NATIONAL CATASTROPHE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 11

NATIONAL CATASTROPHE

Earthquake in Southern Italy PRODUCTIVE REGIONS RUINED Eight Terror-stricken Provinces United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright (Rec. July 25, 7.10 p.m.) ("Times” Cables) London, July 25. “The Times’ ” Rome correspondent states that the earthquake has assumed the proportions of a national catastrophe as fuller details have been received from the eight terror-stricken provinces, which were transformed within a minute from one of the most productive regions in Italy, to a scene of ruin, desolation and horror. Miles of highways have been rendered impassable by huge fissures or masses of debris. The centre of the disaster is supposed to be the extinct volcano Monte Vulture, situated at Avellino, which province has suffered thus far 1392 dead and 2072 injured. Survivors declare that during the quake great flames lit up the summit, accompanied by subterranean rumblings. Four hundred of the 2600 inhabitants of Villanova are dead. The mayor and his family were killed. A pitiful spectacle is presented in the lines of bodies laid out awaiting removal. One of the worst tragedies occurred at the local orphanage, where eleven little children are dead. The Duchess of Aosta visited Villanova and condoled with the survivors. She placed an ivory cross on the breast of a girl still half buried and knelt in prayer.

THE CASUALTIES Immense Damage Done OFFICIAL REPORTS Rome, July 24. A statement issued by the Italian Un-der-Secretary, Signor Leoni, showed that in the eight provinces which suffered most severely in the disastrous earthquake which shook Southern Italy yesterday the casualties officially reported up to this morning totalled 17(8 killed and 4264 injured. Serious material damage has been suffered throughout these provinces. In the province of Avellino, where 1392 persons are reported killed, damage has been caused in thirty communes. Two further earthquakes occurred to-day. They were not violent, but caused many tottering houses to collapse. The rivers have risen to flood height, though no rain has fallen. The official estimate of damage includes: Houses completely destroyed 3188, partially destroyed 2757. Two hundred bodies have been recovered at Mtlfl. Aeroplanes are sweeping the devastated areas directing the searchers. A terrific hurricane at Naples added to the terrors of the earthquake. Trees and cottages were blown down and gigantic waves pounded over the promenades. WORK OF RELIEF Assistance of Criminals (Rec. July 25, 9.35 p.m.) Rome, July 25. The death roll is at present 2200. It is feared that it may reach 3000. In Treviso, Venezia, it Is estimated that 20 were killed as a result of the cyclone which swept over the surrounding district for 25 miles. Many were injured and a number of houses collapsed. Criminals at the Salerno prison and elsewhere when released assisted the soldiers, and forced their way into wrecked houses in order to rescue those Imprisoned, instead of attempting to escape. Curiously enough, the Army Disciplinary Corps happened to be stationed at Melfi. The so-called “bad boys of the army” redeemed themselves with their tireless work and have had no sleep since midnight on Tuesday. The commander announces that he will recommend the King to pardon them all.

The work of relief is being facilitated by aeroplanes flying low over the devastated countryside and dropping parcels of food. The magnitude of the disaster is ip

creased by the peculiar construction of towns built on hilltops to protect them from marauders in the old days. The houses consequently were so close together that the collapse of one entailed the collapse of its neighbours. Signor Mussolini has refused to accept subscriptions, saying that the State will help. Relief work continues on

an amazing scale. The King will visit the districts to-night. The Pozzuola volcano, the companion of Vesuvius, is active. Vesuvius is also erupting, causing fears of further disaster. PERSONAL SURVEY A Million Homeless London, July 24. The British United Press correspondent, Mr. Thomas Morgan, telegraphing from Benevento, estimates, after a personal survey, that a million are homeless in the stricken area. The towns of Villanova Albanese, Ariano, and Montecalvo are completely destroyed, while Zungoli and Sansosslo have been evacuated by the entire surviving population. The towns of Lacedonia, Azullonia w and Blsaccla are almost completely destroyed. Hardly a single inhabitant escaped injury. Perhaps the most curious fact Is that no one was killed at Candela, despite the fact that 00 per cent, of the buildings are uninhabitable.

Relief in the shape of tents, food, and blankets is being' brought in rapidly, and the search for bodies is being continued. Coffins are hastily con structed from packing cases and funerals hurried on, as the town authorities fear an epidemic. The majority of the children at Melfi have lost their parents. The whole population of the little hill town is living out of doors. BRITISH SYMPATHY Official Telegrams British Wireless. Rugby, July 24. The Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, dispatched the following telegram to Signor Mussolini: “Please accept this expression of my deep personal sympathy with yourself, with the Italian people, and particularly with the sufferers and bereaved.” The sympathy of the British Gov ernment was conveyed in a telegram sent to the Italian Government by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as follows: “His Majesty’s Government has learned with horror of the earthquake in Southern Italy, and desir® to express its deep sympathy with the Italian Government and people. It begs that the expression of its condolence may be conveyed to the relatives of victims of this terrible calamity.”