Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 October 1897 — SAY 20,000 WERE LOST. [ARTICLE]

SAY 20,000 WERE LOST.

Great Floods Ravage China, Leaving Thousands Homeless. The steamer Victoria brings news of the most disastrous floods that have visited China for many years. Six£y villages near Tung Chou, containing over 80,000 inhabitants, have been destroyed by floods and the people drowned or forced to flee. There Is no means # of finding how many thousands have been drowned, but the number is estimated by Chinese authorities at 15,000 to 20,000.^ The flooded district is within twelve miles of Pekin, the capital of China. As a rule Chinese officials make very little stir when a calamity like this happens, but the proximity of the disaster hits resulted in its being brought to the attention of the emperor, who has ordered that all possible relief be given. Survivors from the villages nearest Pekin have been allowed such shelter as they can find on the city walls, but thousands are without protection against the rain, which continues to fall. The distress of these people is most pitiable. Public spirited and wealthy meu of Pekin and Tung Chou are actively assisting the authorities in providing them with food. The floods have greatly damaged a large number of estates belonging to Pekin nobles. The unusual rains began July 23 and continued until Aug. 15. The crops in the flooded district were destroyed. The prefects, local magistrates and people of the flooded district prayed for the cessation of the rnin seven days before they were finally driven out of their homes.