In a dramatic display of nature, Mount Etna in Sicily erupted on Monday, throwing a spectacular plume of smoke and ash high into the sky. Fortunately, officials stated that there was no threat to residents in the surrounding areas.
Due to the volcanic activity, authorities raised the alert level at the Catania airport. However, there were no reports of immediate disruptions. By the afternoon, an official update confirmed that the volcano’s ash cloud emissions had ceased.
The INGV National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy explained that the fiery activity was initiated by a partial collapse of the southeast crater, sending streams of hot lava downhill. This event marked the 14th phase of eruptions in recent months.
The dangerous zone was limited to Etna’s summit, which authorities closed off to tourists to avoid any risks, as noted by Stefano Branca, an INGV official based in Catania.
Renato Schifani, the president of Sicily, told that the lava flows from the eruption stayed within natural barriers and did not pose a risk to people inhabiting the area.
Footage of the volcanic spectacle quickly spread across social media platforms, captivating audiences globally. Italian media reported that the tremors could be felt widely in the surrounding towns and villages nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna.
Video clips showed tourists hastily moving along a path on the volcano’s side with plumes of smoke rising in the distance. Mount Etna, standing at approximately 3,300 meters (11,000 feet) tall and covering an area of around 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles), remains a popular destination for excursions.