The tiny Gozitan village of Nadur has stepped in to offer help to Sicilians left on the street after earthquakes sparked by the eruption of Mount Etna.

Nadur mayor Edward Said told Times of Malta the council has reached out to Zafferana Etnea, the closest town to Mount Etna, to offer refuge to scores left without a roof over their heads.

Nadur was only a 20-minute plane ride away from Catania, Mr Said said.

Nadur mayor Edward Said (left) and Zafferana Etnea Mayor Alfio Russo (right) signed a twinning agreement earlier this month. Photo: Gozo news

Zafferana Etnea, which has a population of 10,000, was hit by an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale on Wednesday. The volcano-triggered tremors left behind damaged buildings and caused many to be displaced. 

"I spoke to the mayor as early as this morning and he said those left without a roof over their heads were found alternative accommodation. However, I insisted we were ready to help," he added.

The two villages have a strong connection, with several cultural and sports exchanges taking place.

A delegation from Zafferana was in Nadur just two weeks ago.

The two mayors signed a twinning agreement earlier this month.