ON THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 256, 26 October 1907, Page 5

ON THE MEDITERRANEAN.

GREAT LOSS OF LIFE. SIX ITALIAN TOWNS IN RUIKS. HISTORIC GHURGHEB THROWN HEADLONG.

[jST.Z. Pkess Association-.—Coftbight.] The most destructive earthquake since the Kingston disturbance last year occurred yesterday over a large area of Southern Italy ana a portion of Sicily. Over 200 lives are already known to have been lost, and large numbers have been injured. The area affected included a large portion of Calabria, the southernmost province of Italy, as well as neighbouring territory in the extreme north of Sicily. The town which suffered most was Ferruzzano, which is situated within a ■walking distance of the better known town of Monteleone, on the Gulf of Eufemia. Here 200 people were killed outright, and ar. immense number sustained severe injuries. Terrible scenes were witnessed, and for some time the town was in the wildest chaos. The loud crash of falling masonry, the smashing of window glass, and the ringing of bells mingled with confused shrieks, and then with loud criee of pain and anguish. The work of rescue has now begun, but is not far enough advanced to render possible an approximate return of the loss of life and property. It is certain, however, that the killed and injured are to be numbered by hundreds.