ISLAMABAD: Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted violently on Monday, spewing a towering 6.5-kilometer plume of ash, gas, and volcanic rock after a partial collapse of its southeastern crater.
The dramatic explosion sent pyroclastic flows cascading down the volcano’s northern flank, though nearby Catania airport remained operational.
Dangerous Pyroclastic Flows Observed
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported the eruption began at 11:24 AM local time, with surveillance cameras capturing the moment hot gasses and volcanic material surged from the crater. Authorities issued a red alert for aviation as the ash cloud drifted southwest, though the eruption later transitioned to less explosive lava fountaining.
Pyroclastic flows—deadly mixtures of superheated gas and debris—remain a critical hazard.
Etna’s Increasing Activity Raises Concerns
The eruption marks Etna’s most significant activity this year, following months of heightened tremors and gas emissions. Located near densely populated areas of Sicily, the volcano’s frequent eruptions test Italy’s emergency response systems.
While no evacuations were ordered, scientists continue monitoring for potential lava flows that could threaten villages on Etna’s slopes.
As one of the world’s most studied volcanoes, Etna’s latest outburst provides crucial data for volcanologists, even as it reminds locals of nature’s unpredictable power.
