TERRIFYING ERUPTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 11

TERRIFYING ERUPTION.

ETNA STILL ACTIVE.

MOLTEN LAVA STREAMS.

RUIN IN THEIR TRACK.

ALARMING EXPLOSIONS

WHOLE REGION SHAKEN.

Ails) rnlian Press Association- Pnifed Service (Received November 7, 10.1.1 p.m.) HOME, Nov. (V

A message from Catania says the e.rup (ion of Mount F.tna is still in progress, II is causing alarming and terrifying ex plosions and subterranean rumblings.

Showers of ashes, cinders and sloncs made incandescent by the heat continue lo be emitted from tho crater. They are accompanied by vari coloured (lames which suggest a gigantic fireworks displav.

One enormous explosion in the afternoon shook the whole region. Hundreds of small craters of varying activity have broken out on the mountain.

Professor Pronti, director of the I'.tna observatory, explains that these, new craters are due to lava which has travelled several miles from the main craters seeking outlets.

A great lava stream is now within half a mile of the town of Mascali. Its 10,000 inhabitants have all evacuated tlie town with the assistance of troops, lascist militia, the civic authorities and priests. The molten lava has destroyed all communications and bridges, including a 90ft. iron rail-bridge, which has been contorted as if it were made of straw. Another lava stream is advancing at a rate of several hundred feet an hour. 'I his is threatening the town of Giarre, which, with its neighbouring villages, has been evacuated.

Processions of inhabitants ol the region carrving relics of St. Vitus and images of St. Leonard, alternately march and faco tho lava and pray for Divine intervention. Iliese processions are now ictrenting as the red-hot stream approaches. The I'ope is most anxious about the situation. He has sent a message to the sufferers saying he is praying for a cessa 11011 of the lava (low.