FLOOD DAMAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21190, 13 August 1940, Page 9

FLOOD DAMAGE

EAST COAST ROADS SETTLERS REMOVE STOCK SOLDIERS UNABLE TO RETURN (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) GISBORNE, Monday Only one of the four main highways leading out of Gisborne was open today following a stormy weekend, which left considerable minor damage in its train. The East Coast road, the inland road to Wairoa and the northern outlet to Opotiki were all blocked at several points by slips and wash-outs, leaving the Morere route to the south the only one available for traffic. The southern route was the most important today, since it had to be traversed by a large number of soldiers returning to camp. Many soldiers, however, were isolated through the blocking of other roads, while other victims included the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, who was compelled to extend his stay at Ruatoria, as the roads both to the north and south were completely blocked. Anxious Night Spent

Rain which set in on Friday has continued almost without interruption and the rainfall for the four days varies from 4Jin. in Gisborne to 6in. and 7in. in the back country and on the East Coast. Last evening there appeared to be serious danger of flooding on the flats, and warnings were issued to settlers, many of whom spent an anxious and arduous night. In some cases stock were moved to higher ground.

A close watch was maintained on the danger spots of the Waiapaoa River, which was running bank high. Early in the evening a temporary easing of the rain in the back country relieved anxiety, but fears returned with reports this morning that heavy rain had set in again and the river was rising. The danger period shortly before mid-day was passed, however, without the water reaching the previous day’s peak. Although the low-lying areas are flooded in varying degree, with much surface water throughout the district, the general result of the rain, unless further heavy falls alter the outlook, will be beneficial. The steady, warm rains are expected to encourage a strong early growth of pasture.