A spectacular lava fountain erupted from Mount Etna in Sicily, painting the night sky with a fiery burst of orange that cascaded down its slope. The volcanic activity led to a blanket of dark ash descending upon the towns nestled at the base of the mountain. Videos captured residents diligently clearing the thick layers of dust from the streets and sidewalks.
Simultaneously, Stromboli, another active volcano located in the Aeolian Islands, showed intensified activity this week. Enormous clouds of ash and debris billowed into the sea, adding to the volcanic spectacle in the region.
Authorities, including Claudio Peri, an inspector with Sicily’s firefighters, noted that both Mount Etna and Stromboli are currently experiencing heightened levels of activity. Marco Neri, an Italian volcanologist, highlighted that the crater responsible for the lava fountain on Etna had been dormant for approximately four years before reawakening two weeks ago, culminating in the explosive display witnessed recently.
The volcanic ash cloud rose to nearly 15,000 feet, carried by the wind over nearby towns. The mayor of Catania, Enrico Trantino, imposed restrictions following the eruption, including a temporary ban on motorcycle riding and a speed limit of about 20 miles per hour for cars due to the ash-related risks.
Volcanic ash also disrupted air travel, rendering the runway at Catania airport unusable. Flights were suspended until at least the afternoon to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Despite the heightened volcanic activity, officials assured that the eruptions posed no immediate threat to residents. Claudio Peri emphasized that while the eruptions were a captivating spectacle, they did not present any significant danger to the population.
