Mount Etna on Sicily, the highest volcano in Europe and one of its most active, erupted for the second time in as many days, with a stream of molten rock and a massive ash cloud red-tinted by the striking sun.
According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the volcano came to life around 4pm local time on Tuesday, while the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse said the blast had raised ash from more than 10 kilometers into the air and warned that “Very strong emission.”
Although the head of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in the city of Catania, Stefano Branco, told local media that the eruption was from the south-eastern crater of Etna “Not at all worrying,” authorities in Catania nevertheless decided to close the city’s international airport because small stones and ash rained down on the area. The airport is located about 31 kilometers south of Etna.
The Central Emergency Services Department of Italy also noted that it is being closely monitored and “Guard” the three towns closest to the volcano, Linguaglossa, Fornazzo and Milo, who share a picture of the eruption on Twitter. So far no injuries or significant damage have been reported.
When the eruption began to subside around 19:00, lava could still be seen flowing over Etna’s slopes, while the massive ash column took on a reddish glow in the setting evening sun.
Tuesday’s activity was only the second eruption of Etna this week, with tremors escalating in the early hours of Monday morning before lava finally blew out of the volcano that afternoon.
Mount Etna is nearly 3,300 meters long and is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, erupting dozens of times during the last century. Previous explosions have buried and destroyed homes, injured journalists and even threatened entire villages. Nevertheless, several communities have chosen to stay at the foot of the volcano, known for its scenic beauty and scenic landscapes.
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