DISASTROUS FLOODS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1465, 25 January 1887, Page 2

DISASTROUS FLOODS.

LOSS OF LIFE.

GREAT DKSTRUOHOtf OP PROPERTI.

[bbutbr's telegrams— oopyiught]

Brisbane, January 24. During the storms experienced m this city on Thursday and Friday last over twenty inches of rain fell, seventeen of which fell on Friday. This was the heaviest rain fall which has been known for twenty-five years. The wharves and rivers have been flooded and an immense amount of damage has been done to goods which have been lying thereon. A large quantity of timber has been carried down the river. Howard, Smith, and Sons succeeded m removing the bulk of their goods to places of safety. The cellars of stores m the vicinity of the rivet were flooded to the extent of several feet. Immense lakes have been formed m different parts of the suburbs. On one estate eight houses were raised from their foundations and floated away. The residents took to boats and rafts m order to escape. The furniture m many of the houses was washed away or broken to pieces by the force of the water. The chief sufferers were the poorer inhabitants whose houses are situated m the lower parts of the towfl. The police rendered valuable assistance, m many cases swimming to the relief of the sufferers. Five" deaths from drowning are already reported m Brisbane and vicinity., Many other persons are seriously injured. The greatest difficulty has been experienced m conveying provisions to many of the houses m the suburbs, some of which are entirely isolated by water. The goods which were stored m these suburbs have been completely destroyed. The rain ceased on Saturday, and on Sunday no rain fell, though the weather looked threatening. In the townships m which the rain fell was equal to that of Brisbane it is reported there are fifteen feet of water m the principal streets. Telegraphic communication has been interrupted until to-day. Mr Griffiths) the Premier, who started overland from Ipswich for this city, was compelled to return to Ipswich, which he reached with great difficulty. .All shipping traffic has been postponed m consequence, of the weather . ; outside the Heads. Traffic m the town and suburbs has been entirely suspended.

Mr Wragge, the Government Astronomer, has given notice of a cyclone which is likely to extend to Central Queensland.