FLOOD DANGER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21247, 18 October 1940, Page 4

FLOOD DANGER

TORRENTIAL FALL CANTERBURY WATERSHED MEN GUARD KEY POINTS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Friday Preparations for another flood, with its peak due between three and four this afternoon, were made today by the Waimakariri River Trust as the river roared out of the mountains after heavy rain in the watershed. According to an estimate made by the engineer, Mr H. W. Harris, the river will reach a peak of Bft. 6in. above normal, or 2ft. 6in. below the level of the record flood last February. Three hundred Trust workmen were on duty this morning guarding key points in the flood defences. Yesterday torrential rain fell in the watershed, the reading being 6.57in. in a few hours.

COMMUNICATION LOST HEAVY RAIN ON WEST COAST (ißy Telegraph.—Special to Times) GREYMOUTH, Thursday Semi-flood conditions are being experienced on the West Coast as the result of almost incessant rain since 10 o’clock last night. The Public Works Department advised tonight that the Otira Gorge road is blocked to traffic as the result of the washout of the Goat Creek bridge approach. It is possible that there will be a temporary crossing by tomorrow afternoon. Bad weather also to the east was indicated this evening by the complete loss of telegraphic and telephonic communication with other parts of New Zealand. Communication was in order to the Bealey, but there was no contact further east. The alternative route by way of Blenheim was almost simultaneously thrown out of srder, but at 7.20 p.m. this route was restored after an hour and three-quarters of isolation.