TERRIBLE DISASTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 130, 3 June 1889, Page 2

TERRIBLE DISASTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

A WHOLE TOWN WASHED AWAY. FIFTEEN HUNDRED PEOPLE DROWNfc/D. STILL GREATER CALAMITIES REPORTED. HEARTRENDING SCENES. [UNITED PBBSB ASSOCIATION.] New York, Ist June. Terrible floods, attended with great loss of life, are reported from Pennsylvania. A terrifio freshet in the Covenmaugh River burst a reservoir at Johnstown, near Pittsburg. This reservoir is three miles in length and one mile and a half wide. The water rushed into the town of Johnstown, which was completely wiped out, and it is estimated that 1500 persons have been drowned. Two thousand of tho rosidents were rescued from falling houses. Tho bodies of those drowned aro to be seen floating down the river in hundreds. Large numbers of the unfortunate inhabitants, when washed from their dwellings, were seen floating about clinging to driftwood and trees, and imploring help, but there wero no means at hand. At San Florence alone 85 perßonß were counted passing in an almost exhausted state, and all chance of rescue wao hopeless. It is feared that the villages of Southport, Mineral Point, Covenmaugh, and Woodville have suffered, and that 8000 persons have been drowned. Many wealthy families of Pittsburg reside in the locality, and thero is intense excitement as to their fate. The railway line from Baltimore to Ohio has been damaged by the rush of water, and seven miles are completely washed away. At Johnstown there is a pile of debris 40 feet high, which is embanking the floods. A tremendous rain storm has deluged Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, submerging many of the towns. Great anxiety in felt for tho safety of the residents, and this is intensified owing to the Buspenßion of communication by telegraph and railway. I — —