Mount Etna Emits Light Ash and Triggers Precautionary Alert in Sicily

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, showed renewed signs of activity on Saturday, emitting incandescent material and light ash from its north-eastern crater, according to Italian monitoring authorities.

Ashfall Reported in Nearby Areas

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said prevailing winds carried the eruption cloud toward the north-east, resulting in light ashfall over parts of eastern Sicily.

Ash deposits were reported in the coastal town of Taormina as well as in the Piano Provenzana area, which includes popular ski slopes on Etna’s northern flank.

Sporadic Explosions at Bocca Nuova Crater

The INGV also observed intermittent explosions at the volcano’s Bocca Nuova crater, with incandescent material being ejected several tens of metres above the crater rim.

While the activity remained limited, authorities closely tracked developments due to the volcano’s history of sudden intensification.

Alert Level Temporarily Raised

As a precaution, the regional civil protection agency briefly raised the alert level amid concerns over the possible formation of lava fountains, though no immediate threat to nearby communities was reported.

Europe’s Most Active Volcano Under Constant Watch

Rising to around 3,400 metres, Mount Etna is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, experiencing frequent eruptions throughout the year. The volcano is under continuous surveillance, with its height and summit profile regularly altered by eruptive activity.

Monitoring efforts remain ongoing as scientists assess the evolution of the latest volcanic episode.