Mount Etna erupts in Sicily, sending thick ash into the sky as tremors and explosions cause panic. Eruption now declared over.
Mount Etna Awakens with a Fiery Display
Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted dramatically this week, unleashing a towering column of ash and gas above the Italian island of Sicily. The sudden eruption sent plumes skyward and people fleeing from the slopes in scenes captured widely on social media.
As one of the most closely watched volcanoes in the world, Etna’s activity once again reminded observers of its unpredictable power. This time, its display was marked by fast-rising smoke, sudden tremors, and ash-fall that drifted miles from the crater.
A Surge of Volcanic Power
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed that the eruption involved strong strombolian explosions — a style of volcanic activity known for explosive bursts of lava, gas, and rock fragments.
“Over the past few hours, the falling of a little thin ash has been flagged in the Piano Vetore area,” INGV stated.
Shortly after this announcement, officials declared that Etna’s eruption had come to an end, easing tensions for nearby residents and air traffic monitors.
From Tremors to Ashfall: The Eruption Timeline
The initial signs of volcanic unrest began with a series of volcanic tremors late at night. According to data from Volcanic Discovery, seismic activity was first recorded at around 10 p.m. local time, building in strength until peaking just before 1 a.m.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in Toulouse — one of nine global centres responsible for tracking ash-related aviation risks — issued a warning that the ash plume had reached an altitude of nearly 6,400 metres.
By Monday afternoon, the VAAC had lowered the threat level to yellow, signaling reduced concern for air travel in the region.
Scenes of Panic and Awe
Videos shared online showed people descending quickly down the mountainside as the ash cloud expanded behind them. The visuals were as dramatic as they were terrifying — a reminder of nature’s unpredictable force, especially from Europe’s largest volcano.
Despite the intensity, there have been no reports of casualties or widespread damage, and authorities are continuing to monitor the volcano for any renewed activity.
The Calm After the Blast
For now, Etna sleeps again. But for those who witnessed the event up close, the memory of its sudden eruption will linger. Scientists will continue to study the tremors, gas emissions, and crater shifts that led to this episode, aiming to better predict future outbursts.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on natural events from around the globe.
We bring you timely, accurate, and insightful coverage — straight from the heart of breaking stories.
