New-York tribune., 1905-07-04
MORE THAN 200 KILLED
PEOPLE DIE IN CHURCH.
Loss of Life FolLoscs Burst of Riuer
ia Meeican Citg.

Guanajuaio. Mexico, July 3.-Loss of life va
r.ously estimated AT more than two hundred and
less than one thousand persons. and property
damage to the extent OF more than 81 .ooo 900.
have been caused by the flood which swept over
this town as the result OF a cloudburst. The
telegraph service has been restored and the au-
thOrities are rapidly bringing order out of chaos
There is great suffering. but aid is being re-
oeived from surrounding towns. and semblancs
Of normal conditions it is believed. will soon be
reached.
Burial OF the dead is going on rapidly. al
though many bodies are thought TO be among
The ruins houses and are difficult to find.
The disaster that has come upon this city is
unparalleled in its long history. in which many
foods have been recorded.
great rayine or gorge. has been subjected 10
aoods sweeping down from the mountains. and
much loss Of life has been recorded. but the
present storm. which began Friday night and
continued through Saturday. was unprecedented
in violence
Part OF the river which was built over with
masonry burst through augmenting the flood,
and the scene became one of terror and con-
sternation. The people made haste to gather
their valnabies and fee. and many did SO at the
risk OF their lives. for the streets in the lower
part Of the city were filled with rushing waters.
The rear OF wind and rain added TO the general
panic. With one rush the mighty flood burst
its bounds. foundations OF solidIy built masonry
and houses being undermined. The inmates in
many cases were crushed. In those houses near
the river the water rose rapidly. and the inhabi-
tants went TO the upper floors and even TO the
roofs. where they were exposed TO the fun force
OF the storm. Many thus seeking refuge went
down in the crash OF their houses.
From the centre Of the city the food rushed
TO both sides OF the town. and the people. rush
ing out to fee to the mountains were caught
and swept away.
At the time when the storm seemed likely TO
abate. and before its greatest intensity was
felt, there was great crowd OF merrymakers
in the plaza Gaming operators had scarcely
money thereon when the food rushed down from
the hills sweeping away booths. money and
tables. Many persons were then and there
drowned
A large number OF persons had sought refuge
in the church OF San Diego. hut soon were
crushed TO death under It's falling walls. The
priest. who was addressing words of hope and
consolation TO the crowd. was killed
-Four hotels and some large shops were de-
nolished or badly damaged, and some Of the
handsomest residences in the city were wrecked.
with all their rich furnishings.
The second floor of the Hotel Union is under
five feet Of water. Officers trying TO pre-
serve order and to control the bands of thieves
who are at work pillaging shops and mansions
The federal telegraph lines were interrupted
for some time but the service is now resumed
though the water stands two feet in the
building
The bodies of the drowned are being taken to
houses in the higher streets. and the spectacle
IS "A sorrowful one. as the streets are filled with
mourning survivors looking for their dead
II is probable that many bodies will be found
under the ruins Of houses. The famous La Ola
dam is intact, though at one time ii was be-
leved to have burst.
Many people still camping in the noun
tains The authorities and the telegraph Of
hcials have done everything possible 10 main
tain order and keep communication open