SICILY EARTHQUAKE: 4.8 magnitude quake hits active stratovolcano Mount Etna
AN EARTHQUAKE measuring magnitude 4.8 hit the area north of Catania on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily early on Wednesday, causing some damage to buildings and a few injuries, officials said.
By LUKE HAWKER
Express.co.uk
Wed, Dec 26, 2018
It hit two days after Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, erupted, sending a huge column of ash into the sky and causing the temporary closure of Catania airport on Sicily’s eastern coast. The earthquake hit at 3:19 a.m. (0219 GMT), prompting many people to run out of their homes and sleep in cars. Television footage showed damage to older buildings in the towns of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea.
At least four people suffered slight injuries from falling masonry as they fled from the homes, officials said.
Catania is home to more than 300,000 people.
The eruption also damaged the church of Maria Santissima del Carmelo in Pennisi. The bell tower and the statue of Sant’Emidio collapsed.
Damages to homes are reported in the area of Lavinaio and in Santa Maria La Stella, a seaside village in the Timpa di Acireale.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy has been criticised for lack of support for the victims who has seen their properties damaged.
Instead Matteo Salvini uploaded a photo of his breakfast and wrote: “My Santo Stefano starts with bread and Nutella, and yours?”.
Angry Italians promptly vented their anger at Mr Salvini, one user wrote: “In Catania there was a strong earthquake with damages to houses and buildings, we ask for state support”.
Another said: ”My Santo Stefano begins with earthquakes and so much fear”.
A third said: “We collect the debris of gutted houses, light posts, fallen furniture… You know, minister, there was an earthquake in Catania and a minimum of sensitivity in publishing photos would be very welcome by my fellow citizens”.
The Rest…HERE
