Thursday, March 31, 2011

OLD STORY FROM: Monday September 3, 1923, JAPAN DELUGED WITH DISASTER: TYPHOON, EARTHQUAKE, LANDSLIDE, FIRE!!!

Estimate Dead At 100,000 or More In Coast Cities!!!

The eyes of the world were taken from any smaller thing like the Greek and Italian War Sunday by the appalling disaster in Japan. The estimate of 100,000 lives lost in Yokohama and Tokio was only an estimate. Just the moment wireless communications was opened between Shanghai and Japanese points, the news came to the Gazette Sunday and the bulletin was posted. Hundreds of people in the evening saw this bulletin. Only a little was added by the morning papers. In Japan it is Tuesday, the calendar being one day ahead of us here. No water, no food, a great city still burning is the news of the day. Each story only adds to the horror of the disaster. People fled in panic to the mountains near-by. Yokohama was destroyed and the capital of Japan, 17 miles away, was wrecked. A typhoon blew down hundreds of buildings Saturday. When it subsided earthquake shocks followed one after another. Buildings were piled in heaps and fire broke out. It was a scene of horror and death. For a hundred miles along the shore, towns were piled in heaps. Nagoya, a city of 350,000 people was destroyed and other smaller towns are no more. Tidal waves and landslides wrecked other cities and sea coast villages and buried them forever. Hundreds of Americans are somewhere in the city of Yokohama, and Tokio houses several thousands of Americans resident there. It will be days in the confusion and terror before reports of the whereabouts of all Americans can be learned. Only the most meagre news is yet available owing to the conditions of wire and wireless service.

SUMMARY OF DISASTER

The situation in Japan resulting from one of the greatest disasters in history as disclosed by advices up to this morning is as follows:

Estimated that at least 100,000 persons dead. One report even gave this number for the number of Tokio’s dead.

Shocks, believed to be “Settling Shocks” of the original temblor, were recorded on American seismographs.

Great tidal waves followed the first shock.

Communications with Japan continued virtually paralyzed. Some matter coming out by cable from Southern Japanese seaports, but most of information emanating from Iwaki radio station, 155 miles north of Tokio.

Disastrous fires following earthquake believed under control.

Numerous structures of scenic or historic interest destroyed.

Fears are entertained for numerous Americans in Japan or on ships either in Yokohama harbor or near it, for nothing has been heard from any of these ships, though several were large passenger liners equipped with wireless.

British and American navel vessels have been ordered to Japan to give relief. Relief ships have been started from other Japanese ports to Yokohama. All Japanese vessels ordered to take up relief work.

Osaka and Kobe voted 300,000 Yen for relief work.

Martial law declared in Tokio and Yokohama, and no one allowed to enter the former unless he carries his own food.

Numerous volcanoes are reported in eruption.

Tokio: Eight wards of the cities fifteen virtually wiped out, including business and financial districts; much damage elsewhere, water supply failed, fire caused explosion in Governors arsenal, killed several thousand. Food and water lacking for thousands of refuges.

Yokohama: Foreign and business sections wiped out largely by fire; tens of thousands of guests, including many foreigners at resorts in mountains near by. Estimated 1,400 houses burned.

Yokosuka: Tidal wave wrecked many government vessels, much damage done in town which is of 70,000 population, fire reported broken out, naval station engulfed by tidal wave and buildings and ships destroyed.

Nagoyia: Population 620,000 reported practically destroyed.

Sasako: Six hundred reported perished in collapsed railway tunnel.

Osaka: Railroads for hundred miles north torn up, many trains wrecked with heavy casualties.

Ito: More than 500 houses washed away by tidal wave.

Kakone: At this famous mountain resort it is said to be easier to count living than dead. Foreigners frequented this district.

Karuakara: Aviator reported could not see one house upright.

Okoshima: “Picture Island” reported submerged.

Odawara: Swept by tidal wave.


Note: Story From Janesville (Wis.) Daily Gazette, September 3, 1923

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.