FLOODS ON WEST COAST

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1929, Page 11

FLOODS ON WEST COAST

HEAVY DAMAGE AT KARAMEA WHOLE TOWNSHIP INUNDATED. BURST DAM POSSIBLY THE CAUSE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Westport, Dec. 30. The Karamea River, rising very rapidly last evening, inundated the township of Karamea and caused serious damage to property and a heavy loss of stock. The road was scoured out in many places, and a small bridge washed away. At Arapito, three and a half miles from Karamea, the water was two feet high in the township, and up to the doorstep of the post office. Many homes were invaded by the water. The small coastal vessel Kotiti was in port at the time, but is safe. Although not definitely established, it is thought that an earthquake dam has given way. The heavy rain which has been falling was not sufficient to cause such a flood. An enormous amount of timber was brought' down, and the water wae as thick as pea soup. The flood was very similar to the disaster at Seddonville. The flood was at its worst at the peak of the tide, at 11 o'clock last evening, but the river is now falling. Arapito suffered considerably, much dairy land being badly silted up. Details at present are meagre, but the damage is reported to be. very extensive, especially to stock.