It will be recalled that on Thursday last, July 15, the typhoon was reported to have struck the coast of Chekiang, somewhere near Wenchow. From tie following tragic description, it would appear that Haimen received the brunt of it. Haimen is some 50 miles north. of Wenchow. At least 700 lives are estimated to have been lost. Qur cor-Yespondent says nothing of foreigners Bit presumably they, living farther back from the river, escaped.
Haimen, July ts.
On Wednesday, July 14, the trouble started. We were at Shih. pu and intended to leave that even-ang by the str. Pao Hua for Haimen. The wind began to freshen at 4 p.m. We got our effects on board and were then informed by the Captain that owing to the falling of the glass and the continual increase of the wind, he considered that Jeaving for Haimen would not be advisable, and so decided to remain at anchor until the weather improved. He accordingly steamed to the most sheltered part of the harbour where we remained that night, At dawn of the following day, the wind had "increased considerably and continued to grow more violent throughout the day, until at 11 p.m. part of the superstructure was carried away and as the strain was becoming too great for the single anchor down, ancther was let go.
"Throughout that night there were many anxious moments but nothing parted and at dawn of the following day, Friday July 16, the wind was a good deal easier. By noon, although the glass was still decidedly low, the Captain thought it safe to continue the voyage to Haimen, which was by no means pleasant as bad weather was met when we got outside. We eventually arrived at Haimen at 7 p.m.
A Trpat Wave.
Tt was almost dark when we got up the river, but we noticed a waterlogged sampan floating down with tie current; however we did not give ita second thought other than thinking it had been blown off shore during the previous night, so we were altogether un-: prepared for the sight which met us when off the town itself. One could not seo with any clearness, but certain things were all too apparent. Every wharf and jetty had gene including the long wood jetty! used by the S. O. Ca. installation, the iron pontoon used by the steamship companies was a wreck and partially sunk, no sampans were to ba seen, and few junks; however, after " wait of about aa' hour, a sampan came for us. As it was too dark to think of conveying, of their lightness in comparison to the baggage, we left same ea. the steamer, hoping to have it, dalivered_on the following day.
On landing" it was seen at once that practically all the town immediately in that vicinity on the tiver fro it i cases well, were entirely gone, others with the whole of the lower walls washed away, but the upper storey standing intact.
We proceeded through flooded streets (about 2 feet) to our quarters. On arrival there, we received a full account of the typhoon which has played such a havoc. 9 High winds were experienced during the latter part of Tuesday and continued to increase through-cut the following day. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, the outer wall of the Yung An Steamship Co.'s building blew in and at 8 p.m. the town was invaded by a tidal wave which at that time was only about 18 inches deep, but which rapidly increased to a depth of five fest. even in the hack streets. I believe that the R. C. Mission buildings situated on a hill were not in any way damaged.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.