Teams in Italy cleared the area around Mount Etna on Wednesday after the volcano spewed lava, ash and volcanic rocks.
Municipal teams largely expected Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, to expect activity. Authorities closed areas around the crater on Tuesday, but activity continued to force the temporary closure of nearby Catania airport in Sicily.
Lava flows from Mt Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, at around 16:00 local time on Tuesday came alive in Europe’s most active volcano. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, spews ash and lava, seen from Catania, southern Italy, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Mount Etna in Sicily, southern Italy, roars again to spectacular volcanic action and sends ash plumes on. and lava spit. (Davide Anastasi / LaPresse via AP)
No injuries or deaths were reported.
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“The whole area of Pedara and all the streets are covered with volcanic ash and lapillus,” said Mayor Alfio Cristaudo.
Smoke blows from the Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, on Tuesday 16 February 2021. Mount Etna in Sicily, southern Italy, roars again to a spectacular volcanic action, sending plumes of ash up and spitting lava. (Davide Anastasi / LaPresse via AP)
Lava flows from Mt Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, at around 16:00 local time on Tuesday came alive in Europe’s most active volcano. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
The volcano erupted again just 30 hours later. After the volcano “dropped to its lowest levels” in recent weeks, the volcano erupted around 1 a.m. local time Thursday morning, Volcano Discovery reported.
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Lava spewed for more than an hour, reaching heights of about 500 meters. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center recorded ash up to 30,000 feet high.
Lava flows from Mt Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, at around 16:00 local time on Tuesday came alive in Europe’s most active volcano. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
Etna erupts frequently, but it also serves as a popular tourist destination. Some travelers visit just to see the eruptions.
The driving of motorcycles and scooters was banned, and the speed limit for cars was reduced to limit the further spread of ash.
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The volcano is active almost once a year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.