Friday, March 1, 2013

Myths and misconceptions of a flood ravaged city

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Here's a thing about floods: they produce myths and misconceptions. Hunter River floods certainly do. One type of misconception is the 'myth of explanation', which arises as people try to make sense of flooding.
The great Hunter flood of 1955 was explained by many as being caused by blowing up Glenbawn Dam, upstream of Muswellbrook.
A rumour to this effect developed quickly as the flood ravaged Singleton, Maitland and other places. Some still believe in it today.

Full article by Chas Keys, Maitland Mercury, Feb. 22, 2013.