LUNAHUANA, United States of Colombia, March 30, 1891.--This beautiful
valley has experienced a topographical change, and I may now call a
desert that which was formerly a delightful spot. Fifteen craters
have been constantly at work since Sunday, March 22, throwing out
masses of mud and water which on its precipitate descent and with the
great strength of the current, is carrying ruin in all directions and
sweeping houses before it, together with their inhabitants and the
cattle, vineyards, farms and irrigation works.
All the roads north and south of here have been converted into ditches,
through which the water is continually pouring, and all communication
between Canete and Chincha is interrupted, while the bridge across the
river has been swept away.
The numerous victims who have suffered, the deep impression caused by
the destruction of all the irrigation ditches, the fact that it will
be impossible to gather the remainder of the crop of grapes, and the
certainty that the necessities of life will reach famine prices, lead
me to suggest that the government should take steps on behalf of the
residents here. Hundreds of families have been left without homes and
are camping out on the hillsides, the only clothes they have being
those in which they escaped. They are preparing to cross the ravines,
as the floods may sweep down upon them at any moment.
* * * * *
An interesting geological phenomenon is noticed in the district of
Izium, in Kharkoy, Russia. In consequence of the heat this summer
the ground broke open in many places and deep ditches formed, at the
bottom of which subterranean water appeared. Geologists who examined
the ground think that the subterranean water comes from the same source
which supplies the Slavinskoye salt lakes of the neighborhood.