STORM IN AUCKLAND

Southland Times, Issue 17956, 22 February 1917, Page 5

STORM IN AUCKLAND

TORRENTIAL RAINS. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 21. The threatened cyclonic storm struck Auckland about nine last night. For twelve hours the wind blew with terrific force and torrential rains fell, the fall for 24 hours to 9 a.m. being 2.58 inches, making 10.95 inches for the month to date. Considerable damage was done ashore and afloat, but in no case involving heavy loss. The telegraph, telephone and railway line were seriously interfered with, and this caused interruption of the service both north and south.

HOUSE SMASHED. £IOOO DAMAGE TO YACHTS. SMALL VESSELS SUFFER. AUCKLAND, February 21. In the height of the gale at 5.30 this morning a tree fell on a house in the city smashing portion of the roof. Several inmates in a bedroom had a narrow escape, part of the roof being crushed, and that portion of the house was rendered uninhabitable. Damage to yachts in the harbour is estimated at £IOOO. Small trading vessels suffered to a great extent. Mr .1. .1. Craig lost two vessels, and another was badly damaged. The scow Rimu, and the cutter Stag, which went ashore at Waiheke, became total wrecks. Their combined value is £IOOO. Coastal service Is disorganised.

THAMES FLOODED. DAMAGE TO HOUSES AND FURNITURE. THAMES, February 21. There is a severe flood at Thames owing to the stoppage of Kamka Creek preventing the heavy rainfall from getting away. The creek overflowed both banks, flooding the town, and doing serious damage to houses by the deposit of silt. Furniture has been Injured, and the streets are covered Vith debris. The railway line has been washed out at many places, stopping traffic. Telephones have also been stopped, and the whole town is covered with several inches Of silt.

THAMES INUNDATED. BUSINESS SUSPENDED AND TOWN ISOLATED. THAMES, February 21. The most disastrous flood ever experienced struck the town early this morning. There was a heavy storm with wind and rain during the night, and at an early hour the small bridge over the creek above the town was washed away and carried down stream. It blocked the creek where the cemented portion begins, and as a result the creek overflowed and deluged the town, depositing logs, debris, and silt everywhere, ruining gardens and Invading houses. Many people escaped, leaving all the contents of their houses behind. Much damage was done to shops, which were Invaded. Every street became a lake. Business was suspended and the town is isolated. Telegraphic communication is suspended at present (4 p.m.), and railway washout stopped all traffic. When the obstruction was removed from the creek the water left the streets.