THROUGH FLOOD & FIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 68, 28 March 1913, Page 5

THROUGH FLOOD & FIRE.

THE OHIO DISASTER.

WIDESPREAD SUFFERIN'G

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) New York, March 26. The citizens of Peru, Indiana, finding looting rampant, organised vigilance committees and gave notice that all looters would be summarily shot. Thousands of people are maroonjd in the courthouse and hospitals. Snow is falling heavily, and the suffering is intense. Relief is beginning to arrive, but scores of persons are perishing of cold and fatigue. Flames are raging in Dayton, and eight business houses have been burnt down. There are no means of cheeking the outbreak. Fifteen thousand people have taken refuge in the hospitals, waiting for the floods to subside. The river is four miles wide.

Men were rescued, half frozen, from trees.

Many boats are engaged in rescue work; but the terrific currents, even in the streets, make it dangerous work. The President lias ordered the despatch of tents, supplies and physicians immediately, and an army corp:has been ordered to render aid.

West Indianapolis reports that 150 people have been drowned there. The people of Peru are drinking contaminated water, and pestilence is feared. There are no blankets and uo fires.

A midnight report from Lewiston states that the dam is weakening and is likely to collapse. The Governor has despatched a special train, with men and materials to strengthen the dam.