TERRIBLE FLOODS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5023, 3 June 1889, Page 2

TERRIBLE FLOODS.

GREAT LOSS OF LIFE. A TOWN SWEPT AWAY. (Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Per Press Association.) (Received 7 p.m., Juno 2nd.) New York, June 1. Terrible floods, attended with great loss of life, are reported from Pennsylvania. A terrific freshet in the Covenmaugh river burst a reservoir at Johnstown, near Pittsburgh, The reservoir is three miles in length and a mile and a half wide. The water rushed into Johnstown, which was completely wiped out, and it is estimated that fifteen hundred people were drowned. Two thousand residents were rescued from falling houses.

The bodies of those drowned are to be

seen floating down the river-in hundreds. Large numbers of inhabitants when washed from their dwellings were seen floating about clinging to driftwood and trees, and implorii g help, but there were no means of assistance. At San Florence alone 85 persons were counted passing in an almost exhausted state, and all chance of rescue was hopeless. It is feared that the villages of Southport, Mineral Point, Convenmaugh, and Woodville, have suffered, and that 8000 persons have been drowned. Many wealthy families of Pittsburg reside in the locality, and there is intense excitement as to their fate. The railway line from Baltimore to Ohio has been damaged by the rush of water, and seven miles are completely washed away. At Johnstown there is a pile of debris forty feet high,which is embanking the floods. A tremendous rain storm has deluged Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, submerging many of the towns. Great anxiety is felt for the safety of the residents, and this is intensified owing to the suspension of communication by telegraph and railway.

(Special to the Press Association.) (Received 1.15 a.iu., June 3rd.) New York, June 1. It is estimated that the floods in Pennsylvania and the surrounding States have resulted in damage being done to the extent of £1,000,000. The debris from the wrecked houses in some way became ignited, and it is believed that a hundred persons perished in the flames.