SERIOUS FLOODING

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 237, 4 July 1938, Page 10

SERIOUS FLOODING

Result Of Heavy Rain In Canterbury

SOUTH-WESTERLY STORM

By Telegraph—Press Association Christchurch. July 3.

Serious flooding in many parts of Canterbury was caused by a southwesterly storm which swept the procinve to-day as a climax to several days of bad weather. At Ueeston heavy rain caused flooding in the township, with streams of water running through the main street. Some residents left their homes for the night when water entered, and 1 in most of the dwellings the flood waters were welling to the top of the i’undations by 7 o’clock to-night, and rain was still continuing. On the main south road between Rolleston. and Geraldine, the water was over the roads in scores of places, and many small ears were reported to be temporarily stranded along the roadside last night, although bigger vehicles, including the service cars, got through. The road from Christchurch to Bank’s Peninsula also carried much surface water, and there were reported to be slips near Birdling’s Flat, although the road was still open. A general warning to take special care was broadcast for motorists intending to use the road from Lincoln to Leeston, and in the direction of Irwell, by the Transport Department. Watercourses on the roads in many parts of the province have been turned by the rain to swift rivers, and reports of motor-cars in difficulties have been received from many quarters. In the city there was some flooding caused in low-lying residential areas on the banks of the Heathcote River, which is affected also by heavy tides.