Torrential Rains In Eastern Australia Cause Heavy Damage

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27221, 26 October 1949, Page 7

Torrential Rains In Eastern Australia Cause Heavy Damage

NZPA—Copyright

Rec. 0.30 a.m. SYDNEY, Oct. 25. Torrential rains in Northern New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria have threatened many towns with serious flooding. The New South Wales Weather Buerau warns that towns along the Barvvon, Gwydir, and Mclntyre Rivers may be flooded within the next two days. In danger from rising floodwaters from the Barwon River, about 100 aborigines have been evacuated at Walgett. At Boomi. near the Queensland border, the river has broken its banks and flooded the northern end of the town and thousands of acres. The town is experiencing its worst flooding in 50 years. All roads have been cut.

Record October rains, which have deluged practically the whole of Queensland, have dislocated many road and rail services and caused widespread flooding. Brisbane had a record one-day October rainfall of 5.34 inches, causing thousands of pounds of damage to homes, gardens, and farms near the city. At Maryborough. 170 miles north of Brisbane, flood waters isolated the town and reached a height of three feet in the main street.

The flooded Campaspe River at Rochester. North-Eastern Victoria, broke its banks to-day and flooded out or isolated 40 families. State-wide rains are forecast for to-morrow.