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Luci Isaacson<\/strong> BEM**<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooding in Truro has been a recurrent event, shaping the lives and stories of many. One of the most memorable floods in Truro\u2019s history occurred in 1988, and it\u2019s a time that remains vivid in the memories of those who lived through it. The city was hit by devastating floods twice in the same year, in January and again in October. The Truro flood of 1988 wasn\u2019t just an environmental catastrophe; it became a moment that brought the community together in ways that are still remembered with both nostalgia and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, too, have my own story from the 1988 floods. Like many, I joined in the effort to help where I could. I vividly recall helping to bale out water from Petite Pantry, a small shop located at the corner of Victoria Square. While I and others worked to salvage what we could, firefighters were busy rescuing people trapped in shops. In fact, there was an incident where the fire brigade had to row across the flooded square in rubber dinghies to rescue three women who were stuck on the first floor of Fox\u2019s travel agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The store owned by Robert Mallett, a central figure during the floods, was among the hardest hit. His store was submerged under four feet of water, flooding the ground floor and filling the lift shaft. Despite the devastation, Robert remained positive. In fact, his attitude became symbolic of the wider community\u2019s response. Everyone was upbeat, helping each other in the face of adversity. Robert lent the fire brigade rubber dinghies, demonstrating not only his generosity but also how the entire town pulled together to overcome the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll my staff worked without question,\u201d Robert later reflected. Despite the devastation, they were determined to reopen the store as soon as possible. \u201cBy 8:00 p.m., we stopped and went to get fish and chips from Sole Plaice. Everyone was amazing, and we all worked together.\u201d This spirit of community cooperation was one of the silver linings of the flood, a memory I carry with me to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Long-term Solutions to Truro\u2019s Flooding Problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the floods of 1988 brought people together, they also highlighted the need for long-term solutions to protect the town from future disasters. Robert Mallett, at the time the Mayor\u2019s consort, played a significant role in the aftermath. Along with the lady mayor, he established a Flood Alleviation Committee that worked closely with South West Water, the local council, and other agencies. As a result of their combined efforts, two important flood prevention measures were implemented: the construction of storage dams on the rivers Kenwyn and Allen and the installation of a tidal gate at Newham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These measures have played a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding in Truro, but they did not eliminate the problem entirely. Flooding is a complex issue, exacerbated by environmental changes that extend beyond the control of local infrastructure. Reflecting on the events of 1988, I hadn\u2019t realised how deeply these experiences would shape my understanding of environmental challenges and my subsequent work in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Broader Perspective: Environmental Awareness and Flooding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1995, I moved to Greece, initially planning to stay for a few months, but I ended up living there for two years. During this time, I taught English, and as part of the curriculum, I helped students practice their pronunciation through discussions on various topics, including environmental issues. Over the course of three rounds of exams, I noticed a significant increase in environment-based topics, from 18% to 38%. This rise in environmental awareness made me realise that I needed to gather more comprehensive information on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sought out Greenpeace Greece for relevant materials, a decision that marked a turning point in my life. On the day I visited their office, Athens was sweltering under an intense heatwave, and a rubbish strike had left the streets piled high with black sacks of materials. The heat was so extreme that the materials caught fire, sending thick, black smoke through the streets. As I fled the smoke, I stumbled upon the Greenpeace office, gasping for air. It was a surreal moment, but one that further fuelled my passion for environmental activism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the language barrier, I was able to understand the core of Greenpeace\u2019s message: many environmental problems, including flooding, had relatively simple solutions. The problem wasn\u2019t that these solutions didn\u2019t exist; it was that they were not widely implemented. For example, many bad things could be prevented by changing behaviours or being better prepared. These two concepts\u2014stopping harmful practices and preparing for potential disasters\u2014became the cornerstones of my environmental philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After two years in Greece, I moved to New Zealand, where I continued working on environmental projects. Once again, I found myself dealing with issues related to pollution and its impact on natural ecosystems. Whether it was dieldrin in the ground or dioxins in my cereals, the common theme was that human activities were causing widespread environmental damage, much of which could be prevented with better practices and awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back Home in Cornwall: The Fight for Flood Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I eventually returned to the UK, I took up a position with the Falmouth-based Rag & Bone Recycling company. My work there helped expand the doorstep recycling services that are now commonplace, and it reinforced my belief that individual actions could make a big difference in tackling environmental issues. Around this time, a sailing friend introduced me to Earth Systems Science, a field that examines the interactions between the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although I wasn\u2019t an academic, I found the subject fascinating, particularly as it related to the broader issue of climate change. The more I learned, the clearer it became that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, were contributing to global warming. This, in turn, was increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, including floods. For every degree of warming, the atmosphere can hold 7-14% more water vapour, which has to fall as precipitation at some point. This phenomenon, known as atmospheric rivers, can lead to sudden and intense rainfall, which in turn causes flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Future of Flooding: Preparing Truro for the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given these facts, the question now is: Are we ready to accept that climate change is already affecting us and that more flooding is inevitable? For many, the answer is no. This isn\u2019t surprising, as environmental education was pretty much zero when I was in school, and it\u2019s only recently become a central focus in the curriculum. But for those of us who have experienced flooding firsthand, like the people of Truro in 1988, and had chance to study climate change, the need for preparedness is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truro is particularly vulnerable to flooding because it sits at the confluence of three rivers. As the climate continues to change, the likelihood of more frequent and severe floods increases. However, there is hope. There are steps we can take to make our homes, workplaces, and communities more resilient. One such initiative is our new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualification, designed to educate people about climate resilience. This two-day course, open to all, provides practical advice on how to prepare for and mitigate the effects of flooding. It also includes a flood plan template that individuals can use to protect their homes or businesses. The first 400 are funded, get in touch to sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those interested in learning more about climate resilience, there\u2019s also the opportunity to join a \u201cShaping Climate Vision CIC Walk and Talk\u201d in Truro. This guided walk starts from the Truro River and offers a chance to discuss flooding and other climate-related topics with experts. Participants are given resources to help them create their own flood plans and reduce their carbon footprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Call to Action: Protecting Truro for Future Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tide gate and two river dams were designed in the early 1990s to provide a high standard of flood protection considering river and tidal flood. They work alongside river walls, channels, bridges and culverts which are often in private ownership and management and have provided a good level of protection since they were constructed. Surface water and sewer flooding has been a problem in a number of locations and upgrades to the system have been implemented by South West Water following flooding at Victoria Square. The combined surface and foul sewerage in Truro interacts with river and tidal flood management so that when high river flow and tides occur, drainage systems cannot discharge freely. With increasing rainfall, river flow, and rising sea level our current management systems will be put under more pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Howard Simpson, Environment Agency<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To address these challenges, the EA is starting a Strategic Appraisal Study in 2024. This study will assess the future flood risks in Truro and propose new measures to ensure the town\u2019s long-term resilience. While infrastructure improvements will play a key role, individual preparedness is equally important. For questions and comments, please get in touch with their enquiries team at: DCISEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: Flooding is Everyone\u2019s Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of flooding in Truro is not just a story of natural disasters; it\u2019s a story of community resilience and adaptation. From the floods of 1988 to the present day, the people of Truro have faced the challenges of flooding with determination and solidarity. But as climate change accelerates, the risks are growing, and we must all do our part to protect the city we love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether it\u2019s by taking part in the CPD course, developing a flood plan, or simply being more aware of the environmental impact of our actions, each of us has a role to play in making Truro more resilient to future floods. The time to act is now.<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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**Luci is a director of Climate Vision<\/a> which is based in Truro. in 2020 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to \u201cFlood Risk Management in Cornwall\u201d. You can contact her at luci@climatevision.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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