Mount Etna erupts, sends ash cloud over Sicily

Mount Etna erupts, sends ash cloud over Sicily

Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, erupted Monday, sending ash and smoke nearly four miles into the sky and prompting tourists to flee. The eruption, caused by a partial collapse of the southeast crater, triggered lava flows and strong seismic tremors.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed it was the volcano’s 14th eruptive phase in recent months. Authorities closed the summit area to visitors, while Sicily’s president assured the lava remained within natural containment zones and posed no immediate threat to residents.

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre issued a “code red” alert, though Catania airport operations continued without disruption. By afternoon, officials reported the ash emission had ceased.