Europe’s tallest active volcano erupts again, spews ash and lava

Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, erupted again Friday evening on Sicily, Italy, sending ash and lava from its southeastern crater, Anadolu Agency reported. The eruption began around 7 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) at the crater, situated at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) altitude. Lava flows split into three streams moving southeast down the volcano’s slope, according to Italian daily La Stampa. Residents in nearby villages reported hearing rumbling sounds from the eruption.

The Catania branch of Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology confirmed the volcanic activity. An orange aviation alert was issued overnight due to volcanic emissions, but Catania Airport, located close to the volcano, remained fully operational with flights continuing as scheduled.

Mount Etna stands about 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) tall and is the tallest active volcano in continental Europe. This latest eruption marks the fourth since early April, following a previous active phase in February. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely for any changes in volcanic activity.