How many people were affected by Mount Etna?
On March 8, 1669, Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily in modern-day Italy, begins rumbling. Multiple eruptions over the next few weeks killed more than 20,000 people and left thousands more homeless. Most of the victims could have saved themselves by fleeing, but stayed, in a vain attempt to save their city.
How many people have died because of Mount Etna?
Very few people have been killed by eruptions of Etna: a detailed study of all original sources described in “Etna and Man” has revealed that in recorded history (which goes back to about 1500 B.C.) there have been 77 confirmed deaths that can be directly attributed to eruptions of Etna.
What was damaged when Mount Etna erupted?
In November 1928 there was an eruption of Mount Etna, Sicily, which led to lava largely destroying the town of Mascali, situated low on the eastern flank of the volcano.
When was the last time Mount Etna exploded?
The final major eruptions of the 20th century occurred in 1986 and in 1999. In the early 21st century a major eruption began in July 2001 and lasted several weeks. Other significant early 21st-century volcanic activity included the Strombolian eruptions of 2002–03, 2007, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
How many people were injured on Mt Etna?
Ten injured in lava explosion on Mount Etna – video. BBC crew members were among 10 people injured when lava flow triggered an explosion as it came into contact with snow on Mount Etna in Sicily on Thursday. Six of the crew were taken to hospitals in Catania and nearby Acireale. Their injuries were not believed to be serious.
When was the eruption of Mt Etna in 2011?
Etna erupted on the 12th January 2011. Tremors were detected at around 21:00 GMT on the 11th and the tremors were strongest on the morning of the 12th. Lava erupted over 1,300 meters high and the local airport had to be temporarily closed due to the ash in the air.
How did the eruption of Mount Etna affect the Ionian Sea?
The walls deflected the lava flow southwards and after surrounding the Castello Ursino on 23 April and obliterating the valley that surrounded it, the lava flow began entering the Ionian Sea as a 2 km (1.2 mi)-wide flow front. The city walls resisted the advancing lava for 15 days.
Who was the Viceroy of Sicily during the eruption of Mount Etna?
When the eruption began to destroy settlements and land north of Catania, the people fled to the city. Authorities in Catania requested assistance from the then-viceroy of Sicily Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque and took care of about 20,000 refugees.