TEIGNMOUTH could suffer the same catastrophic flooding that struck Boscastle, Cornwall, 11 years ago.That is the stark message from the Environment Agency, which warns that up to 330 properties are at risk from flash flooding. Millions of pounds have been spent in recent years on strengthening the coastal defences, designed to keep the sea out.A wall of water pouring down hills could wreck properties and also flood low-lying parts of the town centre. The main culprits would be the normally benign Brimley and Bitton brooks and their tributaries, which could be turned into raging torrents in torrential downpours. The Broadmeadow valley is also particularly vulnerable.A new map from the agency highlights the most vulnerable locations.Kate Taylor, from the agency, said there was a good chance that a Boscastle-type storm could happen in the Teignmouth area, millions of gallons of water surging downhill turning streams into raging torrents.

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