Mount Etna, which stands as the highest and most frequently erupting volcano in Europe, burst into activity this morning, releasing columns of smoke skyward.
Video clips circulated online depicted visitors running downslope as they attempted to escape an intensifying dense plume from the volcano hovering overhead.
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (IGNV) stated in a release that the eruption commenced at 3:50 am local time, after seismic vibrations initiated around midnight. According to volcanologists, Mount Etna has been witnessing increasingly intense Strombolian eruptions. Such events generally represent a moderately powerful type of volcanic activity.
Around 11:30 am local time, a pyroclastic flow – consisting of scorching debris, ash, and gases – was captured on surveillance footage. The Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (IGNV) suggested this event likely resulted from the collapse of materials from the northwestern side of the Southeast Crater.
This flow does not seem to have extended beyond the boundary of the Valle del Leone, which is situated below the peak’s volcanic cones on Mount Etna. However, the explosive action at the south-east crater has turned into a lava fountain, it noted.
Mount Etna boasts a recorded history of regular eruptions spanning 3,000 years. Its most recent eruption occurred not too long ago. in February , sending a 3-kilometre river of lava flowing out of a crater called Bocca Nuova, meaning “new mouth”.
The eruption led to slight disturbances in travel arrangements, with sections of Catania airport shut down because of decreased visibility.
Are flights impacted by the eruption, and is the Catania airport shut down?
The Catania airport is located at the base of Mount Etna, offering both departing and arriving passengers an incredible sight of the volcano.
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, which goes by the name of Vincenzo Bellini Airport, located on the eastern side of the island, serves as Sicily’s busiest gateway for international travelers.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre based in Toulouse, France, responsible for tracking flight hazards, initially released a red aviation alert this morning. The status was later revised to an orange warning, with Catania Airport continuing to function normally.
The departures are proceeding according to schedule; however, some arrivals from Rome, Milan, and Berlin have been pushed back slightly this afternoon.
Travelers should continue to verify the condition of their flight with their airline prior to departing from home, since volcanic activity has the potential to alter circumstances quickly. Updated details regarding arrivals and departures can be found online as well. the Catania Airport website .
Am I eligible for compensation if my flight experiences disruption?
Should flights at Catania Airport face disruptions, airlines must provide you with an alternative flight or a refund if your flight is either canceled or postponed by over three hours.
This applies only if they had the ability to prevent the disruption. However, in the event of a volcanic eruption, it is not their responsibility.
However, in most instances, airlines will typically make an effort to transport passengers to their ultimate destination.
It's invariably prudent to possess travel insurance since you might manage to reclaim costs associated with unforeseen expenditures.
Is it still safe to travel to Sicily when Mount Etna is active?
Yes, it is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting.
Local authorities and residents are accustomed to handling Mount Etna’s eruptions. Over the past five years, it has burst into activity several times each year, leading to an increase in tourism to Sicily.
Even with regular eruptions, molten rock hasn’t made it to the adjacent communities since the nineteenth century. Etna boasts over two hundred craters, and whenever one of them erupts, dark volcanic debris settles in the town of Catania below and numerous neighboring settlements.
This causes inconvenience for residents, but typically isn’t an issue for visitors. There are individuals who purposely do this. ascend the volcano to witness an eruption , even as officials advise visitors to maintain a safe gap.
The mayor of Catania quoted in Corriere della Sera stated that "everything is normal and under control."