28 AUGUST 1886, Page 3

The history of the annexation of Burmah has been not

only one of inadequate provision against emergencies, but one of almost unparalleled misfortunes. Tho last, and in some respects the greatest, of these is the disaster which occurred on August 18th, when the embankment which protects Mandelay burst to the northward of the town, and the Irrawaddy rushed in at a breach said to be now 300 yards wide, submerging the town in some places to a depth of 20 ft., and in the shallowest part to a depth of 4 ft. The great Bazaar has 5 ft. of water in it. A large number of houses were carried away, and a great multitude left without a roof.