On the night of 31 January , the North Sea flood of 1953 devastated the island taking the lives of 58 islanders , and led to the temporary evacuation of the 13,000 residents . Canvey is consequently protected by modern sea defences comprising of concrete seawall . Many of the victims were in the holiday bungalows of the eastern Newlands estate and perished as the water reached ceiling level . The small village area of the island is approximately above sea level and consequently escaped the effects of the flood
North Sea flood of 1953
North Sea flood of 1953
River Thames