ETNA IN ERUPTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2399, 25 August 1892, Page 3

ETNA IN ERUPTION.

A despatch from Catania, Sicily, of July 11th, gives the following description of the recent eruption of Mount Etna on the 10th. The output assumed alarming proportions during the night. Huge quantities of lava were thrown out of the volcano, and formed a double stream, which advanced rapidly towards Nicolosi and Belpasso, to within six kilos of the former place. Great damage was done to the surrounding country. A severe earthquake was felt in the vicinity of Nicolosi during the night. Twelve houses and a portion of the church were destroyed. The populace of Nicolosi assembled outside the Cathedral, and knelt in prayer, being afraid to enter. The eruption of the mountain continued unabated on the 11th, Rapid earthquakes were felt for miles, and the stream of lava became gradually heavier. An immense shower of cinders descended on the city of Catania, the capital of the province of that name. Hoofs were crushed in, and a few smaller buildings collapsed. Traffic in Catania and the vicinity was abandoned. The population of the Island, who are not easily frightened by earthquakes, which are of common occurrence, were thoroughly alarmed, and the authorities had their hands full in checking a wholesale exodus. One death is reported, and many cases of injuries to people. Reports of July 12th say the eruption was becoming more violent, and the fires in the craters were showing greater activity. Loud explosions were taking place. Severe shocks occurred on the 12th, which reduced to ruins the village Giarvre, a place of about 18,000 people on the coast of Sicily.