Spectacular pictures

Etna volcano spews lava and ash again

The volcano Etna has recently been spewing ash and lava more frequently.

(Bild: AFP/Giuseppe Distefano)

On Sicily, Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna, spewed large quantities of glowing lava into the sky on Tuesday night and in the morning. Explosions could be seen and heard again and again.

The Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that there was a thick cloud of lava, magmatic gases and rock above the mountain, which is more than 3,300 meters high. 

The INVG announced that a six-kilometer-high column of smoke had risen above Mount Etna. Ash also fell on several towns in the vicinity of Mount Etna, such as Milo and Zafferana Etnea. However, there were initially no reports of major damage.

Air traffic suspended
Air traffic had to be suspended at Catania International Airport. Due to the eruption and the associated ash clouds, no planes could take off or land at the moment, the airport operator announced on the X online service. Passengers were called upon to contact their airline for information.

Pictures from the night:

Pictures from the morning:

Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano. The mountain is about 3350 meters high. However, the exact height is constantly changing due to eruptions and cinder cones.

Volcano currently very active
Catania Airport last had to suspend operations on July 5 due to an eruption of Mount Etna. Every year, millions of people arrive at the airport to spend their vacation in the eastern part of Sicily. The Mediterranean island is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations.