Italy’s Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, spews plumes of ash

Italy’s Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has released a large column of ash, gas, and rock. However, authorities have confirmed that there is currently no threat to the population. The eruption began around 11:24 am local time on Monday on the island of Sicily, as shown in images by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

Surveillance cameras captured a pyroclastic flow, likely caused by a collapse of material from the volcano’s northern flank. These flows are highly dangerous as they consist of volcanic rock, ash, and hot gases. The INGV reported that the explosive activity had turned into a lava fountain, and the ash plume was expected to disperse towards the southwest.

Despite monitoring the situation closely, officials have reassured that there is no immediate danger to the public. Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, stated that experts have confirmed the safety of the population, noting that the flow did not reach the Valley of the Lions, a tourist spot. Videos circulating on social media showed tourists descending the volcano, but their authenticity could not be verified by AFP.

Schifani emphasized the need for caution following the partial collapse of the south-east crater, which led to a significant eruptive cloud and pyroclastic flow. The head of the regional civil protection unit advised tourists to steer clear of the area due to the potential developments. A red alert for aviation authorities indicated that the volcanic cloud reached an estimated height of 6.5 kilometers (over four miles). Despite this, Catania airport near the volcano remained operational.