Mount Etna Erupts, Sending Plumes of Ash Over Sicily

Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted early Monday morning, sending large plumes of ash and smoke into the sky above Sicily.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported a series of increasingly intense explosions beginning just after midnight. Volcanic material was seen spilling from the southeastern side of the volcano, near a known 200-metre-wide vent.

Footage shows pyroclastic flows, fast-moving clouds of ash, gas, and rock moving down the volcano’s slopes, likely triggered by a partial crater collapse. So far, no injuries or significant damage have been reported.

Despite the eruption, airports in the region remain open, and disruptions have been minimal. A red alert briefly halted some flights but was later downgraded.

Etna’s last major eruption occurred in February, disrupting flights at Catania airport.