FLOODS IN FIJI

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1931, Page 2

FLOODS IN FIJI

TWO HUNDRED LIVES LOST, HURRICANE SWEEPS LUATOKA, AUCKLAND, March 17, Detailed news of the floods and the hurricane which inflicted on Fiji the wurst disaster in its history reached Auckland by the Toiua to-day. Over two hundred lives were lost and uncaleuluted damage done to pioperty. 'I lie floods o, eiirn d comparatively near Suva, but, it was the districts of Lautoka, Ba, and Signtoka wind; were sLruck by the hurricane. Five days elapsed before news reached Suva and then it wa<s necessary to rush food to .[he stricken areas to save further loss <d life. The absence of a wireieso station at Lautoka was the subject of strong comment. The flood waters in the Upper Nausori river rope SO to 109 feet, and at Nan so mi they reached to twenty-eight, feet above normal.

Day after day cattle, pigs, poultry, banana trees and wreckage floated down to the ocean. The loss to the natives arid the Indians was overwhelming, village after village being blotted out. After tlie water fell and men returned home, the river rose again and rescue work had to be done over once more. Many natives and others are now living in caves on the hillsides.

VILI,AGE ()VF.RWHKi M ED. Just when Suva was settling down after the flood* flews was received of the hnrrioafie which, swept Lautoka) till, chief sugar port of the island, and Bn, Signtoka, and Penang. The gale, accompanied by drenching rain, raged all the night of February 21st. At daylight there were seen wrecked buildings, ruined crops, and lifeless bodies. A landslide overwhelmed a native village- killing thirteen, and injuring eighteen out of thirty-five. At Drasa 100 out of 125 wore swept away in the floods. The total loss of life is unknown, but 178 are known to have been buried. Many others were seen floating to sea for fifty mils*. At Signtoka no Indian or Chinese store remained standing. Much praise is given the Colonial Sugar Company’s staff for their relief work. There are many stone* of heroism, including tlie work of a young Fijian who crossed the flooded river twice and rail forty miles with news of the disaster.