FLOODS IN TYROL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 28 September 1927, Page 5

FLOODS IN TYROL

COUNTRYSIDE SUBMERGED heavy death-roll INEVITABLE. RELIEF TRAIN MEETS DISASTER (By Cable — Press Assn. — Copyright.] Violent storms and cloudbursts have caused widespread damage and the loss ot many lives in Switzerland and the Tyrolese Alps, The floods in the Rhine broke a 1000 feet gap in a dam. allowing the river to overflow an enormous area It submerged villages and many people have lost their lives. (Received 28. 10.40 a.m.) Geneva, September 27. Hie flood death-roll in tlie Tyrol is increasing. Austrian troops vre using pontoons to rescue -the villagers from the housetops, where thev have been marooned for two days. A bridge over the Eisaek river collapsed whilst a relief train was crossing it. The train was precipitated into the river. A mechanic and one workman were saved- It is believed that twenty-five women and two chil dren were drowned like rats in a trap. A fire brigade sent out to assist isolated settlers is missing. the level of Lake Constance has risen 15 feet The Government of Liechtenstein has appealed for help Switzerland is sending troops. Almost all branch railways in Carinthia and the Tyrol have ceased owin- to the destruction of bridges.

It is feared there have been nuine-i rous drownings. A family of eight was sheltering on a house, which suddenly collapsed, and all were lost.

The wind was hurricane-like throughout the night, while the floods were at their highest. Those fortu nate enough to escape spent the night on the shelterless hills. The vallev is inundated for 110 miles-—(A. and N.Z.)