ETNA IN ERUPTION

Southland Times, Issue 18974, 22 June 1923, Page 5

ETNA IN ERUPTION

LAVA FLOW HALTS PLIGHT OF REFUGEES (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Press .Association.) ROME, June 20. Etna’s outflow of lava has subsided slightly, but the volume of smoke and vapour has increased, and the whole sky is darkened. The villages of Palombara and Santospirito have been completely destroyed, and large cinders have fallen thirty miles north-east of the volcano. One of the main branches of the lava stream has reached the outskirts of Lingualosa and Castiglione, but the stream is moving slower, and the hope is entertained that the towns may be spared. The King has arrived at Catanea. CONDITIONS IMPROVING. NO NEW LAVA TORRENTS. ROME, June 20. (Received June 21, 8.15 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 the north-east of the great crater. The peasants attribute the present safety of Castiglione and Linguaglossa to Saint Egido’s pastoral staff, which they planted on the path of the lave when it was near enough to destroy the railway stations of both towns. 100,000 refugees have reached Catania, some in carts and others on donkeys, but mostly on foot. Travellers and tourists are banned from the congested areas. Most of the refugees are stunned by the loss of all their possessions. The continuance of the earth shocks and rumblings is adding to their dismay. The airmen’s task in watching the lava flow is seriously hampered by the overhanging noxious gases preventing low flying. TWO BRANCHES OF LAVA. ROME, June 20. (Received June 21, 9.50 p.m.) A communique says that the lava stream is now divided into two branches, one pointing towards Linguaglosa station from which it is two miles distant. The other is much larger and after destroying the Cerra station and a tract of provincial road is now skirting the foot of the hill which will determine the lava’s future direction. If the lava swerves to the right Linguaglosa will be flooded, and if to the left the lava will overflow the plains. The King has arrived at Linguaglosa, which is at present not threatened.