DELUGE OF RAIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19377, 15 July 1937, Page 9

DELUGE OF RAIN

GREYMOUTH FLOODED WATER ENTERS HOUSES 2IN. IN FOUR HOURS Streets in several parts of Greymouth were flooded on Monday, the water entering several houses in Murray and Alexander streets, following a deluge of rain, over 2in. falling in four hours. Heavy seas totally disorganised shipping and caused minor damage on the west side of the Karoro airport, where part of the protective fence was washed away, although as yet no actual damage has been done to the aerodrome.

The heavy rain followed a lighter fall over the week-end, which replenished many water tanks at homes in those parts of the district which are not serviced by the fresh water supply. The stormwater drains proved quite inadequate to cope with the downpour and the water hacked up to considerable depth. In several parts of the town the streets were completely covered. Houses were surrounded. Blockages in drains near the-post office caused water to surround the building. Minor damage was caused in some business premises through leaks in roofs.

The effect of the heavy downpour has been quite localised, and the Grey River has shown no appreciable rise, but it is anticipated that flu* comparatively warm rain will cause a thaw of snow in the back country, although no dangerous rise in the river or serious flood is expected. There is likely to be an increased head of water in the Arnold River, enabling the Grey Power Board's hydro-electric plant to operate again at full capacity. There was anxiety on this score owing to the loss of head water in the board's dam duo to the recent dry spell.