ERUPTION OF MOUNT ETNA

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15271, 22 June 1923, Page 5

ERUPTION OF MOUNT ETNA

PLIGHT OF THE REFUGEES. 100,000 REACH CATANIA. Australian ana N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON. June 20. Reports of the Etna eruption received via Rome state that no new lava torrents have been formed for two days, and the flow of lava is stationary at many points, though it is creeping forward in the vicinity of Castiglione, to the north-east of the great crater. Peasants attribute the present safety of Castiglione and Linguaglossa to St. Egidio’s pastoral staff, which was planted in the path of the lava stream. -A hundred thousand refugees have reached Catania, some in carts, others on donkeys, but most afoot. Travellers and tourists are barred from the congested areas. Most of the refugees are stunned with the loss of all their possessions. Continuance of earth shocks and rumblings adds to their dismay. The task of the airmen who ore watching the lava flow is seriously hampered by noxious gases, which prevent low flying. A later communique issued in Rome says that the lava stream has now divided into two branches. One is pointing toward Linguaglossa station, from which it is two miles distant. The other, which is of vaster volume, after destroying Cerra station and a tract ol the provincial road, is now skirting the foot of a hill, which will determine the future direction of the lava. If the lava swerves to the right Linguaglossa will be flooded, but if it is diverted to the left the lava will overflow the plains.