BAD FLOOD IN QUEENSLAND

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 3 January 1917, Page 5

BAD FLOOD IN QUEENSLAND

FIFTY LIVES LOST. I CLOUDBURST SWEEPS OVER TOWN. BRISBANE, Jan. 1. j Meagre details have been received of j a disaster caused by a flood at Clerl mont. Heavy rains caused an overflow of Sandy Creek, and a great body of water swept the town. Three-quarters of the main street was washed away, and all the houses in the low-lying parts were demolished. The railway and telegraph lines were washed away, and the only communication is by telephone. The first reports stated that 100 people had been drowned or were missing. Later police report*, however, (were that 25 had been drowned and 15 were j missing. Included in those missing is Mi] Crawford,, ex-mombei of Parliament for Mt Morgan, and Mr Young, a stock inspector. | The food supply is short, and relief i is being sent. FURTHER DETAILS. DEATH ROLL UNDERESTIMATED. 15in OF RAIN IX A NIGHT. BRISBANE, Jan. 2. Other reports of the Clermont flood state that 52 bodies have been recovered and 100 persons are still missing. Many families are marooned in trees. Reports of the calamity are 'still scanty. Fifteen inches of rain fell in one night, and there are indications that more rain is to come. Flood conditions also prevail in the Mackay and Longreach districts. 1 LATEST INFORMATION. I BRISBANE.. Jan. 2. Latest Reports of the disajstcr at Clermont sho wthat the flood occurred on Wednesday night. Clermont is situated on p. Mat, bounded on one side by a lagoon and on the other by a creek, which encircles the town. The water rose sixteen feet over the bridge crossing the lagoon, thus preventing escape, ft appears that the residents were caught in a trap between the lagoon and the creek. Vast areas are under water between Townsville and the western border. Other towns were isolated. The Government is making strenuous efforts to relieve the situation owing to the food shortage. • A rough estimate of the damage at Clermont is £150,000. | Reports from. Clermont are still meagre and conflicting. It wil probably be some days before the entire story is known, owing to railway and telegraphic traffic being stopped. The country ig flooded. A message from the postmaster says ( it is feared that the deaths will exceed i (50. The victims include a number of j prominent residents. I The Mayor of Brisbane lias organised a relief fund. I IN TASMANIA. STORM DOES MUCH DAMAGE. HOB'ART, Jan. 2. A cloudburst caused further floods in the Bridgewater district. Much damage was done to property, especially hop gardens.