Intense local rainfall following a week of continuous rain, led to the River Valency bursting its banks and funnelling down the village main street, carrying trees, cars and other debris in its wake.

771 NAS Rescue 193 was first on scene and quickly declared a Major Incident, launching further SAR assets from RNAS Culdrose and RMB Chivenor (22 Sq A Flt). These were on the scene within 40 minutes and 100 people were rescued; Cornwall Air Ambulance was also present and was joined by a Sea King from RAF St Mawgan and an S-61 from Portland. Although infrastructure and property damage was extensive, there was no loss of life.