Learn more from survivors in a new video and about events taking place.

Tuesday 31 January marks the 70th Anniversary of the Great Flood of 1953. Events have been planned to commemorate the 120 Essex residents (58 from Canvey) who lost their lives, and to recognise the courageous community resilience of survivors.

On Tuesday 1 February, there will be a public plaque unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst at 2pm outside the Canvey Island Library. From 10am-3pm Canvey Library will be hosting an exhibition of flood photos and stories provided by The Canvey Community Archive. There will also be an interactive exhibition supplied by the Essex Record Office with survivors of the floods.

On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 February between 10am-3pm, Canvey Town Council are offering drop-in sessions for residents to meet representatives from the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority and Coast Watch. Information will be provided about current local flooding issues and water management projects to keep the low-lying homes and businesses of Canvey Island protected from flooding (including that caused by projected sea level rise and extreme weather as a result of climate change).

Essex County Council has commissioned a video to coincide with events taking place. Featured in the video are survivors Ray Howard MBE, honorary Alderman of Essex County Council, who was just 11 years old when the flood hit and Malcolm MacGregor, who shares his heroic story of how he acted to save others in his community.

Cllr Peter Schwier, Climate Czar at Essex County Council, said: “The 1953 floods of the Essex coast tragically remind us of the importance of collaborative work by all levels of local government and agencies to ensure that well designed, sustainable measures, that addresses flooding combines environmental mitigation measures.  

“This benefits residents and the natural flora and fauna, and affords greater protection and resilience for our coastal communities.”

[ Photo caption: Photo courtesy of Canvey Community Archive showing extensive flooding covering roads and surrounding houses on Canvey Island. ]