SERIOUS FLOODS

Wairarapa Age, 18 March 1929, Page 5

SERIOUS FLOODS

UNPRECEDENTED TORRENTS IN ALABAMA. THIRTEEN FATALITIES REPORTED. TOWNS EVACUATED. (Received This Day, 0.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, March 17. A message from Montgomery states that with the known dead totalling thirteen, unprecedented torrents, which raged seaward between Alabama’s two watersheds, to-night were a handicap to relief agencies which concentrated their efforts in aiding approximately 20,000 persons affected by the floods until the water clear. The weather, however, was an aid to the rescue workers, who had helped thousands to high ground during a few hours. The estimated fatalities would number scores, while the property loss in the form of buildings, household goods and livestock is so great that no estimate could be made.

The greatest emergency appeared to exist in the neighbourhood of Elba and Geneva, but many other towns in the same valley were likewise flooded and in great need of food and medical supplies. Elba reported a depth of 25 feet of water in the main streets of the city, which has been practically evacuated, and so has Geneva. Returning aviators and newspaper correspondents told of desperate conditions existing in these two places. The sanitary state is dangerous and there are outbreaks of measles among the refugees and children. The town of Brewton was inundated by two flood waves. Martial law was declared and residents are depending upon food sent by airplanes. Caryille, Florida, is flooded by the Choctawjiatchee River, and is also in a bad condition. Two hundred persons were rescued by motor boats.—(Australian Press Association.)