Page 86 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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(b) Upto the 11 tli February the rainfall for 1931 had been only 12", and the
outlook appeared grave indeed. On 11th and 12th February however, Kuwait had
a phenomenal 25 hours of unceasing fine rain, and a fall of 2-85" was registered.
(c) As the houses in Kuwait are nearly all built of plain sun-dried mud bricks,
covered with a facing of lime, the driving and continuous rain very soon caused
walls to dissolve and collapse.
Over 120 houses fell in the town, and Kuwait when the rain finally ceased had
the appearance of having been visited by an earthquake. Much misery resulted
and a rough calculation put the damage done at 4 lacs of rupees.
The Political Agency and the houses of his staff also suffered seriously, all being
built of unburnt brick in the prevailing fashion.
During the storm numbers of people took refuge on dhows fearing the collapse
of their houses.
The rain though disastrous for the town was a God-send to the country around,
and brought much needed relief to the tribes and shepherds for they were able at
last to get the grazing they so badly required, as well as the subsequent llay crop.
(d) The summer of 1931 was again abnormally hot. In the latter half of May
the maximum temperature stood at the daily average of 112°F. with a minimum of
80°F. During the months of June , July, August and the first 15 days of Septem­
ber the average maximum daily temperature was 117°F. and the minimum 82°F.
A highest maximum of 118°F. was registered in the latter half of July.
The above temperatures were taken close to the sea shore ; away Trom the sea
front and in the hinterland far higher temperatures could have been recorded.
(e) As is usually the case in Kuwait, September ushered in a sudden change of
temperatures, the 16th September showing a drop in the maximum to I05°F. accom­
panied by a South-East wind from up the gulf of great humidity. This gentle wind
which at nights was accompanied by very heavy dew, continued to the end of
October when there was a further drop in both day and night temperatures.
(/) The 1st November ushered in the cold season proper with a highest maxi­
mum day temperature of 81°F. and lowest minimum day temperature of 52°F.
(g) The month of November was a cold month, much more so than usual.
On the 8th and 9th of November the cold was so great in the desert that everywhere
full water skins froze solid during the night and remained frozen till 10 a.m. the
next day.
From the 24th to 30th December an intense cold wave passed over North-
East Arabia. The temperature dropped to 32°F. in the town of Kuwait, and to
well below freezing point in the hinterland. A piercing cold gale blew from the
North throughout the week and reports everywhere showed arctic conditions. The
cold snap caused much suffering among the poor of Kuwait as a famine in firewood
took place. Three persons died of exposure.
On 28th December slight snow fell over Kuwait for 10 minutes.
(h) Upto the 31st December 1931 Kuwait had a total of 3-86" of rain, or 5"
below the average. When one considers that the major portion of this fell in the
spring of 1931 and only *42" in the autumn of the year, one cannot blame the tribes
if they are anxious as to the future.
XXII.—Visits.
(European and Prominent Arabs.)
Saiyid Mohamad Khairi, Nationalist Syrian Editor arrived by car on 7 th
January and left again on 18th January for Bahrain (see paragraph VI).
Mr. G. II. Selous, O.B.E., Consul, Basrah, accompanied by Mrs. Selous arrived
from Basrah on 13th January and stayed at the Agency. They left again on 17th
January.
Doctor Borrie, Medical Officer attached to the Maud Memorial Hospital, Basrah,
arrived in Kuwait on 5th January and left on the 8th January. He stayed with the
American Mission.
Flight Lieutenant Howes, Royal Air Force, arrived by car from Basrah on 29th
January and left on 30th January (see paragraph XVIII).