SERIOUS FLOOD AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN FIJI.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 296, 25 May 1875, Page 3

SERIOUS FLOOD AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN FIJI.

The continuous rain of the past few weeks culminated on Monday (says the Argxis, of the 16th ult) in a downfall heavier than any that can be remembered in Levuka. The roaring of the wind and sea, the volumes of rain, and the torrents from the mountains flooding the town, scared away all idea of slumber in many residences during the night, and the morning broke without any prospect of amelioration. The wind shifted alternately during the whole of Tuesday between south by east and east by north, increasing in gusts at intervals, with the indications usually observable on the approach of a hurricane. In the afternoon the ravages of the accumulated waters began to tell. Thompson's bridge was the first to succumb, and fears were entertained of the adjacent unfinished building following. This, however, stood bravely ; but by this time the creek had overflown its banks, and a stream of water scarcely fordable extended from the Royal Hotel beyond Houng Lee's store, in the direction of the Empire Hotel. The embankment and approaches to Totoga Bridge were next carried away, and the furious torrent, between eight and nine o'clock, swept the bridge away bodily, leaving a yawning and impassable chasm. So little warning was given of the catastrophe that Mr George Moore was standing on the bridge in conversation with Sub-Inspector Senior, when the whole structure was engulphed, carrying our two friends with it; but they fortunately succeeded in disengaging themselves from the debris and regaining terra firma. The houses on the beach escaped material injury, though the foundations of many were much shaken. The shipping also sustained but little damage ; only a cutter or two and a few boats being washed ashore or swamped. Fortunately, but very few small craft wtre in the harbour, or we might have had more serious disasters to chronicle, We have not heard of any damage in the northern portion of the town,