ETNA ERUPTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17554, 8 November 1928, Page 7

ETNA ERUPTION.

TERRIFYING EXPLOSIONS. HUNDREDS OF NEW CRATERS MORE TOWNS THREATENED. <Rv TelearßrsS—Press As=n.—Copvr)(?H».} (Australian Press Assn. —United Service.! ROME, Nov. 6. A message from Catania says the eruption of Mount Etna is still in progress. It is causing alarming and terrifying explosions and subterranean rumblings. Showers of ashes, . cinders and stones made incandescent by the heat continue to be emitted from the crater. They arc accompanied by varicoloured flames which suggest a gigantic fireworks display. . One enormous explosion in the afternoon shook the whole region. Hundreds of small craters of varying activity have broken out on the mountain. Professor Pronti, director of the Etna observatory, explains that these new craters are due to lava which has travelled several miles from the main craters seeking out'ets. A great lava stream is now within half a mile of the town of Mascalt. Its 10.000 inhabitants have all evacuated the town with the assistance of troops, Fascist . militia, the civic authorities and priests. The molten lava has destroyed all communications and bridges, including a 90ft iron rail-bridge, which has been contorted as if it were made of straw. Another lava stream is advancing at a rate of several hundred feet an hour. This is threatening the town of Giarre, which, with its neighbouring villages, has been evacuated. Processions of inhabitants of the region carrying relics of St. Vitus and images of St. Leonard, alternately march and face Iho lava and pray for Divine intervention. These processions are now retreating as the redhot stream approaches. The Pope is most anxious about the situation. He has sent a message to the sufferers saying he is praying for a cessation of the lava flow.