MILLIONS NEEDED TO REPAIR FLOOD RUIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 76, 21 June 1927, Page 9

MILLIONS NEEDED TO REPAIR FLOOD RUIN

MISSISSIPPI’S RAVAGES GIGANTIC TASK TO BEGIN By Cubic. —Press Association.—Copyright WASHINGTON. Sunday, A N idea of the stupendous nature of the task of rehabilitation in the inundated areas of the Mississippi Valley can be gained from the fact that 11.500,000 cases of need are included in the zones which were flooded in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, and more than 600,000 persons homeless refugees under the care of the Red Cross Society. The Hood-waters in the Mississippi Valley have now receded to a low level. This being so, the Secretary of Commerce, Mr. H. C. Hoover, will now superintend the commencement of the work of rehabilitation. Mr. Hoover has at his dispose a sum of £3,000,000 and it is expected that in the coming session Congress will vote most of the vast sum of money required in the colossal undertaking. The first 30 days will be devoted to a programme of sanitation. THOUSANDS OF CARCASES The disposal of the carcases of thousands of dead animals, as well as the burning of great quantities of dead vegetable matter, all of which is a menace of the first magnitude to the great army of destitute people who are now returning to the stricken area, will be the first step taken. Mosquitoes are causing another great problem. These dangerous pests have assumed large proportions. Every precaution will be taken to minimise the danger of malaria. This is perhaps the most serious phase of the sanitation problem. Industrial plants will then be rehabilitated and control will be instituted. It is intended to replace every one of the 120,000 families concerned back on the land on a productive footing. New roads will be constructed and homes built.