ETNA ERUPTION

Southland Times, Issue 20641, 13 November 1928, Page 5

ETNA ERUPTION

NO ABATEMENT DEVASTATING MOLTEN STREAM WIDE AREA LAID WASTE (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) Rome, November 11. There is no sign of cessation of the Etna eruption already described as the worst since the seventeenth century, as lava streams are now all making their way seaward. It is hoped this will circumscribe the damage to an area of 18 square miles completely devastated. The molten stream is slowly swallowing up every tree and building en route. It was an extraordinary spectacle to see the stream jetting small flames bubbling like red hot steel. Three arched bridges on the sea coast railway burst and toppled over singly as though toys kicked over by a giant. The stream ultimately penetrated the largest and most solid wine cellars, the heat bursting the casks. Troops worked marvels widening roads and reducing congestion of refugees. The lava has caused intense heat even in Messina, Catania and Taormina. The people are sleeping in the open air. The whole neighbourhood is impregnated with the odour of petroleum. Mussolini has banned Etna relief subscriptions on the ground that it is degrading to the Government, which is undertaking measures. During the first 72 hours of the eruption the lava stream covered a distance of nine miles, and is now advancing at the rate of 300 feet daily over the flatter land in the vicinity of the sea. The Government has started a boat service, occupying five hours, between Messina and Catania, as the railway is cut, engineers exploding a series of mines, thus forming huge channels to the sea.Catania reports state that despite the eruption the population of Sicily loyally celebrated King Victor Emmanuel’s birthday which coincided with the Armistice on the Italian front. Meanwhile religious fervour in the devastated regions has redoubled. Votive offerings at the altars include precious stones and workmen’s tools. Pious processions carrying images and relics take place amid the awe-inspiring scenes lit at night by torches and the glow of molten lava. In such an atmosphere the statue of the Madonna of the Annunciation was brought out at midnight and placed facing the advancing lava. Members of the procession knelt on the ground imploring Madonna to intercede with the Almighty pleading for a miracle to stop the incessant eruption, but their efforts were unavailing. Finally the statue was huriedly loaded on a lorry and driven off to escape destruction. —Australian Press Association.