TORNADO'S TOLL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 7

TORNADO'S TOLL.

100 DEAD IN FLORIDA. Estimate For Palm Beach Gives Fatalities At 85. WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION. (Australian and X.Z. Press Association.); (Received 9.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, September IS. While reports of the hurricane damage remain unconfirmed there is little doubt but that more than 100 persons have been killed in Florida. It is estimated that 85 are dead in Palm Beach, while reports from the inland cities indicate that the number of deaths exceed 30. The hurricane, which has now diminished in velocity, suddenly veered in its course. This resulted in high winds at Jacksonville, with torrential rains at Savannah and Charleston, neither of which latter cities are said to have sustained serious losses. The sudden falling in the temperature of the entire east coast of the United States continues to cause alarm, but at present the north-easterly course of the tornado encourages the belief that the hurricane is moving out to the sea. Miami is organising , relief units, which are rushing aid to the less fortunate sections of Florida. The civic officials of Miami have issued a statement attesting to the immunity of Florida to winter etorms, thereby making an heroic effort to quell the fear j in the minds of those contemplating a Florida vacation, many of whom arei now likely to spend their vacation else-, where. A wireless dispatch received late last night. from West Palm Beach, Florida, says three-quarters of the homes there 1 were damaged by the hurricane. The 1 people who have been rendered homeless I are crowding into the hotels and warehouses. Only one store in the chief business thoroughfare escaped serious damage. A naval wireless station at Jupiter suffered much damage. A large area is without light or power. The hospitals are greatly hampered and are calling for medical assistance. The food problem is serious, especially among young children who are dependent upon the milk supplies. Many people are reported to have been drowned on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, communication with which has been cut off. LATEST COUNT. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Received 9.30 a.m.) MIAMI, September 18. The death list now stands at 139, as a result pf the hurricane in Southern Florida, according to a report on Tuesday.