BRITAIN: A dramatic rescue operation was underway in Britain last night after flash floods trapped scores of people in cars and buildings.
Around 30 vehicles were washed into the harbour in the picturesque north Cornwall village of Boscastle following a burst of torrential rain.
At least 15 people were airlifted to safety from the village where two buildings collapsed during the storm, the Coastguard Agency said.
Six emergency helicopters were scrambled to the scene where rising flood waters caused traffic chaos and hampered rescue efforts. The debris-loaded water trapped around 50 people in their vehicles.
There were reports of people climbing up into trees and lighting fires to attract the attention of the emergency services.
Around 1,000 residents and holidaymakers were said to be in the worst affected areas around Boscastle. Nearby Tintagel and Camelford were also hit by the torrential rain.
In Boscastle, coastguard teams evacuated people into the village hall. Some shop keepers and residents put up sandbags in a bid to keep the water out while others were already bailing water out.
Coastguard Agency spokesman Mr Mark Clark said four adults and four children had been trapped on the roof of a visitor centre in Boscastle.
The emergency began after around two inches of rain fell in the North Cornwall area yesterday afternoon.