The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-13
FLOOD WATER NOW
 FLOWING OVER 225
 M|LES|N ARKANSAS
Railroad and VehicuIar Traf- fiC Halted in Wide Area as Result of Levee
 Break
By Associated Press

Helena, Ark, April 12.-Levee board officials here were advised late tonight that 6O-foot slough had occurred on the south end of the caved-in section of the front line Mississippi river levee at Old Town, Ark, which began crumbling two weeks ago. Orders were given for additional workmen to be sent to the scene to reinforce the squad of 50 men now stationed on the embank- ment. According to the report re- ceived here, the point where. the the stretch of embankment protect slough occurred was we'll within ed by second and third line em- bankments, but, as a precautionary measure, these probably will be ex- tended.
 Washington, April 12.--Persistence of very high stages In the Missis- sippi river from Cairo to the mouth of the White river and the present decided flood in the Arkansas and Waite rivers. all due to recent rains. will cause n still further rise and much prolonged flood over esti- mates previously given, the weather bureau here declared tonight in a special river bulletin.
 New Orleans, April 12.-Reports from Helena, Ark, that approximate land in the lower part of Phillips county were covered by flood wa ters from the -Whlts and Arkansss rivers. which are backed up by the high stage of the Mississippi river. gave a more serious aspect to the flood situation today
 The village of Melwood in the flooded area. was reported covered with from to 10 feet of water. while Elaine town of about one thousand population, is compietely surrounded by water. with water a few inches deep in the streets.
 Railroad and all vehicular traffic has been stopped in the flooded area. Few people remained in their homes to take chances with the high water.
 
 removed to higher ground. About ons hundred negro refugees from La. conia Circle, where the White river levee broke Monday night and flood- ed about 25 square miles, were taken to Helena late today by the steamer Kate Adams. The Red Cross imme- diately took the refugees in charge.
 A hurry call for levee builders, was sent out from Arkansas City, Ark, nd that point from Lake Village, Der mott and Tillar to aid in strength ening one mile stretch of the Desha county levee along the Mississippi river. The levee is holding, but is being raised to a greater height to meet the increasing floods expect cd.
 In the Helena district scores of houses, tenant houses for the most part. which were flooded by back water. have been washed off their foundation and number demolished by the high waves resulting from the winds. which have contributed largely to the present higher river stages by preventing the water from flowing southward.
 Levee engineers in all the districts continue to express confidence there would be no serious break or Nover- flow at any point. pointing out that the einbankments are higher now than at any previous time and am pie to hold back all the water in sight. Strict guard Is being main- tained at all probable danger points
 All Records Exceeded.
 vicksburg. Miss, April 12.-Stages exceeding all high water records in the Mississippi river at GreenviIe, Miss, and slightly under that mark at Vicksburg when the crest of the rise arrives within the next four to five days and two weeks. respect- lively. were predicted today in re- vised forecast issued by the local of flee of the United States weather bureau
 The new figures are for a stage of 51 feet at Greenville compared with the record height of sos feet in 1913. and 53.5 feet at Vicksburg from April 20 to 2S. The river rose four tenths of a foot here today, the