On Monday morning, Mount Etna in Italy once again showed signs of its fiery temperament, ejecting thick clouds of ash high into the Sicilian sky.
Observers on the island captured striking footage of glowing lava and volcanic debris bursting forth from the crater. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology’s Etna Observatory (INGV) documented a series of escalating explosive events that began in the early hours.
Though the precise impact of this latest eruption remains to be fully assessed, current reports suggest minimal interruption to daily life, with air traffic operating normally at nearby airports.
Known as one of the planet’s most persistently active volcanoes, Etna’s periodic outbursts are hardly unexpected and seldom result in serious harm or property damage.
Data from seismic and ground deformation sensors indicate the volcanic activity is centered around a well-established vent located on the volcano’s southeastern slope, measuring approximately 200 meters in diameter.
Video footage captured throughout Monday reveals a swiftly advancing cascade of ash, gas, and volcanic debris—commonly known as a pyroclastic flow—coursing down the slopes of Mount Etna.
Volcanologists tracking the eruption suggest this phenomenon likely resulted from a partial collapse of the volcano’s crater rim, with the displaced material descending the mountainside.
While pyroclastic flows are notoriously hazardous to nearby environments, current observations indicate no immediate danger to populated areas.
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In its latest briefing, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the volcanic debris has yet to pass beyond the Valley of the Lion—a well-known landmark where tourist excursions typically conclude.
INGV noted the initial shift in volcanic behavior was detected at 00:39 local time (22:39 GMT), confirming the ongoing eruption to be of the “Strombolian” type.
Strombolian eruptions, while variable in magnitude, are typically marked by sporadic bursts of activity caused by the buildup and sudden release of volcanic gases trapped within the magma chamber.
As these gas bubbles ascend and reach the surface, they burst explosively, propelling volcanic fragments into the air—much like the rapid escape of carbonation when opening a shaken soda bottle.
Such eruptions pose significant risks to aircraft operating in the vicinity, prompting heightened safety measures.
Earlier on Monday, a red alert was reportedly declared, potentially leading to temporary flight suspensions in the affected airspace; however, this warning was subsequently downgraded.
The most recent major eruption of Mount Etna occurred in February, disrupting operations at Catania airport as ash clouds forced the rerouting of multiple flights.
Authorities also cautioned tourists to maintain a safe distance from the flowing lava streams during that period.