’QUAKES FOLLOW IN FLOOD AREA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 39, 9 May 1927, Page 9

’QUAKES FOLLOW IN FLOOD AREA

VAST TRACTS ARE A WASTE OF DESOLATE WATER By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright NEW YORK,. Sunday. The anxiety caused by the floods in the Mississippi Valley has been increased by the news that earthquakes and tornadoes have been experienced in five States traversed by the Missis sippi River, and also in Alabama. Two towns in the flooded area have been shaken. The fear is entertained that other shocks may weaken the levees and then add to th€! gravity of the situation. About 12,000 square miles of country are under water in the southern flood area and 330,000 persons have either left their homes or are marooned, according to a statement issued by Mr. H. C. Hoover, Secretary of Commerce. The areas which have been flooded are estimated as follows; Square Miles. Louisiana 3,400 Mississippi 2,000 Arkansas 4,000 Missouri 1,500 The population of these districts is 330,000, of whom 180,000 have been removed and 250,000 are marooned in the upper floors of their homes or on ridges. Reports received yesterday from the flooded areas stated that the greatest test of the levees would shortly be made. At New Orleans the river showed a height of 20.4 ft yesterday and if the waters sink to 20ft the city would be saved. It is problematical, however, whether the vast convergence of waters, as they approach the Gulf of Mexico, can flow off fast enough to avoid piling over the barriers which protect the southern end of the city. The breaches in the levees at various parts of the river are growing larger every hour, or new ones are formed as the waters surge heavily against these barriers. The President, Mr. Calvin Coolidge, announces that various plans are being made to aid the sufferers by the Mississippi floods. These include financial arrangements between the bankers in the Southern States and the Treasury Department. Special efforts are to be made to assist farmers to sow any a.reas where it is possible for crops. There is to be a special distribution of seeds for this purpose. It will take from four to six weeks for the flooded areas to be drained to enable the farmers to sow their seeds for new crops. It is understood that a semi-Govern-ment corporation will be established and, from its sale of stock, money will be made available for loans. The Red Cross Society announces that it has now received contributions totalling £1,600,000 toward its relief funds. Ail the refugees are being cared for satisfactorily by the organisation. Their health conditions are

as good as can be expected. Every penny the American people can give will be needed for the work of rehabilitation, according to Mr. H. C. Hoover, Secretary of Commerce.