TORNADO DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1928, Page 3

TORNADO DISASTER

THE DEATH ROLL. FURTHER WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. Australian Press Assn.—United Service (Received this dav at 11.15 u.m.) WASHINGTON, Sept. 18. While reports 'of hurricane damage remain unconfirmed, there is little doubt that it is in excess of one hundred persons killed in Florida. It is estimated eighty-five are dead at Palm Bench, while reports from inland cities indicate the number of deaths exceed thirty. The hurricane, which has now diminished in velocity, suddenly veered its course. As a result there are high winds in Jacksonville and torrential rains at Savanna and Charleston, neither of which cities are said to have sustained serious loss. ■ A sudden falling in temperature over the entire east coast of the United States lias caused alarm, but the present north-easterly course of the tornado encourages tho belief that the hurricane is moving out to sea. Maimi is organising relief units and rushing them to the aid of less fortunate sections of Florida. Civic officials of Maimi issued it statement attesting to the immunity of Florida from winter storms, thereby making an heroic effort to quell fear in the minds of those contemplating a Florida vacation, many ol whom are now likely to spend their holiday elsewhere. Mr Coolidge’s plea for the alleviation of suffering in . Porto Rico lias already received warm response in the United States. It is probable that a number of government boats will be pressed into service for Porto Rieo relief. ~ ' Fragmentary despatches continue to emphasise the destitution and declare that the hurricane is the ever struck West Indies. ' 1 MAIMI, September 18. A death list of 139 in Southern Florida as a result of the hurricane, is reported to-day.