GERMAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 3

GERMAN NEWS.

GERMAN FLOOD DISASTER. -MAXV LIVES LOST. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) [Received this day at 8 a.m.) BERLIN, July 10. Advices state at least 150 arc dead ill Mueglitz Valley, Saxony, which is studded with villages chiefly occupied in making wooden toys. Many holiday makers were trapped in the sudden inundation of the countryside, when the banks of the usually placid river welled over, with stupefying suddenness. There are enormous losses and cattle and sheep carcases are floating everywhere. The water rushed in the houses with such rapidity that in some towns the inhabitants were drowned abed. Many were engulfed in torrents and dashed to death against trees and walls. The water spread so fiercely following a violent cloudburst that at Glasbutte fifteen were drowned in a few moments. Something akin to a tidal wave swept Gottleuba and nearby lumbereamps, carrying off logs which battered down the cottages and alf bridges. Nothing was intact alter the immense column of water struck Cllashuette from the mountains. I elegrapb posts were razed like straws. Railway cuttings were obliterated. A train crossed a bridge just before the collapse but instantly overturned into deep water. At least five other trains are partly submerged. Rescuers were unable to approach the passengers who panicked as the waters rose. Casualties hereonent are unknown. I mops were rushed to the scene and aie cooperating with the police in rescue. Relief squads are propping up battered buildings. Gas and electricity is cut off.

At t'hrieborhnn there is intense suffering. NeuendorfF was wiped out. Each succeeding report is more tragic. The severance of communications prevents an assessment of the death roll', ft will be many days before the extent of the catastrophe is known. The storm is'continuing with widespread violence and people are making for the highlands fearing the worst is yet to come.

The Reichstag suspended after voting relief, members of the C abinet hastening to the flood areas.