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(COPY)
་ ་
Hon: C.S.
As a result of the typhoon, which struck the coast of the mainland 50 miles east of the Colony on the afternoon of the 17th instant and of the violent thunderstorm and exceptional rainfall which followed it, many of the important highways, including the motor road to the Park, have been blocked by landslides, and many trained nullahs broken. The rainfall amounted to 20 inches in a period of eight hours. There has beer. nothing approaching this since that of May 30th 1896, whiên 20.493 inches were recorded in 16 hours. It is with regret that I have to repart the death of four Chinese warimen, employed at the Government Pumping Station at Pokfulam, where a large boulder, weighing approximately 3000 tons, crashed into the Station, killing four of the workmen and injuring four others. The main engine was badly damaged, also portions of the rising mains which supply water to the Peak district, and it will be impossible to give this area anything but a most restricted suppl supply for some days to come.
The Peak district is cut off from communication by Tram or Motor Car, and there are only two approach roads prac- ticable for pedestrians.
Much damage to private property and godowns has been done, due to flooding of the main roads in the City, and the Naval Yard, Military Barracks and Public Recreation Grounds have suffered severely from the deposits of silt. In many instances, private houses have been severely damaged, necessi- tating shoring, but no aftual collapse or loss of life has been reported.
The lower level tramway service was entirely suspended for 24 hours, and the Electris and Telephone Companies suffered from considerable disorgnization.
The anxiety as to a water shortage in the Colony has, however, been removed, all the reservoirs being now prac-
tically full.