Northwest History. Alaska. Epidemics & Contagious Diseases.

• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1936
• Subjects: flu; Fairbanks; Alaska; influenza; Fort Yukon; Emily Randall; deputy United States marshal; ammunition; population; rushing torrent; Yukon and Porcupine river channels; flood; the News-Miner; Northwest; Pacific > History > 20th century; Pacific; Randall; The Landing; Yukon; Porcupine River
• Online Access: http://content.libraries.wsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/clipping/id/90736

Flu Hits Yukon: Claims Six Lives While Flood Also Ravaging Area./Ice Jam In River Cause./Entire Town Under Water Excepting Three Cabins; Airport Also Covered By Flood. FLU HITS YUKON. Claims Six Lives While Flood Also Ravaging Area ICE JAM IN RIVER CAUSE Entire Town Under Water Excepting Three Cabins; Airport Also Covered by Flood. Fairbanks, Alaska, May 11.—UP)—A radio dispatch to the News-Miner said influenza, claiming six lives, ravaged white and native populations at Fort Yukon today, while a flood swept the' town, 150 miles northeast of here at the junction of the Yukon and Porcupine rivers. The News-Miner's correspondent at Fort Yukon, Mrs. Emily Randall, wife of a deputy United States marshal, said no one drowned in the flood which spread over the town when ice broke in a slough early this morning. Food, ammunition and household goods were ruined by the water, which was receding tonight, and the condition of influenza patients made more critical, Mrs. Randall said. Three Dry Cabins. "There is three feet of water in the church," she said, "and the town is all flooded except three cabins. One cabin floated away. Several dogs drowned. The main street between the postoffice and general store was a rushing torrent. Ice blocks were scattered throughout the town. The condition of the natives is particularly serious. The population is still suffering from influenza." The Yukon and Porcupine river channels were gorged with ice, creating a serious flood hazard, and the airplane landing field was under water, Mrs. Randall said. She believed the river ice would break anytime. Plans to send aid to Fort Yukon by airplane were deemed impracticable here in view of the landing field being flooded. The News-Miner tonight was trying to obtain the names of persons who died and to get further information.