BLENHEIM INUNDATED.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1189, 26 July 1911, Page 7

BLENHEIM INUNDATED.

OUTLOOK R-ATHEB SERIOUS. (By Tcleer&ph.— Press Association.) Blenheim, July 25. What promises to be the biggest flood experienced in Blenheim for many years is now pouring into the town. Many shops liave been inundated, and the houses flooded to a depth of several feet. Ihe water has come both through and over tne protective banks, and is rapidly rising. The offices of Levin and Company and the Union Company, on the bank of the Omaka River, are in danger of collapsing as the water is eating away tho concrete protection wall. Tho trains are stuck up between Blenheim and Picton, and one between feed- \ later message states that the flood waters are still rising, and only 'a few of the highest business places are dry. The rain continues with slight intennisBl'enheim is a perfect sea. It is iranossible to estimate the amount of the damage, but it will be very considerable. It is expected it will be several days before the railway sen-ice is reinstated. fit 2 p.m. yesterday the Postmaster at Blenheim dispatched the following message to the Secretary of the General Post "Now six inches water in Post Office and still rising fast. Raining heavily. Trains unable to move. Hare closed Post Office. Telegrams being accepted upstairs Officers, where possible, being sent to their homes. Others being boarded at hotels."] Nelson, July 25. News, which has filtered through from Blenheim, shows that tho position consequent on the floods is very serious. Many neoplo havo vacated their homes, and the'damage is reported heavy. A train carrving 10 school children was derailed at Para last nteht, and the passengers were compelled to remain in tho train al night Food and blankets were procurec for the children. Tho distribution of food supplies is at a standstill, and this is naturally causing groat inconvenience. It is still raining heavily. In many shops the water is abovo the counters. T.he embankment is broken down in many places.