ETNA ERUPTION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1928, Page 4

ETNA ERUPTION

MANY NEW CRATERS

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyngnt).

CATANIA, November 6,

Mount Etna’s eruption is still causing alarming and terrifying explosions, and there are subterranean-mumblings. Hie showers of ashes, cinders, and incandescent stones continue. They are accompanied by. vari-coloui'ed flames, suggesting a gigantic fireworks display.

One enormous explosion in the afteix noon shook the whole region. Hundreds of small craters, of varying activity, have broken out on the mountain.

Professor Pronti, the Director of the Etna Observatory, explains that this*'*'

is due to the lava travelling several miles from the main craters, and seeking an outlet. . A great lava stream is now within half a mile of Maseali, whose populnton of ten thousand has completely evacuated the town, with tlie assistance of the troops, the Fascist Militia, the civic authorities and the priests. The lava lias destroyed all of the communications and bridges, including one ninety-foot iron rail bridge, which contorted as if it were a tiling of straw.

Another lava stream is advancing at tbe rate of several hundred feet hourly, and it is threatening Ginrrc. which, with the neighbouring villages, has been evacuated.

Processions carrying relics of St. Vitus and images of St. Leonard n<'> alternately facing the lava and are praying for the Divine intervention. The processions are retreating as the red hot stream approaches. ROME. November 6.

His Holiness the Pope is most anxious about the Mount Etna situation, and lie has sent a message to the sufferers that he is praying for the cessation of the lava flow.