If you were near Mount Etna recently, you might have witnessed one of the most intense volcanic events in recent memory.
The iconic volcano on Sicily’s east coast erupted spectacularly, sending massive clouds of ash and a deadly pyroclastic flow rushing down its slopes.
Tourists at the site had to scramble for safety as the giant ash cloud suddenly burst behind them, turning a visit into a heart-pounding escape.
Sudden Explosions and Pyroclastic Flow Shake the Volcano
Mount Etna, known as Europe’s most active volcano, had already been showing signs of unrest with tremors overnight. But the situation quickly escalated.
Scientists from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology’s Etnean Observatory explained that a pyroclastic flow—an extremely fast, dense avalanche of hot ash and volcanic gases—was unleashed, likely caused by a collapse on the northern side of the volcano’s South-East Crater.
Aviation Warning and Drift of Ash Cloud
Authorities issued a red aviation warning as the thick ash cloud billowed skyward, but it was later downgraded to orange.
This ominous cloud, made mostly of water vapor and sulfur dioxide, drifted toward the southwest, threatening air traffic and nearby communities.
The volcanic activity has been described as continuous, with explosions growing steadily in power since the early hours of the morning.
Volcanic Tremors and Ash Fall in Nearby Areas
The seismic activity began just after 10 p.m. the previous night, reaching its peak about three hours later below the crater.
Residents in the surrounding areas, such as Piano Vetore, experienced light ash fall during the event.
Thankfully, activity has calmed somewhat in the past hour, although the lingering gray ash cloud remains visible in the skies above the island.
Mount Etna’s History and Recent Activity
Mount Etna isn’t new to eruptions. This 500,000-year-old giant has been in a heightened state of activity over the past five years.
Last summer, its eruptions disrupted flights at Catania Airport, forcing cancellations and rerouting to other Sicilian airports like Palermo and Comiso.
Locals remember the dark days when towns were covered in a blanket of ash, and airport operations were severely impacted.
A Volcanic Legacy of Destruction
Historically, Etna’s most devastating eruption happened back in 1669.
Lava flows and earthquakes devastated 14 villages and towns, killing nearly 20,000 people and leaving thousands homeless.
While today’s eruption hasn’t reached those catastrophic levels, it reminds us of the volcano’s potential power and the respect it commands.
What’s Next for Mount Etna?
Scientists continue to monitor Etna closely, especially after the recent explosive episodes in May and now this massive ash cloud event.
This story is still unfolding, and updates will follow as more information comes in.
For now, local authorities and visitors remain vigilant as the volcano keeps reminding everyone of its fiery presence.