FANTASTIC SCENE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10739, 9 November 1928, Page 5

FANTASTIC SCENE.

EVACUATION OF VILLAGE BY TORCHLIGHT. \ ~

LAVA ADVANCING ON RIPOSO FROM ETNA. MASALI OBLITERATED. IDG TOWN SERIOUSLY THREATENED. Halted Pres* Assn. by El. Tel Copyright (Australian Press Assn.) ROME, Nov. 7. Seismological experts state that the eruption of Mt. Etna was unprecedented, both.in violence and in the quantity of material erupted, amounting to thousands of tons." it is believed that it will continue for some time. The chief stream has now engulfed Mascali. The position of the inhabitants is tragic. They were in the process of celebrating a feast day for the patron saint, the disaster transforming merriment into mourning and grief. The lava at first respected the facade and belfry of a church which stood erect amid the smoke and ashes of the fire, but at 3 p’clock tfiis afternoon they toppled. Mascali thus is virtually obliterated, together with the neighboring Annunziata. The faithful, confident in the Almighty, transferred the images of saints and Madonnas to an impromptu open-air altar, around which kneeling priests and people sang litanies And prayers to Heaven. There is a faint hope that the lower part of .Mascali will be spared, owing to a deflection of the lava bed into the Serrabuano torrent, where it is going toward the sea, instead of spreading over the plain. The lava at the widest point is over 2000 ft wide. It is now 10 miles from where it first erupted from the crater. Overcoming their first paralytic shock, the inhabitants awakened” to the need of saving their possessions, making most pitiful struggles to carry to safety furniture and everything removable. A multitude of peasants from the smaller villages on the mountain flanks grouped Mascali with bags and bundles waiting to leave should it bo necessary. The neighborhood is encumbered with motor cars and lorries from Sicily to help in the removal of the inhabitants, while isolated groups are still descending the mountain. The lava destroyed an aqueduct, depriving the township of Riposo of drinking water. There is grave danger' of the mass invading'the flat lands adjacent to the sea. The situation is more intolerable to-night in the darkness, owing to electricplants ceasing. The evacuation is being carried on by torchlight, creating a fantastic scene. The large town of Giarre, with over 20,G00 inhabitants, is now seriously threatened. Should the lava reach it, it would be the greatest disaster in view of its commerce and flourishing industries. There is further danger Tn the fact that the lava is half a mile from the Meissina Catania railway, and is threatening to isolate the rescue centre of Catania from the remainder of the island and the mainland. A gigantic smoke pillar from Etna is visible for miles. The sky is darkly clouded, but through it can be seen a vivid flame, and flashes from different craters. The lava, flow can be followed by a trail of smoke and burning woods and orchards. To the calm headedness of the inhabitants, and the splendid organisation of the authorities, is due the fact there is not a single death in the whole area, though the property damage i= beyond estimation.

DESTRUCTION OF MASCALI

HOUSES COLLAPSE BEFORE ADVANCING LAVA. United Pres* Assn by EL TeL Copyright (Australian Press Association.) (Received Nor. 7. *5.5 p.m.) ROME, Nov. 7. When the stream approached Mascali the houses on the outskirts cot- - lapsed one after another with loud reports and were practically melted. The sound of the advancing lava was like countless sacks of coals being heavilv dumped. Scientists believe that the present disaster is a most' realistic reproduction of the destruction of Herculaneum by Vesuvius. PLAN TO DIVERT TORRENT OF LAVA United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copynelit (Australian Preta Assn.) (Received Nov. 8. 11 p.m.) ROME. Nov. S. The authorities at Catania have decided do attempt to divert the main torrent or lava by opening up an artificial outlet to the sea anc * thus save Fiume. Freddo and Caltabiano. Five hundred army engineers, assisted by many gangs of workers, will endeavor to divert the stream along a course made by_ blasting roads with, tons of dynamite.