The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-18
FLOOD ON VANCOUVER ISLAND.
Property Loss of Half Million--Cow-
ichian Flats Inundated.

VICTORIA. Dec. 17.-Ispecial. -Cowichan
flats, or in fact, the whole valley drained
by the Cowichan, Chcmainus and koksilah
rivers, and traversed by the Esquimalt a
Nanaimo railway, was on Tuesday trans
formed into lake of many acres III extent,
which threatened the destruction of both
life and property. Never, even in the rec
objection of the Indian inhabitants, has
such high water been experienced, while
the rapidity of the rise and fall was an
equally remarkable feature of the flood.
When the good people of cowichan retired
10 their beds on Monday night there was
no sign of approaching danger. Early in
the morning they were awakened by the
noise of rushing water To sec hay stacks,
fences aud outbuildings afoat where bare
fields were on the evening previous. The
Indians had been sent out of their tent
homes long before by the intruding water,
and were to be seen padding about in all
directions in pursuit of floating property.
From a. IN. until noon the rise of
the water is said 10 have been truly
wonderfully, from eight TO thirteen inches
being noted por hour. Word was wired to
the railway headquarters early in the
morning, but then the extent of the
flood was unknown and the morning
trains started out from either end of the
line at the usual hour. As they APP
preached the scene of danger it was found
that the water crcpt further and further
up until the rails were covered and
at either side of the bridge the
locomotives and carriages were
forced to pillow their way through
sometimes as much as two feet of water.
No mishaps were experienced, however,
aud all trains arrived at the terminus
sharp on time. Fortunately, by sending
up work train and crew, il was possible
to concentrate large force i'll tho locality,
so that there should be no danger about
trains getting through.
4 large drive of logs, which was making
its way down the Cowichan river, Knocked
away the cluster OF piles protecting the
main pier of the railway bridge The crib
work, that renders secure the pier proper,
stood splendidly, however, and at last ac-
counts the bridge was firm and safe. The
government bridge crossing the Cow
ichan at SonIenos ranch did not fare so
well, and at about 10 o'clock went with .
crash, and fioatcd down the stream in
company with stray logs, fences, etc.
This bridge was built on piles last winter,
and was of great service to the settlers.
During the rise of the waters the house of
Mr.. Mainquay, on Chemaipus river was
reported in great danger. and late this
evening is reported swept away.
Between the Cowichan and koksilah
rivers, for distance of five or six miles,
the whole country was great fresh-water
sea, which continued 10 find new and
higher banks until 1 in the afternoon,
when highwater mark was reached. An
hour later the flood commenced To recedc
with as remarkable rapidity as it rose, and
in one hour a decline of fourteen inches
was recorded. The settlers by 3 p. III. were
collecting their household goods and re-
turning to their homes. and all fear of the
dcluge had about subsidized. Although the
danger is now Supposed to be past, a large
gang of men will be sent up the railway at
daylight in the morning to remedy any
possible defects in the track that may have
been created by the flood. The cause of the
sudden rise and unprecedented area of the
food is the object of many surmises.
Many refuse TO accept the suggestion that
it was due only to the terrific rains melting
the SHOWS mt the head of the three rivers,
and give as their opinion that these forces
were assisted by gigantic cloudburst.
The total damage done, at the latest
estimate, will not be less than half a million
I.ita