Severe Flooding in Hawke's Bay

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 183, 5 August 1938, Page 7

Severe Flooding in Hawke's Bay

Communications Between Hastings and Napier Threatened HASTINGS MAIN STREET UNDER WATER Per Press Association. HASTINGS, Last Night. Yet another deluge fell over Hawke'■ Bay to-day, rain, continuous and heavy, with an occasional torrential downpour, causing flooding in the waterlogged low areas aud in both Hastings and Napier. Late to-night it was reported that portions of Napier South were under water, with extensive flooding at Nelson crescent and Marcwa. In Hastings the western stretch of the main thoroughfare, Hcretaunga street, is under water for the second time this week. The main roads from Napier to Taupo and Wairoa aro again blocked. Tho Wairoa road is under three feet of water at Tangoio. Service cars came through from Taupo to-day, but were repeatedly bogged on the road. The main south road from Hasting* to Palmerston North was open to-night, although flooded in places. Tho Pakovrliai road, one of two remaining link* between Hastings and Napier since tbe April flood buckled tho Waitangi traffic bridge, was ono foot under water at 11.30 and the rising water is threatening to cut off communication between the two towns.

At Fernbill a bus driver reported that tho road from Hastings to Clive was under water in parts. Tbe Esk rivor has risen alarmingly and Rivcrslca reported the river was higher than at any time since tho Anzac Day flood. At Rissington the Peka Pcka stream is up four feet and large areas are inundated. Snow is falling on the hills and tho high country throughout the province.

GISEORNE-OPOTIKI HIGHWAY BLOCKED

Per Press Association. GISBORNE, Last Night. Continual slipping of debris and boulders down to the road on the Otoko Hill effectively closed tho GisborneOpotoki highway this afternoon and it is expected by the Public Works Department that the route will be closed until after the cessation of rain.