HURRICANE SEAS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11650, 15 October 1923, Page 7

HURRICANE SEAS

SOUTH GOAST DAMAGED TERRIFIC WAVES BATTER WALLS OF HOUSES. SHIPPING SUSPENDED. By Tolecrraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Austranan and N.Z. Coble Association (Received October 14. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. Abnormal high tides, combined with hurricane seas and a fierce gale, left a trail of damage along the South Coast of England. Tho scenes witnessed at Folkstone, Semigate, Senbrooke, and 11 ythe have not been’equalled in tho last quarter of a century. The tremendous force of the waves made a breach in the outer wall of Sandgate Castle, which is 40 feet thick at the base. The occupants of neighbouring houses, sevoral of which were battered in by the waves, had terrifying experiences, and were forced to flee. The main coast road between Folkstone and Hythe was flooded at intervale to a depth of nearly five feet. A gigantic wave smashed in the side of a carriage of a troop train on Admiralty Pier at Dover, and three soldiers and two porters were severely injured. All shipping traffic is suspended. SEVERN RIYER FLOODS BUNGALOWS SWEPT AWAY. NO LOSS OF LIFE. Australian. and N. 7 Cable Association ’ LONDON, October 12. The famous tidal “bore” which sweeps up the River Severn reached remarkable dimensions. Instead of 10 feet, the river rose 23 feet in an hour, and the water swept away the bungalow township at Severn Beach. Fortunately the summer holiday season had ended, so that no loss of life occurred. In addition to the bungalows, cafes, a dancing hall, and a concert room were washed away. Some houses, floating down the Severn, were left high and dry far inland. Several other villages, such as Burnham, in Somerset, were flooded. FLOODS IN MELBOURNE SUBURBS UNDER WATER. SEVERAL FATALITIES. By Telegraph.—Pros® Assn.—Copyright. (Received October 14, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 14. Following on heavy rain© in highlands, and a downfall in the city, the Yarra is in higher flood than at any time since 1900. A great body of water came down very rapidly, and all tho low-lying lands around Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Kooyong, Hawthorn, Abbotsford, and other suburbs are more or less under water. Many families were compelled to leave their homes. Large crowds gathered on the bridges, watching the swirling flood waters bearing much debris seaward. Caulfield racecourse is largely under water, and all the big sporting events have been postponed. Rough weather accompanied l the rain, and shipping was held up. Several fatalities are reported. Two lads in a canoe were capsized near the Burnley street bridge, and one was drowned. A child was swept away at Hotham, and a man was drowned at Bungaree while attempting to cross a water channel. Country reports state that the rivers are in high flood, and much damage has been done. There have been a number of landslides on the railways. WEATHER CLEARS RIVER NOW FALLING. Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received October 15, 12.10 a.m.) MEBOURNE, October 14. The weather cleared on Saturday afternoon and the river is falling. Later. Though the flood has apparently passed its highest point, the river is still running very nigh, and much of the lew-lying area is still more or less tir.der water. Snow falls in the higher reaches of the Murray, as they melt, will add to the big body of water. Many houses round Collingwood and other lower suburbs were invaded, and some residents had to leave. The damage is extensive. particularly among the Chinese gardeners. Reports from the country are meagre. Several bridges have been washed away, and railway traffic is impeded by iar amides. Shipping, which was held up by heavy weather, and by fog, has resumed. The weather is not too promising for to-morrow’s races.