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ARCHIVE - A large plume of smoke rises from the erupting south-east crater of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, on the southern Italian island of Sicily in 2021. Photo: Salvatore Allegra/AP/dpa
Keystone
Mount Etna on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily has erupted again: Europe's largest active volcano has been spewing glowing lava and ash since the early hours of this morning.
According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), a pyroclastic flow has been observed - a kind of fiery avalanche of ash, gas and rock that was triggered by a collapse on the north side of the south-east crater.
According to initial findings, the hot material remained within the remote Valle del Leone ("Lion Valley"). The area is far from inhabited places. As a precautionary measure, the flight warning level was raised to red. However, Catania International Airport remains in operation for the time being.
Strombolian eruption
According to the INGV, the explosive activity has intensified into a lava fountain - an eruptive phase in which molten lava is ejected from the crater. According to the institute, the so-called tremor, i.e. the measurable vibrations underground, has also increased. The first ground deformations in the crater area have also been recorded.
Etna, which is around 3,350 meters high, erupts several times a year and is constantly monitored by experts. These so-called strombolian eruptions - i.e. regular explosive eruptions - usually offer a spectacular sight and attract numerous onlookers. Since the beginning of May, the INGV has reported several eruptions in the region.
02.06.2025, 13:33
