TIGRIS IN FLOOD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19762, 13 April 1926, Page 9

TIGRIS IN FLOOD

GRAVE DANGER THREATENED. DESPERATE EFFORTS TO SAVE BAGDAD. (Pre»» A«soolatioii —Ly Te'egraph—Copyright.) BAGDAD, April 11. An unprecedented flood is threatened by the river Tigris. The water has reached the banks near the Royal Palace, a mile from the city, and the palace, which is surrounded by rushing flood waters, has been evacuated. The Royal ladies were removed with great difficulty, but there was i. > lime to remove any of the contents. The palace gardens were devastated. Hundreds of refugees whose huts were swept away are encamped near the palace. The police ate conscripting labour in thousands and working feverishly strengthening the flood walls encircling the city. It is reported that 35 persons were drowned. Five thousand men are employed day and night, and their efforts have so far saved tne city, but the prospects to-night are gloomy. The water is rising rapidly and threatening the protective embankment. Thousands of tons of water are sweeping every second through the Royal Gardens, and the Bagdad North railway station, including a bonded warehouse, is under sft of water. The loss of the commercial interests is estimated at £250,000. —Reuter. THE CITY SURROUNDED. BREACH RAPIDLY WIDENING. BAGDAD, April 12. (Received April 12, at 11.30 p.m.) The flood waters have completely surrounded the city including the Hinaidi Air Force camp. The damage al. adv exceeds £1,000,000. The eddying currents are carrying the wreckage through the open front doors of the palace. An Arab army of convicts is included among those recruited to strengthen the embankments. The convicts who were flooded out of prison are working under armed guards. The. breach is rapidly widening. Only the tops of the carriages are visible at the railway station. —Sydney Sun Cable.