PEDARA, Sicily (AP) – Residents and municipal teams worked Wednesday to clear a Sicilian village near Mount Etna after Europe’s most active volcano erupted lava, ash and volcanic rocks.
The eruption, with spectacular displays of glowing lava, forced the temporary closure of Catania airport in Sicily, which occurs frequently when Etna is in an active phase.
As the volcanic activity of Tuesday was largely expected, areas around the crater were secured and no injuries or deaths were reported. Residents in the area said the eruption was unusual in that large pieces of volcanic rock covered the area, not just ash.
“It was a rain of stones. Something I have never seen in my whole life, ”said Pedara resident Letizia Olivieri.
Pedara Mayor Alfio Cristaudo said the town was in a state of emergency due to the eruption.
“The whole area of Pedara and all the streets are covered with volcanic ash and lapillus,” or volcanic rocks, he said.
Residents and local teams cleaned streets, courtyards and cars, packed the ashes and waited for municipal collectors to take them away. The driving of motorcycles and scooters was banned, and the speed limit for cars was reduced to limit the further spread of ash.
Pedara resident Massimiliano Formica said he was home Tuesday afternoon when he heard what he said was the start of a rainstorm. But when he looked outside, he saw that it was raining in a strange way. I went out and I saw ground fall. Also large stones. ”
Etna is a popular tourist destination, and eruptions, especially when seen at night, are spectacular to behold.