Mount Etna, the towering volcano on Sicily, sent ash and gas into the sky as magma streamed from its southeastern crater. The eruption was confirmed by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, known as INGV, which continues to track Etna’s activity with a network of security cameras and rapid satellite imagery. These tools help scientists interpret the lava flow, plume height, and gas output in real time, providing crucial information for nearby communities and aviation authorities (INGV).
Observers describe a loud roar accompanying the eruption, a sign of the intense gas release and steady ash production that settled on the northern foothills of Etna. The ash fall did not stop the daily routines of the surrounding region, though it prompted closer watch of air traffic and local air quality. INGV experts remain vigilant, analyzing footage and sensor readings to understand how the eruption evolves and what it might mean for the volcano’s future behavior (INGV).
Despite the volcanic activity, Etna’s eruption did not disrupt the operation of the nearby airport. Europe’s most active volcano continues to be monitored around the clock, with authorities ready to adjust procedures should conditions change (INGV).
On 14 August, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport issued a temporary closure and then resumed operations as the eruption continued to unfold. Travelers were advised to contact their airlines for the latest guidance before arriving at the airport. The situation underscored the importance of coordinated communication among volcano scientists, airport authorities, and the traveling public (INGV).
Earlier in the year, news from Japan highlighted a different geological event: the eruption of an underwater volcano that created a new island, illustrating how volcanic activity can shape geography in dramatic fashion across the world (INGV).