Dam flood feared

Press, 23 February 1980, Page 1

Dam flood feared

NZPA-Reuter Los- Angeles Flood authorities have called on tens of thou-, sands of people to leave their homes in the southern Californian city of San Diego, fearing that a giant reservoir was about to break over its banks. Fifteen hotels and motels and two giant shopping centres are in the path of the expected flood - and many of the guests hurriedly packed and left.

People who drove through the area after the voluntary evacuation said the area looked like a ghost town. The flood authorities said they expected the El Capitan reservoir to break its banks, even if there was no more heavy rain. Ten days of thunderstorms have left 24 people dead and caused damage estimated at $260 million in Los Angeles, San Diego, and other parts of southern California.

In San Diego waters have already washed through one hotel, sending topless waitresses home early, and a nearby racecourse was under water.

Hundreds of people have been moved from their homes in Palm Springs, 160 km east of Los Angeles, because of floods.

(Stars forced to leave, PageS)