Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-08
Exact Number of Casualties Hard to
Compute from Early Reports.
POPULATION TERROR. STRICKEN
Panic Seizes People When First
Shock Occurs Early in Day.
Widest CONFUSION PREVAILS
Center of Disturbance seems to be
in Province of AvelIino-klng
and Queen Go TO the
Stricken District.

ROME. June 7.-Great apprehension has
been caused again by seismic disturbances.
the official reports showing that the zone
affected by the earthquake shocks today
is a vast one. embracing practically the
whole of southern Italy, as we'll a por-
ton OF Tuscany and Venita, to the north.
The district where most serious damage
occurred only extends about fifty miles
around Mt Vulture. which is an extinct
volcano near the town OF Calitri in the
province of Avellino. This region has suf-
fered much in the past from earthquakes
and in 1851 500 persons were killed.
The number of casualties resulting from
the earthquake today has not yet been as
certained. Some reports estimate the dead
at fifty and the injured at several hundred.
1t is feared that there are many buried in
the ruins of the houses, which we're thrown
down in Calitri, and great damage was
done at other places with doubtless a con-
siderable loss of life.
The government has taken hold of the
situation with promptitude and although
the earthquake occurred during the night
it was not long before the military and
civil authorities were hard at work, rem
dering aid to the injured, preparing places
OF shelter for the homeless and bending
their energies to the re-establshment of
order.
Premier Luzzattl received word Of the
disaster at o'clock in the morning less
than two hours after the occurrence of the
quake, and at once communicated the
news to the king.
King and Queen Active.
The latter decided to leave Immediately
for the district. He intended to go alone
but Queen Helena insisted upon Joining
him. The king thought that this was not
necessary as the situation at Avellino was
not to be compared with that at Me-.
where their majesties spent several days
in alleviating the distress of the people
In reply 10 the kings protests, Queen
Helena retorted:
As my presence Is necessary at all fes-'
tivfties 1t must not lack where the people
weep and die In the south Italians suffer;
therefore, must go. 1t is my place as a
woman, and mother"
The king and queen were cheered by the
crowds at the station, but they hurried to
the train and carefully inspected the medl-
cal and other supplies.
Misfortune seems to have chosen Italy
as target. While the south was being
afflicted by an earthquake the vast region
OF Sardinia, the largest island in the Medi-
terranean after Sicily, was ravaged today
by violent cyclone The districts of Lanu-
sci, Tortoli, Ilbono, Ehni and Jerseu have
been devastated and the crops. vineyards
and cattle destroyed. II is believed that
many shepherds have followed the fate of
their flocks. The damage in Sardinia is
estimated at $2,000,000
Telegraph Service Disrupted.
NAPLES June IAN earthuuake of un-
usual intensity was experienced throughout
southern Italy including the Island OF
Sicily, at $3.50 clock.
The extent Of the damage wrought has
not been determined, but it Is believed that
at least thiIty-seven people were killed and
that property losses will be heavy
The disturbance disrupted telegraph COM
munication generally in the provinces most
affected.
The populations OF the various towns
which felt the quake were thrown into a
panic and the authorities had much diff
Guilty in restoring order.
King Victor Emmanuel and Queen Helena
on receiving word OF the suffering left on a
special train for the scene and soldiers and
medical corps were dispatched to render
first aid. 1t was announced that the gov
ernment had called on Parliament for an
afflicted.
Five persons were killed in the village OF
San Sele, province Of Potensea in the com
partment OF Basilcata. Every house in the
village was damaged Slight shocks con-
tinued in the district this afternoon,
Panic Among POpuIace.
ANELLINO. CAMPANIA, Italy June r.
The province OF Avellino bore the brunt of
severe earthquake that was felt through
out southern Italy shortly before dawn to-
day. Fatalities occurred and much damage
was done TO property, but up to noon It
was impossible TO determine the extent OF
the devastation.
In this city little harm was done and
the only death reported was that of an old
man, who died OF fright The population.
however, was terror-stricken.
Reports from villages throughout the
Continued on Fourth PAgeD