FLOOD DAMAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1932, Page 6

FLOOD DAMAGE

PLIGHT OF FLA WE ES BAY

STEADY RAIN. IS STILL FALLING

ißy Telegraph—Per Press Association)

HASTINGS, May 2

Danger of further Hooding in northern and central Ha wives Bay is feared. Heavy rain last night was followed this morning by a light which at 10.45 o'clock turned into a steady, fairly heavy rain. The sky is extremely threatening, and the weather reports are unfavourable. The position is such as t<> cause considerable anxiety, and the fears of settlers will not be allayed till there is a distinct and definite change in Hie weather. The cessation of rain for a few hours yesterday, IrUought much ra’ief and allowed stock to bo removed, and 'the

waters to subside, all three rivers and .tributary stream--, this morning, mad dropped a good ideal. Access to Hastings and Nap'or, and northwards to Gisborne is still interrupted. .An alternative route is open, but it is liable that there may be probable further slips on the alternative road. The Wairoa route is opeii but *t : s not certain whether the road c»i be kept clear. Present prospects of a change in weather are not r m'-m vi'ig. Conditions in the districts affected ry the flooding of the Ngaruroro an-1 l.utakuri rivers have moderated to-day, compared with Saturday. The levels or both rivers have dropped consideranlv, si nil the rain has eased off, though the ihil! is still steady. There is litUe sigti' of the weather breaking, and rain Hood water-- have been responsible for the heavy damage to mgh.va/s. J'u e bridges have been Im.'. while road surfaces have been ah 1 :■ cl nv 1!u ‘ action of the water. i’- a 1 (, o mm.- ration between Napier and vVair-w, : ”id Napier and Taupo is still cur <?fi, thought it is hoped to .Rave subsidiary roads open for both routes to-nigiu. Farmers, in many parts of the district, have suffered heavily through the Ess of fences. No estimate of the loss of stock in tlie outlying districts '.s vet available.