Key Points Summary – Mount Etna Erupts

• Mount Etna erupts with ash columns and lava near southeast crater
• Italy’s INGV records “increasing intensity” early Monday
• Pyroclastic flow surges down slopes after suspected crater collapse
• Thermal cameras confirm Strombolian-style explosions overnight
• Red alert temporarily issued, flights possibly disrupted
• No serious injuries or property damage reported so far
• Catania residents and tourists urged to avoid summit zone

Lava Spews As Mount Etna Erupts Again

Mount Etna erupts once more—and the sky over Sicily glows red. On Monday morning, Italy’s most fearsome volcano woke with a roar, sending a pillar of ash and smoke high into the air.

Footage from Sicily showed molten rock spilling from a southeastern vent, the same one geologists have been monitoring for months. Experts from the INGV Etna Observatory confirmed several blasts overnight.

By dawn, ash and volcanic debris blanketed parts of the upper slope. Tourists watched in awe from a safe distance. Others scrambled to leave the area as emergency alerts went out.

Pyroclastic Flow Races Down Slopes

As Mount Etna erupted, thermal cameras caught a dangerous pyroclastic flow tearing down the mountain. This mix of ash, gas, and rock can travel at terrifying speeds and reach deadly temperatures.

Geologists believe a section of the crater wall collapsed. That material likely triggered the surge now flowing across Etna’s flanks. Thankfully, it hasn’t moved beyond the Valley of the Lion—where tourist excursions typically end.

Though the volcano often erupts, this time the intensity feels different. INGV classified the eruption as “Strombolian,” marked by violent, sporadic bursts. These eruptions occur when trapped gas explodes at the surface, launching lava skyward like a shaken soda bottle.

Explosions Rock Volcano Overnight

The action began just after midnight. At exactly 00:39 local time, seismic monitors picked up unusual activity deep within Etna’s core. Within minutes, lava bursts lit up the night.

Thermal footage showed constant flashes from the southeast vent. Scientists quickly confirmed a live eruption, noting “intermittent explosions of rising strength.”

INGV raised an aviation red alert as ash plumes drifted into flight paths. Although the alert was later downgraded, several local flights were believed to have faced delays or detours.

Flights At Risk From Ash Clouds

Volcanic ash can wreak havoc on aircraft engines, making it a serious threat to aviation. Mount Etna’s February eruption forced the Catania airport to reroute dozens of flights.

This time, the impact appears limited. No mass diversions or cancellations were reported by midday, though officials remained on high alert.

INGV reminded pilots and air traffic controllers to monitor cloud movement carefully. Sudden shifts in wind direction could bring volcanic debris into critical airspace.

Locals Stay Calm Amid The Heat

Despite the eruption, the Sicilian public remained calm. Mount Etna is no stranger to fiery shows. As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, it often erupts without warning.

Still, Monday’s event brought intensity that surprised even seasoned observers. The lava, the roar, the rising plumes—this wasn’t just another rumble.

Several Sicilian towns reported feeling tremors overnight. Yet no structural damage or serious injuries have been confirmed.

Tourists Kept At A Distance

Tour companies immediately halted treks to the summit. Guides redirected visitors away from active lava flows. One official warned, “This is not the time for adventure selfies.”

Meanwhile, INGV teams continued around-the-clock monitoring. Drone footage, satellite imaging, and heat sensors are all in use to track the eruption’s path.

Not The First, Won’t Be The Last

Mount Etna’s last major event came just four months ago. That eruption blanketed Catania in ash and halted air traffic for nearly 24 hours.

Experts say eruptions like these may increase in frequency. They point to shifting pressure zones beneath the volcano and long-term magma buildup.

As Mount Etna erupts again, Sicilians watch and wait. The fire may die down tomorrow—or rage again by nightfall.

For now, the mountain speaks, and all of Italy listens.