CO129-427 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 242

15

:

1.

No 48.

BRITISH CONSULATE GENERAL,

CANTON.

July 15th 1915.

203

PICAL DIE

1-88 OWN

EN

12h Bazndarvet.

FIRDA NE Orenog sidd

rh

Chenelom wi

est edirundregge sdt,

Hosp

Sir,

I regret to have to report that very serious floods

have occurred in this district. At the moment of writing

communication with the officials is impossible and I am

therefore unable even to estimate the extent of the damage,

but there can, I think, be little doubt that the greater

part of the Delta is under water.

The rise in the river was noticeable a week ago when

reports were received of floods in various country districts.

But on the 11th, 18th and 13th instant the rise w29 80

rapid that Canton city was taken by surprise and the

disaster was complete.. Parts of the city proper are on

fairly high ground and may have escaped, but the surburbs

are covered to a depth of from four to eight feet of water.

The inhabitants are living on the roofs of their houses,

many of which, it is said, are collapsing. The catastrophe

has been so sudden that no relief work has been organized.

he Right Honourable

Sir J.N.Jordan, G. C. I.E., K. C.B., K. C. M.G.,

&o..

80.. &c.,

His Majesty's Minister,

PEKING.

The