FLOODS IN N.S.W.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10962, 26 July 1921, Page 6

FLOODS IN N.S.W.

SIX INCHES OF RAIN IN A FEW, HOURS. SCENES OF DESOLATION. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Cooyri-ht SYDNEY, July 25. There were extensive floods on the North Coast on Saturday. Lismore, Murwilhnnubah, Kemipsey, and Macksville are inundated. Two lives were lost at MurwiHumbah. The damage there is estimated at £190,000. All communication is cut off, preventing further information. The Clairenice River burst its banks, rising twenty-two feet. North and South Grafton are practically flooded. The waters generally are receding. Later. The floods in the northern districts were followed by a cyclonic storm which did severe damage to property. Six inches of ram fell in a few hours, and the rivers rose with unexpected rapidity, 'breaking their banks, and sweeping into the townships mentioned. Laite at night the main streets were deeply flooded. Many shops and residences were feet deep in waiter. The people were caught napping, and made their exit with difficulty in the darkness. Many 'plaices were completely surrounded, and the inmates were taken out by rescue boats. At MurwiHumbah. a baby -worked from its mother’s arms while she wus. escaping and was drowned. A man was drowned by the overturning of a boat. Wide areas along the rivers are inundated, and widespread damage is feared. , Other lives were lost, but until the waiters subside it is impossible to ascertain the full extent of the damage. THRILLING EXPERIENCE FIVE PERSONS KNOWN TO BE DROWNED. (Received July 25. 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 25. ■ In most of the flooded ■ areas the water receded quickly, though in somedistricts the worst is not yet known. A police warning enabled many residents on the low-lying grounds to escape. Numerous thrilling experiences were related. Some residents were compelled to spend the night on the roof in the pouring rain. A few housee were swept away bodily. The scarcity of boats delayed the rescue work. So far 4s is known, five persons were drowned. The rainfall for thirty-six hours was nearly eight inches. Losses of stock were immense, some farms being fifteen feet under water.