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- 1926 THE GREENOUGH FLOOD IN 1888
THE GREENOUGH FLOOD IN 1888.
One of the most serious floods in the history of this State occurred at Greenough Flats on February 5, 1888. Following torrential rains, the flood water came down with a rush, completely inundating the flats. Four lives were lost, and there were many narrow escapes from death. Numbers of live stock were drowned, houses were destroyed and hay stacks and fences were washed away.
The damage was estimated at well over £20,000, and a fund was raised in Perth to aid the unfortunate settlers. Dongarra was also affected, the residents having to flee from their houses and sleep in the sand hills. That the loss of life was not greater was due mainly to the tireless effort of Mr. Maitland Brown, Government Resident at Gcraldton, and a small band of helpers.
On receiving news of the disaster they secured two boats and placed them on a train, which was taken as far along the line as was safe. A hand trolley conveyed them to the edge of the flooded area, where the party embarked.They then spent two whole days in rescue work.
The four people drowned were William Bone, Mr. and Mrs. Cole, and Mrs Bridgeman. Bone was searching for his children when he became entangled in a fence, and was unable to escape. Cole and his wife, an old couple, who lived alone, met their deaths in a pathetic manner. Having placed all their goods on tables and shelves, the old man took his wife in his arms and tried to reach the next house, only a short distance away. He was resting for a moment by a tree when they were overcome.
The Bridgemans were rescued by a party, which floated down to the house on a raft made of an old horse trough lashed to two barrels. The 'West Australiin' of February 11, describes how Gee Mong, a Malay, employed by the family, managed to get them on to the roof. When the water got so high near the top, Geo Mong actually forced a hole through the roof by using his head as a battering ram.
His hands and even his feet were otherwise engaged the former holding one of the children and the latter being held by poor Mr Bridgeman. When he appeared on the roof he carried the child with its clothes gripped between his teeth.Mrs. Bridgeman perished before she could be lifted to the roof.
A lighter note is struck by the description of a man who sought refuge in a tree top having to dip himself in the water every few minutes to rid himself of ants, which had preceded him to the spot. Other less serious floods occurred at Greenough in 1862, 1872, and 1882 In 1872 the flats were two feet under water.
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1838 - 1888 Drowned
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