AUSTRALIAN FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1920, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN FLOODS

I AUSTRALIAN & CABLE ASSOCIATION, BRISBANE, Dec. 12. Torrential rainfalls are recorded in the Maryborough district, in Central Queensland.

ENORMOUS DAMAGE DONE. SYDNEY, 'Dec. 12. Though the gale has passed, incessant "but lighter rain continues. All forts have been abandoned everywhere. In the rain swept areas the rivers aro flooding and much of the country is under water. There are many railway washaways and traffic is 'dislocated. Until the weather clears it is impossible to assess the damage to the wheat crops, but it is very serious. Possibly the loss will run into millions. Excepting in the southern Riverina, which up to the present has not suffered extensively ,practically the whole of the wheat area lias been swept. The south-west, central, and north-west districts are the most affected. Almost | everywhere the crops were tall and heavy, and most promising, consequent, ly. tho rain and wind wrought greater havoc than if they had been lighter. Many thousands of acres arc flattened badly and damnged If the rain continues these crops will be completely spoiled. Heavy rain fell throughout the night and is still falling without the slightest indication of ceasing. Besides the losses to crops, there is serious damage to house property and business stocks, owing to leaky roofs and the invading flood waters, i Tho sea is moderating, and shipping ,is resuming. Incoming vessels report a rough time battling through the heavy seas. Numbers of country centres report floods, and the rivers are rising. With water from the high reaches still to come down, the outlook is discpiietening. Along the Hunter River, around New castle and Maitland, miles of farm lands aro inundated. | The latest news from the wheat area is gloomy. FLOODS DECREASING, fßeceived this day at 8 a.m.) , SYDNEY, Dec. 13. A number of vessels which were stand ing off port owing to rough seas have j now entered harbour. All report receiving a bad buffeting in the storm. The only shipping mishap recorded is the small steamer Timnru, ’formerly a New Zealand collier, was wrecked at Jervis ißny, on route from Hobart to Sydney It is understood the crew are safe. With the exception of a short spell during the afternoon a heavy driving rain fell all day and again in full blast to-night. Storm tdamage in metropolij tan areas is not serious; chiefly in the form of leakages and overflow. News ! from the country is meagre, but the latest is more cheerful.’‘lndications arc for the rain -clearing. The rivers are subsiding mid the worst is apparently .passed. I At Newcastle, where'the river is fallt ing, the people are returning io their homes.