20 Sep 1926
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Sep 20, 1926
Page
1
Looting erupts in several areas as a fierce Florida coast storm leaves death and destruction. Winds reached 120 miles per hour in places, piling wreckage and amplifying the region's crisis.
A late night tally from West Palm Beach lists many towns hit by the storm. Miami reports 75 dead with 60 injured and 250 to 300 homeless, while Miami Beach records 12 dead and 850 to 1,400 seriously injured. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood show large fatalities and injuries, with Coral Gables at 50 dead and 150 to 250 injured. The Miami Biltmore Hospital is described as converted.
At 7 45 a m barometer stood at 29 55 a drop of two points in half an hour winds north of east with gusts over 60 mph tides falling no rain. New Orleans residents rush inland as hurricane nears coast with many trains ferries and boats moving. Forecaster expects intensity to rise toward maximum force and a hundred mile an hour gale sweeping Pensacola.
Southeastern Florida faced a nine hour hurricane with an estimated death toll over 1,000 and property losses above 125 million dollars. Miami and Miami Beach reported knee deep water, 2,000 injured, 38,000 homeless, and relief trains delivering food, water, and clothing as areas near Fort Lauderdale and Clewiston faced severe flooding and looting.
Weather report indicates heavy rain possible in Alabama this afternoon with strong winds in the north, diminishing tonight. Northwest Florida may see rain this afternoon with generally fair conditions by tomorrow, winds southeast and south gusting then diminishing.
The hurricane's death toll in southeastern Florida tops 1,000 with Miami estimates around 600 and Hollywood 250. Fort Lauderdale and Moore Haven each report about 100 fatalities as Lake Okeechobee floodwaters surge. Thousands injured, 83,000 homes affected, looting reported, and 300 to 200 special police sworn in at Miami and Hollywood. Public utilities down, morgues set up, and coast guarded by candlelight searches. Efforts for 600 coffins requested amid widespread devastation.
Washington dispatch reports heavy damage to Florida harbor shipping from the Saturday hurricane. The United Fruit ship Anderson lies aground off San Salvador Island as destroyer squadron commanders note limited distress signals.
Communications to the north were cut off as of noon. Efforts to establish telegraph and telephonic contact near Pensacola and Jacksonville were unavailing. Officials reported persistent outage affecting northern routes.
A partial list of the dead from Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, and nearby areas includes Lydia Brookshire and Hattie Winslow in Miami, John Egan and J. T. Phillips, both listed with ages, and many unidentified victims. The compilation spans multiple neighborhoods and mentions residences such as Miami Shores, Hialeah, and Biscayne.
Manila Sept 20 Governor Wood announced after consultation with surgeons at Sternburg United States Army Hospital she will undergo surgery for a heralry in the near future.
The American Red Cross mobilizes six carloads of relief to Miami and mobilizes Atlanta and Montgomery units to coordinate aid after Governor Martin appeals for help. National disaster chief Henry Baker is en route with additional staff as appeals for funds and supplies spread nationwide.
Relief efforts for Florida disaster victims include a special Chicago train carrying doctors nurses supplies and clothing. Illinois Central and Chicago Herald Examiner sponsor the effort with radio appeals raising over 4000 by nightfall expected to reach 10000. Dr Herman N Bundeson heads the Chicago relief corps and logistics include blankets food and medical supplies.
Citizens nationwide rush aid to southern Tennessee area as trains carry food, medical supplies, water, and temporary housing for refugees. Private citizens join in gathering materials for urgent needs as relief efforts continue amid the approaching storm.
Storm prompts many to seek refuge at Mobile county jail with Sheriff Leon Schwarz announcing open doors to accommodate as many as needed. Hurricanes flags flew for the second time this season while radio crews tracked progress and merchants barrowed boards to shield storefronts.
The Alabama Public Service Commission denied proposed rate increases for less than carload shipments of cotton ties within Alabama. It allowed publication of carload rates nearly the same as present, while keeping current less-than-carload rates in effect and blocking consolidation that would raise charges. Protests cited concerns over rate hikes and rate consolidation, per R G Cobb of the Chamber of Commerce.
Crown Prince Leopold of Belgium departed for Stockholm where his engagement to Princess Astrid of Sweden will be publicized after a crown council. The Swedish princess, the third daughter of Prince Charles William, reportedly was a guest incognito at the royal chancery last month.
Reported hurricane moving from Florida to Pensacola with winds up to 100 miles per hour. Telegraph lines along the gulf coast were severed as the storm caused heavy property damage and loss of life in the Miami area and beyond.
Louisiana rice crops suffered heavy hurricane damage. Federal statistician J. L. Jones reports over 1,253,000 bushels destroyed, reducing the yield to 75 percent normal from 84 percent before the storms. The crop outlook was revised to 15,876,000 bushels, versus 17,129,000 estimated earlier. Mature rice suffered most, with significant harm noted.
Hotels in the city fill as residents from suburbs seek shelter from the approaching hurricane. Forecasters warn of rising winds, barometer drops, and a projected inland turn toward Alabama and Mississippi with decreasing intensity after the peak.
A Sep 20 dispatch reports three men executed at a penitentiary in Mexico for taking part in a Yaqui uprising. No names or exact charges are given in the available text.
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