Mount Etna Erupts, Spewing Ash and Pyroclastic Flow, but No Immediate Threat to Public

Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, erupted on Monday, sending a massive plume of ash, gas, and rock into the sky above Sicily. The eruption, which began around 11:24 a.m. local time, produced a towering grey cloud and a dangerous pyroclastic flow, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

The INGV reported that the eruption stemmed from a partial collapse of the northern flank of Etna’s south-east crater, generating a pyroclastic flow—a fast-moving surge of volcanic rock, ash, and hot gases. The activity later transitioned into a lava fountain, with the ash plume expected to disperse southwest. The volcanic cloud reached an estimated height of 6.5 kilometers (over four miles), prompting a red alert for aviation authorities. However, Catania airport, located near the volcano, remained operational.

Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, stated that experts confirmed no immediate danger to the population, as the pyroclastic flow did not extend beyond the Valley of the Lions, a popular tourist area. “We are monitoring the situation with extreme caution,” Schifani said, noting the impressive scale of the eruptive cloud. Videos circulating on social media, though unverified, appeared to show tourists fleeing the volcano’s slopes, with some stopping to take photos.
Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional civil protection unit, advised tourists to avoid the area due to the potential for further volcanic activity. Rescue units are actively monitoring the lava flow to ensure public safety.

While the eruption has caused concern, authorities emphasize that the situation remains under control, with no immediate threat to nearby communities.