On this day - 8 April
Historical items of interest as featured in the papers of the day.
Height of the Vesuvius eruption
Mount Vesuvius had been showing signs of increased activity in the days preceding April 8th 1906, with lava explosions and the local water supply being heavily tainted with sulphur. Three earthquakes were recorded in Naples. The eruption culminated in the largest amount of lava produced from a volcano in modern records, with reports of rocks thrown in the air and lava flows 600 feet wide reported by the press. Giant ash clouds were formed and contributed heavily to loss of life in the area.
This eruption caused extensive damage to Naples and the settlements surrounding the base of the volcano. The Italians had been preparing to host the 1908 Olympic Games in Rome but funds were diverted to aid the rebuilding of Naples following the destruction. The Olympic Games were therefore held in London.
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Great North American solar eclipse
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