MISSISSIPPI FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1927, Page 2

MISSISSIPPI FLOODS

Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

NEARING THE DELTA. WASHINGTON, Alay G. Latest reports from the flood district give the following outline of the situation :—The greatest test of- the levees on the river is shortly due, now that the main crest of the Alississippi River is about fifty miles below \ icksburg. and lias gathered its greatest strength through a bulge ol about one foot in the height of the water over a stretch of fifty miles. So great have become the waters pouring through the funnel, represented by the confluence of the Red River. Attchafalaya River, the Old River and the Alississippi River, that the southern portion of the State is seriously threatened, and relief through that zone- is being imi>eded. Ancola. and Baton Rouge have reported a tenth of a foot rise in the waters there, while further south, at Donaldsville, there has been two-tenths of a foot rise. The New Orleans River gauge has shown a height of 20.4 feet, and if the waters rise only to twenty-one feet the city would be safe, but it is problematical whether the vast convergence of waters, as they being to approach the Gulf of Alexieo, can flow off fast enough without flowing over the barriers protecting the southernmost city. There are crevasses in the levees in various sections, and these are hourly growing larger, or new ones are starting, as the waters bulk heavily against the barriers.

330.000 PEOPLE HOAIKLISSS. NEW YORK, Olay 7

A message from Vicksburg states: According to a statement issued by Air Hoover, approximately twelve thousand square miles are now inundated by the Southern flood area, and 330,000 persons either have left their homes or are marooned.

The statement outlines the position as follows:—The areas flooded estimated as: In Louisiana, 34000 square miles; in Mississippi, 2000 square miles; in Arkansas. 4003 square miles; in Missouri, 1500 square miles. 'I he population in these districts is 330.000, of whom 180,000 have been removed and 150,C00 are marooned on the upper floors of their homes or on ridges. The crest of the flood is moving about forty miles a day, and has now about four hundred miles to go before it will spend its force in tlic Gulf oi Alexieo.

Six thousand square miles of Louisiana territory is still in danger of being flooded. Reconstruction plans are progressing. Finances are being arranged. Supplies will he available to permit farmers to replant their crops. It will take from four to six weeks for the flooded areas to drain. All the refugees are being cared tor satisfactorily by the Red Cross. The health conditions are as good as can be expected. Mi- Hoover said: “Every penny that the American people can give will lie needed for the rehabilitation work.” Meanwhile, between five thousand and six thousand refugees are still huddled on the levee in Texas. Louisiana. They chose to remain in their homes when the break came, but they were compelled to retreat to the levee when twenty feet of water flooded their houses. Some are still determined to remain, and they refuse to leave, despite the appeals of relict crews.

RELIEF PLANS. WASHINGTON, Alay G

President Coolidge has announced that various plans are being formed to aid the ‘Alississippi sufferers including financial arrangements between the bankers of the Southern States and the U.S.A. Treasury Department. Special efforts will be made to aid the farmers to put such areas as possible under crops and a special distribution of seeds for this purpose will be undertaken.

It is understood that a semi-govern-ment corporation will be established, and that from the sale stock funds will be made available to make loans. The Red Cross announces the contributions now total eight million dollars.

FURTHER ANXIETY. NEW YORK, .May 7

Anxiety has increased by news that earthquake shocks and tornados were experienced in five .Mississippi states, besides Alabama, and that two towns in the flood area have been shaken. The fear that the shocks will weaken the leevees has added to the gravity of the situation.