The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-03-25
Four New Craters Formed and
Molten Lava overlowing
the Country
WALL Of MOLTEN NATTER
| Twenty FEET H|GH FORMS RIVER
Houses, Vineyards and Orchards Are
Being Consumed by the Red Hot
River-The Mountain Itself Is an
Awe Inspiring Spectacle.

Catania, Sicily, March 25.-An Of
ficial report of the volcanic disturb
ances in the Mount Etna disaster
made public today, confirms the grav-
ity of the situation, but holds out the
hope that the worst is over.
The craters that may be properly
described as new appear to be only
four in number. These have opened
at the foot of Mount Castellazzo, four
miles in an air line from the summit
of Mount Etna. One of the four fresh
craters Is at the spot called Tasca
Albanelli. and though not throwing
out much lava, Is the noisest of the
four. The loud detonations are chiefly
responsible for terrorizing the popu-
lace for miles around. The second
crater 600 feet higher in place known
as Volta Sangirolamo and 1000 feet
above the sea, is the most active of the
openings, omitting the greatest flood
of incandescent matter. At Tasca
Arna is the third break, also very ac-
tive, and nearby is the fourth show
Ing less serious eruption.
The four streams pouring out from
these craters have united at the foot
of Mount Castellazzo and formed a
great river of lava that is bringing
death and desolation to the invaded
districts. Plants, trees, whole vine-
yards and orchards have been de-
stroyed by the consuming. flood. This
morning the lava river has extended
nine miles from the source.
From Catania correspondent
motored in the direction of the noun
tain. Passing the village of Masca-
lucia, twelve miles in q direct line
. from the crater, thick curtain of
t.snaoke was encountered which entire
ly concealed Etna. At Nicolosi, ten
miles from the crater, the entire popu-
lation had tgathered in the square to
watch the volcano, which appeared
with flashes of light, appearing almost
red. Higher up the rain of cinders
became thicker and extended like a
veil across the mountain. A deep
roaring was heard and detonations
like the sound of artillery following
one another in quick succession, while
the earth shook under foot.
Che of the guides cried: "An earth
quake" and could hardly be induced
to continue. The hot cinders covered
the ground like a thick carpet, rem
dering walking difficult. A peasant
| was encountered, coming down. He
said: THE fire is rushing down,
burning everything. The lava is like
red hot river"
Proceeding little further along,
four colossal columns of black smoke
could be observed. Occasionally they
were cut by flashes of fire, presenting
an awe-inspiring spectacle. Then the
, wind opened the clouds for moment
and a wide strip of fire could be seen
in the distance, advancing with mon
strous contortions. 1t fell like tor
rent from Mount Capriolo, spreading
out in the valley below.
The lava 1ow had already reached
the vineyards above San Leo and
Rinazzo,. seven miles from the crater
and had buried large number of
peasants houses. 1t came in several
streams and united in one great mass
about twenty feet in height and 1,5O0
feet wide. Its velocity was estimated
at three to four feet a minute varying
according to the condition of the
ground. This mighty wall of lava
| was today not more than five miles
from Boil Passo and Nicolosi.
The meteorological station on the
mountainside has been destroyed. and
the village of Borrello is in serious
danger. The populace. terror strick-
en-, are flying from their homes. The
earth shocks have reached about fifty
in number, but there is continuous
vibration and trembling for many
miles around. Everywhere the villag-
ers are carrying images in procession
and imploring mercy.
Even in this city there was little
sleep for anyone last night Tho
greatest anxiety was felt for friends
and relatives and for property inter-
ests in the threatened district. In
the path of advancing flood, thousands
lof persons had abandoned their
homes at daylight this morning. The
roaring Of Mount Etna continued with
out interruption today and the rain
of cinders fell for miles distant.
Several homes have already been
destroyed and it is feared that If the
flow does not cease soon. the flood
will enter Borrello. Caravans Of
peasants carrying all their Transports
BILE possessions are moving to places
of safety and present pathetic sight.
At many homes the molten mass has
entered the cisterns and caused de-
structive explosions.
During the last forty-cight hours,
the emmission of lava, 1t is estimated.
has amounted to 10,000.000 cubic
yards. Prof Ricco, director of the
Mount Etna observatory advanced too