WIDESPREAD HAVOC'

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 6, 9 January 1928, Page 9

WIDESPREAD HAVOC'

WAREHOUSES SWAMPED XO INSURANCE LIKELY fSydney Sun Cable.) (Received 9th January, 10 a.m.) LONDON, Bth January.' The flood fortunately did not .invade the Underground Kailway, but trams were brought to a standstill. In Lambeth and adjoining districts in whole streets of houses the water rose halfway upstairs. Probably the worst damage from a financial viewpoint was below Blackfriars Bridge, where warehouse basements were filled. The damage will not be known until the water is pumped out. Waves swept over the bank, outside The Tower and filled the ancient moats. The Tower looks like its old self after centuries. The water is mostly fifteen feet deep, and twenty upon the Guards' drillground. A tidal wave played havoc on the East Coast and swept w,ho)e colonies of beach huts seawards between Frinton, Walton, and Claetou, festooned tho village of Salcot with seaweed, marooned Brightliiigsea, drove residents on tho River Blackwator to tho upper stories of their houses, and damaged wharves at Strood, Kochester, Chatham, and Gillingham. Many victims of the Thames flood, including hundreds of owners of valuable motor-cars iri inundated Putney garages, were amazed to find their insurances void. The companies contend that the flood was an "Act of God." PLACES FLOODED. The important places flooded include Woolwich Arseual, Billingsgate Market, tho office of the Ministry of Pensions at Kow, which entails delay in paying ex-service men and pensioners, but the British Legion is attending to cases of necessity. The Salvation Army is distributing food in the poorer areas, and has established kitchens. The Mayor of Lambeth has opened a fund. He states that thousands of poople living in basements have virtually lost everything. A large number of societies have responded to the appeal for immediate relief. Everybody is assured beds and meals. Veterinaries avo treating gratis huudreds of cats, dogs, and poultry. Many houses have been condemned in Horseferry road area as dangerous.