LATIN AMERICA: Disasters

Costa Rica. High aloft the great Varilla River is spanned by a railroad bridge. Out upon it puffed an excursion train. The excursionists chiefly farmers and laborers, had purchased their tickets at a high price, most of which represented a charitable contribution to a home for the aged, sponsored by the noted Professor Francisco Gomez Alizago.

As the overloaded train jolted upon a poorly fastened rail, there came a rending crash. A car teetered sickeningly, fell to the bottom of the river. Two other cars slithered and hung pendent from the cliff—below them a 190-foot clear drop.

The killed numbered 248, among them Professor Alizago. The 93 injured were cared for by the Red Cross, which rushed aid from San Jose, five and one-half miles away, and started a subscription for the relief of the many widowed or orphaned by the wreck.

Ecuador. For 18 hours ink-black clouds deluged Oro Province. Moment by moment the Jubones River roared louder. Frightened Ecuadorians sought shelter in their homes. At last, the river overflowed, drowned 50 persons, caused $2,000,000 property damage.

Colombia. While Ecuadorians were being drowned, numerous inhabitants of adjacent Colombia clutched their parched throats and prayed fervently for rain. By last week the drought conditions had become so severe as to cause the Magdalena River to fall until navigation was no longer possible for boats of commercial tonnage. The problem of getting necessary supplies to the parched interior was acute.