Friday 10th January, 2003 - 13:45 - GMT
East Coast Floods 1953 | |
|  | | People had to be rescued from their homes |
| | This site was developed to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1953 East Coast Floods.
Do you have something to add to this site? |
| | | - Do you have vivid memories of that night?
- Do you have any photographs of the flooding and the subsequent damage that we could use?
What happened?
The night of 31st January 1953 will never be forgotten by those who experienced it. The combined effects of hurricane force winds and a high tide took sea levels to eight feet above their predicted levels.
This tidal surge had devastating consequences all along the Suffolk coast, with vast tracts of land overwhelmed by flood water.
What areas were affected?
The worst hit was Felixstowe where 39 people lost their lives and hundreds were made homeless. Around a fifth of the town was flooded.
Five people died at Southwold as the town was cut off by floodwater from the north and south.
Lowestoft saw a 40’ high cliff of sand driven back 40’ from the sea and in the east of the county not a single river estuary or valley was unaffected by flooding. Livestock perished and 95 roads were closed due to flood water.
From it all came stories of fear, bravery and heroism.
How can I get involved?
If you have any memories of that night or any
information, we would like to hear from you. Plus send us any photographs of the flooding and the subsequent damage that we could use on our website?
Where do I send my information?
You can either ring, write or email:-
Phone: 01473 250000
Write: BBC Radio Suffolk, St Matthew’s Street, Ipswich IP1 3EP - mark the envelope "Floods"
Email:lynne.patrick@bbc.co.uk
We want to hear from you now! | | | |
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