FLOODS IN BRISBANE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20792, 7 February 1931, Page 11

FLOODS IN BRISBANE.

SERIOUS SITUATION. *r THOUSANDS HOMELESS. STREAMS OF REFUGEES. RIVERS IN HIGH FLOOD. MUCH LAND SUBMERGED. 33;/ 1 elegrnpli—Press Association—Copyright. (Received February 6, 10.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. Feb. G. torrential rain has fallen along the north coast of New South Wales and in southern portions of Queensland for several days. Serious floods are reported mid low-lying country is already submerged j Brisbano is in the grip. of the worst flood experienced for more than 20 years. The peak point of the river level is expected about mid-day. Thousands of people arc homeless. The railway and tram services are disorganised. Many refugees were housed last night in public buildings. At Murjumba watershed this morning the Brisbane River flood level reached 63ft., or more than sft. above the 1908 level. Tho record is 80ft.., in March, 1893.

Twelve inches of rain were registered at tlio exhibition grounds in 24 hours. Confusion reigned in the city during the night. Many narrow escapes were recorded. Streams of refugees arc hurrying to the higher portions of the city from tho low-lying suburbs, which are inundated. They carried whatever effects they had been ablo to salvage in their hurried flight.

The flood waters at Murwillumbah have inundated portions of the town. Tho Tweed River is already above the "record flood level of 1921. Cyclonic gales are raging and heavy seas are causing havoc along the far north coast.

The telephone girls at Murwillumbah continued on duty until the water had risen 2ft. aroiind their switchboards. The river roso wiUi alarming rapidity. Many people were rescued in boats. The main street is navigable only by boat. Richmond River at Lismore is rising 2ft. per hour. Low-lying homes have been vacated, roads are impassable and tho rail service has been discontinued owing to submerged tracks. There have been many landslides. In the Southport district farm lands am covered'' to a depth of 10ft. A house and a bridge were carried away by swirling waters.

A baby girl was washed from her mother's arms while crossing a deep gully and was drowned. A train overturned near Dakabin and the fireman's arm was broken.