THE RISING OF THE SEA AT CALLAO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 141, 12 June 1878, Page 4

THE RISING OF THE SEA AT CALLAO.

There baa been an abnormal rising of the sea at Callno, and the damage done may bo estimated at over half a million sterling. The discharging docks were very roughly treated, a. ml extensive Hoes of coping stones were torn away. The breakwaters and the retaining walls, which ure built of the stoutest nasonry, weve completely demolished. Deposits of coal, merchandise, railway trucks, and houses built on the dooka were carried out to sea by the reflux of the waters, und the founda'iona of the structure' were * greatly shaken. The phenomenon was singular, as the! wave came rolling iv from the north,, while the wind held steadily from the southward. Ships lying far out in the! bay were not particularly affected by the swell, but those ou shore were found to be in a very .dangerous situation The famous ram Hunscar was onlyj about 200 ya«-ds from the shore, andj had to meet the full force of the water. At one time it wna feared that she would be precipitated on the dock, itself,! . and the services of a steamtug werecalledj into requisition to take her to a fiafel enohornge. There was no storm or, tempest during the commotion. The) sun shone rlown upon the lofty waves,! and the heat was intense. The batteries' along the shore suffered severely. In! fieverwl of them the 'guut— 36 and 100-i pounders— were dismounted and carried, some distonce inlands beforeUhe watets; reached a point 300(t distant, from the' j beach. The powder imgHzines We're flooded, ami one enrlhwork complete^ obliterated. The depot of the English' Railway Compay wilg rendered unteu^ able 1 by the waves, rind; the tr&jus for Lima were dispatched from a station •further up' tlio lownl Tha Droga • li'n6 ._ escaped it' jury. All the- wharves and moles «lou£ ihefilsora Were demolished! barges and launches oust high and dry - on the blench; lumber yards and'^oo'a sheds fell before the; common enemy, and the buy was covered with debrii. Nothing could be douo afloat, so thl steamers for the inter mediate ports, north and ( Boutbi wero oliliged to postipone sailing. Iri Callao nine personk were drowAecT during the two days! principally from venturing dangerously near the waves. ' l f