CLOUDBURST AT WAIOURU

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29797, 13 April 1962, Page 12

CLOUDBURST AT WAIOURU

Big Wash-Out On Road (N.Z. Press Association) WANGANUI, April 12. A cloudburst on the Desert road about mid-afternoon today sent torrents of water cascading down the hill leading to the bridge over the Waitangi stream, about three miles north of Waiouru. The northern approach to the bridge was scoured deeply and a large wash-out occurred on the northern side of the hill.

The Desert road was open for traffic tonight, but motorists had to exercise care at tlie bridge and at the washout. Heavy traffic was advised not to use the road. The bridge and the abutments were undamaged. It was estimated that about 1000 yards of spoil would be necessary to fill in the washout.

At the bridge approach on the Tokaanu side, an area of about 10 sq ft of asphalt has been lifted

Last night. Ministry of Works men directed traffic past the wash-out and across the bridge Waiouru township and the military camp missed the storm. In both areas only moderate rain fell. The wash-out is on a small straight section of the road about half-way up the hill on the Tokaanu side and extends right to the white centreline. It was described tonight as a gaping hole.

Motorists who were caught by the cloudburst described the experience as terrifying Most vehicles were brought to a standstill because windscreen wipers were unable to cope with the volume of water.