Italy Lava fountains on Mount Etna - warning level raised
The volcano Etna on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily has erupted again. According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), there are lava fountains dozens of meters high at the summit craters. The volcano continues to emit ash. There had been a series of strong explosions at the north-east crater. A 1.8 kilometer long lava flow is moving in an easterly direction.
28.12.2025, 17:52
SDA
Civil defense raises warning level
The Civil Defense raised the warning level from green to yellow. This is an advance warning, the authorities announced. The local civil protection authorities have been asked to take measures to reduce the risk, particularly in view of the possible presence of hikers at high altitudes. The population of Sicily is asked to keep up to date and follow the instructions of the local civil protection authorities, the civil protection authorities added.
According to the INGV, the warning level for aviation has been raised to red, which is the highest level on a four-level scale, according to the Ansa news agency. However, Ansa reported that the current eruption phase is not currently affecting operations at Catania airport.
Lava fountains at night
Video footage published by the Rai News channel showed clouds of smoke above the volcano and nocturnal lava fountains.
On Boxing Day, the INGV observation center reported on the increased activity. Light ashfall was reported in the coastal town of Taormina and at Piano Provenzana, where there are also ski slopes. There were also some explosions at the Bocca Nuova crater, where the glowing material was thrown up to several dozen meters over the crater rim. Onlookers were able to watch the spectacle from a reasonable distance, at least on Boxing Day, accompanied by guides.
Etna, which is around 3,350 meters high, is Europe's largest active volcano. It erupts several times a year and is constantly monitored by experts. The eruptions attract many tourists. The exact height of the volcano is constantly changing due to eruptions and cinder cones.
