10-years on – Storm Eva and the Boxing Day floods

Remembering Storm Eva

This Boxing Day, December 26th, marks 10 years since Storm Eva brought devastating floods to Calderdale, an event that forever changed our borough. This significant anniversary is a moment for us to pause, reflect on the incredible impact the floods had on lives and livelihoods, and honour the memories of that challenging time. The true legacy of the Boxing Day floods is the powerful demonstration of community spirit and resilience.

This month, we celebrate the strength shown by residents, businesses, and volunteers who stepped up immediately after the devastation and throughout the journey of recovery. The past decade has seen huge efforts in flood protection and climate adaptation.

Join us as we look back, reflect, and move forward together toward Vision 2034.

Creating a more resilient future

Working with partners across the borough, we have built new flood defences, reducing flood risk for communities in Mytholmroyd, Copley, Erringden Hillside and Shaw Wood Road. We are constructing schemes in Brighouse, Hebble Brook and Cottonstones whilst investigating ways to reduce flood risk in other vulnerable towns. We also implemented a catchment approach to water management. Natural flood management took root in our hills and valleys. Over 150,000 trees have been planted across Calderdale as part of extensive Natural Flood Management efforts, alongside woody debris dams and new hedgerows, to slow the flow of water.

Ten years on, the difference is clear. The borough is more prepared, more connected, and more resilient, but by continuing to work in partnership, we can achieve even more. Together, through investment, innovation, and partnership, we’re creating a future where every community stands safer, stronger, and ready for the future. A decade of progress. Delivered through partnership. A more resilient future. We are Calderdale.