FLOODS IN U.K.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29382, 8 December 1960, Page 17

FLOODS IN U.K.

Fog, Snow In Many Places

LONDON, Dec. 6 With flood levels generally going down, the situation improved in Britain tonight, but conditions still were serious in some English counties and danger continued from rivers that have not yet crested.

Fog, snow and ice in many places added to the miserable weather picture.

Automobile Association radio patrol reports tonight showed that 38 main roads were under water and 13 of them were impassable. Eighteen counties in England and Wales still were affected by flooding tonight, the Royal Automobile Club said, with floods serious in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire. Montgomeryshire, Herefordshire. Gloucestershire. Wiltshire and Monmouthshire. Where floodwaters had receded, mud, slime and debris were being cleaned up. The “Daily Sketch” reported that looters were in action in flood areas and police, with every available man on relief and rescue work, were powerless to stop them. The worst fog of the winter settled over London tonight.

Floods and gales in Western Europe have caused widespread devastation and many casualties. Heavy seas pounded tonight on a badly listing ship off the Swedish coast —a ship with a captain who refused to be rescued. The vessel, the 3155-ton Nis, was reported to be in danger of capsizing. The crew of 22 was taken off today in a dramatic rescue by British and Dutch ships and a Swedish helicopter. On a bleak spot on the coast of France a lighthouse keeper lay ill today as gale-force winds and towering waves foiled attempts to help him.