DEVASTATION IN JAPAN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1857, 4 September 1923, Page 5

DEVASTATION IN JAPAN.

EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE. YOKOHAMA AND TOKYO IN FLAMES. (Press Association.—Copyright.) Peking, September 2. One of the most appalling earthquakes ever recorded, accompanied by fire and a tidal wave, took place along the Japanese Coast. The towns of Tokyo and Yokohama have been, swept by fire, and the loss of life is incalculable. These towns are a veritable Hell, and people are running in all directions in a state of frenzy.

Yokohama is apparently destroyed, while Tokyo itself has been partially destroyed, an incalculable number of lives being lost, and inestimable damage occasioned. The tremendous commotion into which the populations of large towns were thrown made rescue work most difficult, but it is evident trained men —firemen, police and soldiers — especially in Tokyo, succeeded in limiting the conflagration, the fires being extinguished in the capital. The weather was favourable for successful fire fighting.

Appeals have been broadcasted by wireless, and the immediate result is the dispatch of American ships (presumably both of the Navy and the mercantile marine) to the devastated ports with necessaries and comforts.

Crowds of survivors have besieged ships in affected ports beseeching the ships’ companies for food. It has been necessary for public safety to declare martial law in Tokyo.

The Legation’s intelligence declared that no buildings remain standing in Yokohama, while nearly all Osaka’s and Tokyo’s principal structures were destroyed by earthquake. Then came the tidal wave engulfing the naval station near the waterfront structures. Then came the fire, starting almost simultaneously over a twenty-mile area, devouring the splintered debris, while the doomed populace vainly sought shelter. A later message from Tokyo states that the fire has been extinguished in that town, although the utmost confusion remains, and the population is threatened with starvation. YOKOHAMA DESTROYED.

Yokohama is destroyed, and its refugees are without provisions, and unless relief arrives they are faced with starvation. It is impossible at this stage to estimate the death roll, but there is no doubt that it will run into tens of thousands.

JAPANESE PRINCE REGENT. VARIOUS REPORTS. (Received 9.55 a.m.) New York, September 3

A United Press message from Peking states that the Japanese Prince Regent is variously reported to be saved, and at other times missing. FORMING A CABINET. WHILE BUILDINGS AFIRE. A wireless message declares that the Premier, Mr Yamamotu, had been attacked on the day of the earthquake, as a result of which it is reported he had gone into hiding. Despite the disorder, the new Cabinet was formed while buildings were afire all about the Premier and his advisers.

ISLAND DISAPPEARS. VESSELS AT YOKOHAMA SAVED. Another intercepted message states that the entire island of Enoshima sank into the sea during the earthquakes. Ships’ reports from Japan indicate that the majority of the vessels in Yokohama Harbour were saved by the prompt action of their commanders, who anticipated the tidal wave, and steamed to safety.

AMERICA SENDS RELIEF. FOOD AND CLOTHING. Washington, September 3. Admiral Anderson, commanding the American Asiatic fleet, reports by radio from Port Arthur that he despatched eight destroyers to the scene of the disaster, carrying food, medical supplies, and clothing, which are expected to arrive on the sth.

SIX LOOTERS SHOT. DISTRIBUTING RELIEF. Radio messages received through the San Francisco station state that looting has been added to the other horrors in Tokyo, where six looters have been killed under martial law. Municipal relief work is proceeding, the refugees being supplied with provisions in front of the railway station, which is unharmed by the earthquake. LIGHTHOUSES DESTROYED. (Received 12.30 p.m.) Shanghai, September 3. Japanese naval wireless reports state that the Navy Department’s buildings are safe at Nagasaki. A wireless message from Koreamaru says that all lighthouses in the Bay of Tokyo have been rendered useless at night time, and navigation is dangerous.