Los Angeles herald., 1910-03-25
MT. T.ETNA BELCHES
FIREY FLOODS AS
THOUSANDS FLEE
Lava Engulfs Many Peas
ants Homes; Quakes
Spread Terror
so SHOCKS RECORDED
Molten Mass 20 Feet High
and 1900 Wide Flowing
Toward Villages

NATANIA, Sicily, March A-Mount
Etna is again in a state of vio-
" lent activity. The pronounced
movement within the crater which be-
gan last night, steadily increased In
volume today and tonight fears are
entertained that a great disaster Is
imminent.
The meteorological station on the
mountainside has been destroyed and
the village of Borrello is in serious
danger.
The populace. terror stricken, are
fleeing from their homes. There have
been ilfty earth shocks and there is
continuous vibration and trembling
for many miles. Everywhere the VII
layers are carrying images in process
sion and are imploring mercy. Twelve
new craters have been opened up.
From Catania Il correspondent mo-
tored toward the mountain. Beyond
the village Of Mascalucia, twelve miles
in a direct line from the crater,
thick curtain Of smoke was encoun-
tered which entirely concealed Etna.
At Nicolosi, ten miles from the
crater, the entire population had gath
cred in the square to watch the vol
cano which appeared as a black phan-
tom above. Now and then 1t was IL
Illuminated with flashes of light. Higher
up the rain OF clnders became thicker
and extended like veil across the
mountain. A deep roaring was heard
and detonations resembling artillery
followed one another in quick success
sion, while the earth shook.
One of the guides cried: IAN earth
uuake!" and could hardly be induced
to continue. The hot cinders covered
the ground like n thick carpet, render
ing walking difficult.
A peasant was encountered coming
down. He said:
"The fire Is rushing down, burning
everything The lava Is like red hot
river"
Sees Flowing River of Fire
Proceeding a little further four CO.
lossal columns of black smoke could
be observed. Occasionally they were
cut with flashes of fire, presenting an
awe-inspiring spectacle. The wind
opened the clouds for a moment and
Il wide strip Of fire could be seen in
the distance, advancing with mon
strous contortions. 1t fell like ter
rent from Mount Capriolo. spreading
out i'm the valley below.
The lava flow had already reached
the vineyards above San Leo and
Rinazzo, seven miles from the crater,
and had buried many peasant houses.
1t came i'm several streams and united
in one great mass about 20 feet high
and 1900 feet wide. It's velocity was
estimated at three to four feet min
ute, varying according to the condi-
tion of the ground. This mighty wall
of lava tonight was not more than
five miles from Belpasso and Nicolosi
Help for the people of the devastated
region is being organized. A detach-
ment of soldiers and large number
of engineers and doctors have gone
forward.
The prefect of Catania. returning
from the scene this evening, said:
II have witnessed a spectacle of des-
olation and ruin which only those who
saw the eruption of Vesuvius in 1906
can imagine. The present eruption can
be compared to no other.
The authorities have issued orders
that no one shall be permitted to go
beyond Belpasso, and soldiers have
been stationed at various points to
see that these orders are obeyed. The
village of Borrello is surrounded by
the lava and the inhabitants have fed
to Belpasso.
Disaster Is Predicted
Professor Ricco, director of Mount
Aetna observatory said tonight: The
eruption is very grave and ] think
it will become much more serious. The
lava has covered five miles in sixteen
hours, and if my calculations are cor
rect the eruption of the volcano will
not be short"
DIR. Walter Craven, an Englishman,
after his return today from Nicolosi,
where he made photographs of the
lava, said:
Horrible detonations made the
ground tremble under my feet and it
was impossible to keep the camera
steady more than for moment"
Many tourists among whom Amer
leans are conspicuous, are pouring into
Catania to view the spectacle. Latest
reports from Nicolosi tonight Say that
the lava current is moving at the rate
of about 100 feet an hour, and that
it has passed over Mount San Leo.
Cardinal Francisco Nava, archbishop
Of Catania, visited Nicolosi this after
noon. The earth shocks continue.