Mount Etna’s eruption covers Catania in ash; flights suspended

Sicily’s Catania was covered with a thick layer of ash on Sunday after Mount Etna erupted. According to photos and images that emerged on social media, ash fell across the runway and also on the city of Catania. The black ash was also on at least one of the slopes of Mount Etna which is also Europe’s most active volcano.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) closely monitors Mount Etna with instruments installed on the slopes of the peak. It also noted that cloud cover on a rainy day impeded views of the eruption which also indicates a dramatic display of lava during the volcano’s not-so-frequent spans of heightened activity.


Following the eruption, no injuries were reported. Several internet users took to social media to post photos and videos showing ash rising out of the volcano and even covering the entire sky. Even houses and cars were also covered with ash.



However, due to the ashfall, Catania Airport suspended its flight operations temporarily. The airport authorities also said that they are closely monitoring the situation and will resume operations once the conditions are favourable. INGV also suggested that the monitoring had recorded evidence of increased tremor activity in recent days.



On Thursday, the Italian Civil Protection Agency issued a warning regarding the heightened volcanic activity in Italy, specifically mentioning the potential for abrupt changes in Etna's behaviour. Although the volcano experienced a prolonged eruption in early 2021, it has not undergone a significant volcanic outburst since 1922.

FAQs:

Q1:When did a major eruption occur from Mount Etna?
1922

Q2:Where is Mount Etna located?
On the east coast of Sicily, north of Catania