TERRIBLE FLOODS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10604, 1 June 1920, Page 5

TERRIBLE FLOODS

CAUSED BY CLOUDBURST TRAGEDY IN LINCOLNSHIRE TOWN. RESIDENTS ENGULFED BY RAGING WATERS. NUMEROUS DEATHS. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Keuter'a Telegram. LONDON, May 30. As the result of heavy rain, the canal bank at Louth, in Lincolnshire, hurst, and the town was flooded. There were many fatalities, and twenty bodies have been recovered. Published in "i'lie Tunes." LONDON, May 30. The disaster at Louth was due to a waterspout causing the river Lud, 'running through the centre of tho town, to burst its banks. The flood largely destroyed the residential quarters. Many saved themselves by mounting to the roofs and climbing trees, from where they were rescued. The water quickly subsided. " The number oi fatalities is unknown. Australian ami N.Z. Cabla Association,

(Received May 31, 7.40 p.m.)

LONDON, May 31. Louth is a pleasant Lincolnshire town, lying at the foot of the hills on the e'dgo of a flat, marshy plain. The cloudburst occurred on the hills a few miles distant. Most of the towns- < people were driven indoors by the rain".' Many were at tea. There was no warning of the disaster, as'the rainfall locally was not excessive. The flood waters ourst in the doors and windows of the houses, and many victims were trapped on the ground floors. . One woman escaped by climbing a chimney. Three children, who ware" having tea with their mother, mounted higher arid higher to avdld the rising water-, until compelled to cling to a "curtain pole. Then they either dropped from exhaustion or the polo collapsed. All the children were drowned. The chief police officer attended the telephone continuously for three hours standing in four feet of water. FURTHER DETAILS.

(Received May 31, 8.50" p.m.) LONDON, May 31. The flood waters at Louth swept away bridges, houses and walls in a few minutes. It is estimated that the death-roll is fifty. Parties are now searching the debris. Only one survivor was found among tho occupants of a-terrace,of twelve houses, -which were destroyed. The fatalities include four firemen, who were swept away with an engine.