MEXICAN STORM DISASTER

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 28 September 1933, Page 5

MEXICAN STORM DISASTER

Full Death Roll Not Known

BODIES WASHED OUT TO SEA Disease And Famine Threatens RELIEF WORK DIFFICULTIES. SERIVICES DISORGANISED (United Piess Association—By Electric .Telegraph copy right.; Received 10.30 a.m. to-day. TAMPICO, Sept. 27. Disease, hunger and thirst threaten to .acid their terrors to those of the noons and storms which on Sunday and Monday brought destruction in this area. Official estimates place the deaths at 50, while more than 850 are injured, out it is feared that many more bodies have been buried in the ruins of buildings and the number may reach fifteen hundred. The movement of food and medical supplies is uncertain owing to the disrupted rail service. At Panueo 5000 are homeless and foodless and it is also feared that heavy loss of life has occurred in the district. General Macias, director of the relief work, said : “1 believe the number of dead will never be known, as many of the bodies in the sections flooded by the Panueo River undoubtedly were washed out to sea.” The military authorities: report that i they rescued large numbers neck deep in water. All the towns along the banks of the Panuootamesi River and the shores of Lake' Oarpintero have been destroyed while Tampico suburbs are severely damaged. An airman who circled the city said that the majority of the large buildings had resisted the shock, but fully half of the cheaper native dwellings had been demolished. Half of the centre of the city’s power remained intact. Hundreds of homeless are huddled in municipal buildings schools and parks. All are being supplied with small rations of corn, beans and coffee from the meagre supply remaining. The water supply is ex-' hails ted and an epidemic is feared.