STORM AND FLOOD ON THE EAST COAST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2773, 17 May 1916, Page 6

STORM AND FLOOD ON THE EAST COAST

HECORD RAINFALLS REPORTED. By Telegraph-Press Association. Gisborne, May 16, Heavy rams again fell last niglit, bul tho weather appears now to have definitely cleared. The rainfall in-Gisborne since ,duy totals 10.98 inches. The rivers are now falling rapidly, and communication with East Coast districts was partially restored to-day. The damage reported runs into thousand-, of pounds, but no details are available. The record of rainfalls since Wednesday ore: Waipiro, 21.45, and Pnkehti Station. 36.10. All traffic is impossible, and the mails are badly disorganised. At Tokoniaru the Waiau rose 24 feet on Saturday, and a bullock wagon was washed away. The residential part of Oates' butchery was -washed away, and. Keau's half-acro township section has disappeared into the river. Ko loss of life is known to havo occurred. There is a butler famine in Tokomaru, and the people have bought up tinned goods from tho stores in anticipation of of provisions before communication is restored, but the weather it now calm, and sea traffic will soon be open. % . As a result of the floods the port of Gisborne is badly silted, and ferry steamers and others vessels which previously canio u'n to the wharf -will have to be tendered in the bay for a week or two until tho dredges put matters right.