ETNA IN ERUPTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18895, 22 June 1923, Page 5

ETNA IN ERUPTION.

THE WORST OVER. LAY A MOVES MORE SLOWLY Frees Association — By Telegraph—Copyright ROME, June 20. Etna's outflow of lava has subsided slightly, but the volume of smoke and vapour has increased until the whole sky is darkened. The villages of Palombara and Santo Spirito have been completely destroyed. Large cinders have fallen 30 miles northcast of the volcano. One of the main branches of the lava, stream has reached the outskirts of Linguaglossa and Castiglione, but the stream is moving more slowly, and hope is entertained that the towns will be spared. The King has arrived at Catania. —A. and N.Z. Cable. 1 THE POSITION IMPROVING. NO NEW LAVA TORRENTS. ROME, June 20. (Received June 21, at 8.5 p.m.) No new lava torrents have formed from 'Etna for two days. Moreover, the flow of lava is stationary at many points, though it is creeping on in the vicinity of Castiglione, to tho north-east of the great crater. —A. and N.Z. Cable. TWO TOWNS SAFE. PRIVATIONS OF REFUGEES. ROME, June 20. (Received June 21, at 8.5 p.m.) The peasants attribute the present safety of Castiglione and Linguaglossa to St. Egidio’s pastoral staff which they planted in the path of the lava when it appeared likely to approach near enough to destroy the railway stations of both towns. One hundred thousand refugees have reached Catania, some in carts, others on donkeys, but mostly on foot. Travellers and tourists are banned from congested areas. Most of the refugees are stunned by the loss of all their possessions, and a continuance of tho earth shocks and rumblings is adding to their dismay. The airmen’s task of watching the lava flow is seriously hampered by the overhanging noxious gases, which prevent low flying.—A. and N.Z. Cable. LAVA STREAM DIVIDES. LINGUAGLOSSA STATION THREATENED. ROME. June 20. (Received June 21, at 9.50 p.m.) A communique says that the lava stream has now divided into two branches, one pointing towards the Linguaglossa station, from which it is two miles distant. The other is vaster, and after destroying the Cerra station and a tract of the provincial road, it is now skirting the foothills which will determine the lava’s future direction. If the lava swerves to the right, Linguaglossa will be flooded. If it goes_ to the left the lava will overflow the plains. The King has arrived at Linguaglossa, which at present is not threatened.—A. and N.Z. Cable.