THE ERUPTION IN JAPAN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4202, 1 September 1888, Page 4

THE ERUPTION IN JAPAN.

The Japanese passengers by the steamer Afghan, which has arrived at Thursday . Island, give some details of the earthquake on the Island of Ban Tly Zan. The Gland is of volcanic formation and is abont 100 sqaar9 miles in extent, wi»h a fresh water lake on the top, enclosed by moantain ranges. On Jaly 14 hit was noticed that the water had tamed to . mud. A violent shock followed soon afterwards, almost paralysing the residents of the town, numbering about 2000. The town was virtually split in two parts by the upheaval. A large number of persons were swallowed up in the fehnam. Many roshed to the foot of the tioantain, and were killed by the falling lava nud boulders from the monntain sides. Those who went westward away from the mouutain base saved their lives. Nearly all the houses in the town were destroyed. -Most of the people resident there were . buried alive, or were killed by the falling debris. The volcanic eruption lasted from morning to night. Next morning .• fin sprang from the crater, and it was iu the panic ensuing that most of the lives " were lost. The mountain virtually fell upon the town, burying all within its '" range.' 'All the water on the island tras toned to mad. Many who escaped destruction by the volcanic disturbances . bars aince been starved to death.