STORM DISASTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1926, Page 3

STORM DISASTERS.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. [by TELEGRAPH—PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received this day at 0.30 a.in.) NEW YORK, Sept. 20. The storm broke the dykes of Lake Okeechoree far inland, flooding the vast area, including the towns of Moorehaven and Clcwiston. It is bc- , lioved that several hundred were drowned. The storm is continuing into the Gulf of .Mexico and Washington has warned all Gulf Cities, including New Orleans and Galveston. The Meteorologist states that the hurricane originated somewhere off the Bahamas on Sept. 14th., and has been ravaging tropical areas of the Western Hemisphere, since it is laid to expansion of tlie moist heated air formed over the Caribbean Sea, attended by abnormal atmospheric conditions. Tt took nine hours to spend its fury in Florida, and information available indicates it began at midnight on Friday twisting its way freakishly over Florida, but in no way diminishng as it mould in a circle north-west. Experts say it will continue its power until it reaches the mountain range and breaks up in a. mighty swirl. Eight passenger carrying steamers plying between New York and tropical American ports are believed to be in the storm area and have not been heard from. DETAILS OF STORM. NEW YORK, Sept. 20. Scores of automobiles are leaving hourly with refugees, mostly families with, children, whose health is endangered by the scarcity of milk and water and lack of sanitary facilities. The city manager (Wharton) has ordered all from the streets unless they are attempting to identify the dead and searching for missing relatives or assisting in relief work. A proclamation provides heavy fines and imprisonment for merchants charging prices in excess of those prevailing the day previous to the storm. NEW YORK, Sept. 20. A Miami message estimates between six hundred and fifteen hundred are dead in the disaster area. First contact with the outside world was established this morning by means of aeroplanes, automobiles, and relief trains. Severe winds are still blowing. A Mobile message states all communication failed with Rinsacola. where a hundred mile gale was reported. Aeroplanes were unable to locate landing places, and seaplanes feared the rough water chocked with debris. Further news from Miami states two hundred children separated from their families wore found wandering in the ruins of Miami. Only Government officials and newspaper men are allowed to enter the town. Yachts and other vessels have i been washed ashore. The Royal Palm i Park remains high and dry. Most of the wooden structures were unroofed and collapsed and concrete and steel buildings were twisted on their bases. Practically every piece of plate glass in * the city is broken. Nearly a hundred trucks of provisions have arrived in the stricken area. There was looting in the Negro section on Sunday night. The situation was controlled by troops. ENORMOUS DAMAGE. NEW YORK, Sept. 20. Sioux City advices states that the flood waters receded to-da.v in northwestern lowa, leaving damages estimated at live million dollars. The farmers have suffered huge crop and property losses, and the railways approximately two million dollars. Twen-ty-five deaths are reported, hut they aro generally unconfirmed. A .Miami message reports communications with nearby cities are affected by fog, and the roads are impeded and washed out by the Hood, ruid cluttered with debris. Several sections of the causeway across Biscayne Bay (one of the principle links with Palm Bench) are com- ■ ptetely gone, The latest estimate of the injured are from twenty-five to fifty thousand, and untold thousands are homeless.