HEAVY FLOODING

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1933, Page 5

HEAVY FLOODING

CLOUDBURST ON MT. RUAPEHU.

(Per Frets Astncigtion — Copyright \

AUCKLAND, Murtdt 21. There has been a cloudburst on Alt. .■> Ruapehu. It 'has caused serious tioo<i. ing of streams) i The. large, wooden bridge overxtha■ Whakapapanui River, one mile. b SPW the Chateau Tongariro, was washed away, thus* isolating the Chateau. . ,v The T e are twenty-five guests .there, who will be marooned until a temporary .structure is erected. This will be done to-morrow, enabling motor traffic to cross, pending the erection of a permanent bridge., . v V

HSavy rain and an electrical storm occurred to-night. ■>. *• v

DAMAGE TO MAIN TRUNK

PALMERSTON NORTH, March ,22. Though complete reports are not available, fears are entertained that the cloudburst has caused serious damage to the main trunk line at Okahukuai*. The track inspection is not yet finished. Three, expresses are reported to .be held up these being the north main , trunk express at Owhango, the north limited at Ohak u ne, and the down limited near the scene of the damage. ON MAIN TRUNK LINE.

ENGINE AND CAR DERAILED.

WELLINGTON, March 22. The Ohakune correspondent of the Press Association telephoned this morn-.,-ing stating that a heavy rainfall caused the collapse of . a culvert, and washouts between Raurimu. and Ongarue add. floods at Karioi. The engine, passenger car: and van of the down Limited were about a quarter of a mile .hdrjffi ol Okahukura, north of Taumarunui. No injuries were sustained by pas*sengers. ’Tire, express for the north left Ohakune at 12.15 last - night but was delayed at Owhango and is still there. The up Limited to Auckland went through a flood at Ivarioi and was delayed, and now is now at Ohakune. (Breakdown trains and workers trains are being despatched to all points affected.

The present indications are that north of Okahukura-will:be cleared by o p.m. » to-day. ... There are no indications of through communication between Raurimu and Taumarunui. It will bp a big job. The full extent of the damage is not known! ” All rail' traffic is suspended. The floods at Karioi are now subsiding and . workmen from all points'- - are being brought to the scene of the washout.