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The devastating Lynmouth Flood Disaster in 1952 was the result of eight inches of rain falling in 24 hours, high up on the saturated Exmoor peat. The rivers were unable to restrain the raging torrent of excess water. Bridges quickly became blocked with fallen trees and rocks. When they gave way, giant waves of water gushed seawards towards Lynmouth, destroying all in its path Lynmouth flood, SW England –15 August 1952 Causes of the flood: Very heavy rainfall throughout the first two weeks of August causing the surrounding ground to become saturated The drainage basins of the East and West Lyn rivers were very steep which meant that the surface run-off travelled fast towards the sea An extremely heavy thunderstorm with over 250mm of rain falling in 14 hours Rocks and boulders were picked up by the river and destroyed anything in their path Effects of the flood: 34 people dead 90 houses demolished or damaged 130 cars and 19 boats destroyed Gas, electricity and telephone services cut off Around 9,000,000 of damage done How can humans try to reduce the effects of flood disasters?
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