The Boscastle flood occurred on August 16, 2004, in the village of Boscastle, located in Cornwall, England. This event was notable for its suddenness and severity, resulting from a combination of heavy rainfall and the geography of the area.

An intense storm dropped around 200 millimeters (about 8 inches) of rain in just a few hours, causing rapid runoff from the steep hills into the River Valency and River Jordan, resulting in flash flooding.

The floodwaters rose quickly, inundating the village and causing extensive damage, with some buildings swept away and roads rendered impassable for emergency services. A large-scale rescue operation ensued, involving helicopters to airlift stranded individuals, and while there were no fatalities, several people were injured.

In the aftermath, discussions on flood management and prevention intensified, leading to improved drainage measures to mitigate future risks. The Boscastle flood highlights the potential for flash flooding in vulnerable areas, especially amid changing weather patterns and climate change.