FLOOD DAMAGE.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LIV, Issue 36, 10 May 1934, Page 2

FLOOD DAMAGE.

A close survey of the flood-stricken area in the Little River and Kaifuna districts reveals that the disastrous storm, which broke over the Banks Peninsula on Friday night, has done damage which is unprecedented in the history of that part of Canterbury. Generally the meagre reports which were available on Monday did not convey the full extent of the widespread havoc, which now proves to be extraordinarily severe. Nover befo c has the peninsula been so devastated by floods.

Continued heavy southerly weather, with driving rain throughout Monday, caused grave concern that Saturday’s flooding would be repeated. Lake Forsyth, banked up to a level not previously known, added to the anxiery. Flooding is still heavy in many areas, and covers the main highway between Littlo River and Christchurch, cutting off road communications. These had been temporarily restored on Alon day morning.

An emergency train service has been started, following splendid organisation by railway officials. A great slip on which gangs are at work still covers the railway line just short of tho Little River station.

Nearly all the surrounding valley districts of Little River are isolated, and many will remain so for somo weeks. Mails and stores will have to bo packed in. An appeal has been made to the Government by Canterbury members of Parliament for assistance for residents in the stricken area.

The damage amounts to tens of thousands of pounds, to bridges, roads, fences, crops, and property. Stock losses, although not yet known in all districts, are severe.

At a late hour on Alonday night the crisis was considered past. The had risen four inches during the - ing, but was not threatening ymvc ger unless further torrential rain fen on the hills overlooking it. The lain, was still heavy, driven by a fierce southerly gale, but was not comparable with that of Friday and Saturday last. Since this storm broke mo e than 15.5 inches of rain have been recorded in Little River, and rain was still falling on Alonday night.