Omaha daily bee., 1910-03-26
MOUNT EFEA IN ERUPTION
River Of Lava is Pouring from Four
New Craters.
PEOPLE FLEEING IN TERROR
official Report from Observer says
that while situation is Grave,
the worst is believed TO
he over.

the worst f. believed TO
he over.
CATANIA. Syria, March 25.-An official
report on the volcanic disturbances in the
Mount Aetna district made public this
forenoon, while confirming the gravity of
the situation holds out the hope that the
worst is over.
The craters that may be properly de-
scribed 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 Aetna.
one of these craters is at q spot called
Tasca Albanelli. This is not throwing out
much lava, but is the nolsest OF the four
and It's loud detonations are chiefly re-
sponsible for the terror of the population
for miles around A second crater is GOD
feet above in a place called Volta Sangirol
Amo. This is 1000 feet above the sea and
most active Of the openings, emitting the
greatest flood of incandescent matter. At
Tasca Arena is third break, also active,
and near It is the fourth, showing q less
serious eruption
Great River of Lava.
The four streams emitted from these
craters have united at the foot Of Mount
Castellazzo and formed a great river of
lava that is bringing death and desolation
into the invaded districts. Plants, trees,
whole vineyards and orchards have been
destroyed by the consuming flood. This
morning the lava river had extended nine
miles from its source.
Even in this city there was little sleep
for any one last night The greatest anx-
ety was felt for friends and relatives and
their property interests in the threatened
district by those who we'll know the pos
sibiities Of the disaster.
In the path of the advancing flood the
people are in great terror and thousands
had abandoned their homes at daylight
Tho roaring Of Mount Aetna continued
without interruption today and a rain Of
clnders fell for miles around. Several
houses of peasants already have been de-
stroyed and 1t is feared that IL the flow
does not cease very soon the flood will
enter Borrello. Caravans of peasants
carrying all their household goods and all
Of their transportable possessions are NOV
ing to places of safety. In their distress
they present a pathetic sight. At many
homes the molten mass has entered the
cisterns and caused destructive explosions.
Ten Million Cubic Yards.
During the last forty-eight hours the
emission Of lava, it is estimated, has
amounted to 100000 cubic yards.
Prof. Ricco, director of the Mount Aetna
observatory, advanced too far into the dis
turbed zone today and was caught in a
storm of clnders and smoke and forced TO
flee for his life.
Troops have been ordered into the vicinity
and volunteers from neighborlng villages
have come to the aid Of the distressed.
From Catauia a correspondent motored
in the direction Of the mountain. Twelve
miles in a direct line from the crater, a
thick curtain OF smoke was encountered
which entirely concealed Etna.
At Nicolosi, ten miles from the crater
the entire population had gathered in the
square to watch the volcano, which ap-
peared as a black phantom above. Now and
then 10 was Illuminated with flashes of
light, appearing almost red. Higher up the
rain of cinders became thicker and extended
like a veil across the mountain. deep
roaring was heard and detonations like the
sound Of artilley followed one another in
quick succession while the earth shook
under foot.
One Of the guides cried: "An earthquake"
and could hardly be induced to continue.
The hot elnders covered the ground like
thick carpet, rendering walking difficult.
A peasant coming down said: "The fire
Is rushing down. burning everything The
lava is like a red hot river"
Proceeding asllttle further along, four col
ossal columns Of black smoke could be OBJ
served. Occasionally they were cut by
flashes Of fire, presenting an awe-inspirinE
| O MIA xrrIad
clouds for a moment and a wide strip Of
fire could be seen in the distance, advanc-
ing with monstrous contortions. It fell
like torrent from Mount Capriolo, spread
ing out in the valley below
The lava flow had already reached the
vineyards, seven miles from the crater and
had buried large number of peasants
houses 1t came in several streams and
united in one great mass above twenty feet
| in height and 1,500 feet wide. It's velocity
was estimated at three to four feet min
ute varying according to the condition OF
the ground This mighty wall of lava was
today not more than five miles from Mic
olosi. The meteorological station on the
mountain side has been destroyed and the
village of Borrello is in serious danger.
Natives Flee from Homes.
The populace, terTorstricken, is 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 viii
layers are carrying images in procession
and imploring mercy. Twelve new craters
have been opened up.
Help for the people of the devastated
region is being organized here. A detach-
ment of soldiers and large number of
engineers and doctors have gone forward.
The prefeet of Catania, returning from
the scene this evening, said
II have witnessed a spectacle OF desola-
ton and ruin, which only those who saw
the eruption of Vesuvius in 1906 can
imagine The present eruption can be COM
pared to no other"
Many tourists among whom Americans
are conspicuous are pouring into Cstania
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.