FLOODS IN MASTERTON.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1918, Page 2

FLOODS IN MASTERTON.

TOWN UNDER WATER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Masterton, May 25 There is a very big flood in Masterton The Waipoua river .broke through at a late hour last night, flooding a big proportion of the business centre. The damage cannot be yet estimated, but it is considerable.

The firebell was rung at 1 o'clock this morning to warn people of the danger. There are hundreds of people in the streets rendering assistance where needed.

The present is the largest flood experienced in Masterton since 1884.

A violent storm was experienced last night, the woTst for ever 30 years. Heavy rain fell for hours, accompanied by a terrible thunderstorm. The Waipoua river burst its banks and flooded part of the town. The water was two to three feet deep in parts of the business portion of the town. Many houses were flooded, some up to four fet. The flood water receded at 2 a.m., and the danger is now over. It is estimated that heavy loss has been causedATSf EXCITING TIME. Later. Later particulars concerning the floods show that the Waipoua river broke through in two places and tore through the lower part of tho town. For ahout four hours the situation was very serious, and about 1 o'clock the fire'oells were rung to warn the people of the danger. In Hope, Wrigley, Albert, Queen, Hall, and Villa streets there was a sea of water, which was quite three feet deep in places. Business people whose premises were in danger were communicated with, and, with hands of residents, commenced the work of placing' their stock beyond tho water.

Householders were kept busy removing their household goods to safety and taking other precautions. At times the position was terrifying, owing to the heavy thunderstorm and vivid lightning. It was a night of terror, and, as each hour passed, the' situation became worse and the lower part of. the town in danger of being almost completely inundated. Fortunately, about '2 o'clock, the watei> commenced to recede, and by 3 o'clock the worst was over.

Some of the streets were raging tor* rents of water, and one house, near the river, had four feet ni water in it. There was a good deal or alarm among residents as the flood water gradnally rose. The rain came down in sheets, and the indications were that the flood would increase. Fortunately, the storm abated, and the conditions improved from 2 o'clock oilwards. Reports from other parts of the district announce heavy floods.