, said sandbags were being put in place to protect properties from the swollen River Camel.

He said: “The emergency services are out and they are sandbagging certain houses because the river is going at full flow. There is a lot of flood water out on the streets.”

Stephen Rose, divisional fire officer at Cornwall Fire Brigade, told Sky News that 20 fire appliances had been deployed but emergency services were being hampered by flood water up to 9ft deep.

“It’s making it extremely difficult to get our resources into this area,” he said.

Environment Agency spokesman Mike Dunning said the River Valancy in Boscastle had burst its banks.

“There was a very concentrated burst of rain. About 60mm fell in the space of two hours this afternoon which has caused flooding,” he said.

Environment Agency officers were trying to reach the affected areas despite flood waters making many roads impassable, Mr Dunning said.

Flight Lieutenant Chris Thomas from RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall, said: “We are trying to help people who are in dire situations and in need of an airlift.”