The Detroit times., 1915-01-14

ed here that there has been no
loss of life in the province of Po-
tenza, where the full strength of
the earthquake was believed to
have been felt. Communication
was restored for brief interval
today and the officials report
that while there has been great
property damage, it is not be-
lieved that anyone has been kill
ed. The gravest anxiety had
been felt for this province be-
cause all communication with it
has been cut off since the earth
quake.
ROME. Jan. 14.-The death toll OF
yesterdays earthquake, which left
trail Of unprecedented destruction
throughout the provinces OF Abruzzi
and Potenza, continues TO grow. The
government today officially announced
that Avezzano has been completely
destroyed and the town of Sora very
badly damaged. Efforts to restore
communication with the province OF
Potenza are being made and II is fear
ed that when the story OF the vista
ton there is known, 1t will show an
enormous casualty list. The center
OF the earthquake was in this prov
ince and unofficial reports, received by
messengers sent TO the nearest open
telegraph line. say that the capital,
Potenza, also suffered greatly. II is
believed that the death list will reach
10000 when all reports are in.
The government is taking energetic
steps TO rescue the victims and TO re-
store the shattered towns. The mill
tary has assumed charge. and troops
are being rushed into the devastated
area with all possible speed. Doctors
and medical supplies are already on
the way. The government is In excel
lent shape to meet the present crisis,
as the army Is on practically a war
basis, while there are tons of medical
supplies stored at the various head
quarters.
The area that suffered from the
earthquake is included in the territory
through the heart OF Italy, from the
Mediterranean to the Adriatic. There
are included some several hundred
square miles. extending on the west
rectly east. through the peninsula TO
the Adriatic. The main chain OF the
italian mountains that form the back
bone OF the Italian peninsula runs
through this section. and with wires
down and most of the territory block.
ed with snow, the work OF securing de.
tails will be difficult.
Most Of those who were killed I'm
Avezanno were crushed in the ruins
OF their own homes. The government.
tai reports say that the houses col.
lapsed under the violence OF the
shock as though they were made OF
cards. Fire broke out I'm the ruins
shortly after the initial snock, but IL
Is reported here that It was quickly
extinguished The uninjured immedi.
ately started the work OF reScue and
the section OF the city that. suffered
least was reuuisitioned for hospital
purposes II Is stated that more than
500 persons were injured. many Sc
riously. There was no way of get.
ting word of the tragedy 10 the out.
side world except by messenger, and
Il required nearly all day for the cour.
Ter TO reach point where he could
get into communication with Rome
The king at once ordered cavalry and
infantry 10 the rescue and practically
all OF the territory affected Is now un-
der martial law
The town Of Poh is reported half
demolished. as ia Giualiano. but the
death list here Is said 10 he insigni,I-
cant. Other towns and villages which
suffered included pcgcio. Zagarols
Paliano. Perueto. Vernli Caserta. Sar.
no and even as far away as Florence
and Modena.
Not only has railroad traflc into
the stricken district been interrupted,
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