KARAMEA VALLEY

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1932, Page 6

KARAMEA VALLEY

STOCK WASHED AWAY

AN EXCITING TIME,

KARAMEA, August 29.

Saturday was 'exceptionally wet, but' there was nothing to indicate that Karamea Valley would be flooded on Sunday. As events turned , out the reiidebts had an exciting time;

It was -warm rain and the snow melted, causing the river to rise a t a rapid rate late on Sunday night. The alarm was given; at six o'clock yesterday morning. Beforedong water ’ whs lapping around tbewahemses, and those on lower ground’ were flooded. -Still' the water rose, and boats were in great demand. Stock was washed away, and considerable damage was done to the roads. Mr and Mrs McCashin, living between Karamea! and Market Cross, •wen? forced to leave .their house. They waited till, the water rose to the windows, and then they climbed on to the roof, and signalled for help. They were picked 1 tip Dj* a,- boat-,- and taken to safety; Just as suddenly as it caihe up, the water disappeared, leaving behind a coating of'"silt. At seven o’block 'in the evening, traffic was able' to ‘use the'-roads. It is stated ; that since thd earthuake, the Karamea Valley is only 2ft 6in -above -ea lqvel. ’ This does ‘not give enough fa 11 for floodwaters 'to .'get. away. The°residents ate growing quite used to floods.’ *" They usually have one or two eafeh spring. The last big orie they had was but of‘season/however* and water came rushing down at Easter time last year. , As yet/-no estimate of "the'-damage can be made, as Some of t e stock washed away may’be alive further down the valley. The roads are washed out in several places, and will provide 'plenty of work' for ’the County •Council. People? are busy to-day removing the -mud from their houses.