PERIL OF FLOODS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20024, 24 August 1939, Page 7

PERIL OF FLOODS

MENACE AT TIENTSIN HUNDREDS DROWNED THOUSANDS MISSING BRITISH RESCUE WORK (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 23. 3 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22. Messages 'from Tientsin state that '.he floods are still rising. The British are distributing food to refugees. The municipality has requisitioned all stocks for distribution without profit. The flooded streets are ' filled with hundreds of craft of all kinds. Thousands are still marooned on housetops. The water is 6ft. to 15ft. deep throughout the Japanese Concession, which is the worst affected. It is reliably reported that Chinese guerillas are taking advantage cf the situation and have caused a number of serious Japanese property losses. Facing fresh perils from flood, starvation and epidemics, the residents of the British and French Concessions are fighting a grim battle against the rising waters. Hundreds already have been drowned and thousands are missing. The Shanghai correspondent of The Times says that over 3,000,000 people are affected by the Tientsin floods. The country for a 30-mile radius has been turned into a vast lake dotted with mounds packed with refugees. The British area is submerged except for a str|p along the ißund. The Italian Concession and railway station alone escaped the deluge. British troops were called out and manned sampans, rescuing those in danger.

The Japanese have given up the attempt to enforce the blockade, but are still delaying foreigners at the bridge barrier and preventing refugees going to Pekin. The food problem is very acute.