Etna eruption begins
Italy’s Mount Etna erupted on Monday, sending a massive grey cloud of ash, gas, and rocks into the sky. The activity began around 11:24 am local time, according to national volcano experts. (Image: AP)
No public danger
Authorities said the eruption poses no current danger to residents. Sicily's regional president, Renato Schifani, confirmed the lava flow has not crossed into tourist areas and officials are watching it closely. (Image: AP)
What cameras showed
Surveillance footage showed a pyroclastic flow likely caused by a partial collapse on the volcano’s Southeast Crater. Such flows are dangerous, fast-moving clouds of ash, gas, and volcanic debris. (Image: AP)
Lava fountain forms
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said explosive activity has turned into a lava fountain. The ash cloud is moving southwest and is expected to fade gradually. (Image: AP)
Tourists flee area
Some videos on social media showed tourists rushing down the volcano's slopes, with a few stopping to take photos. AFP could not confirm whether the footage was authentic.
(Image: AP)
Safety alert issued
Regional civil protection head Salvo Cocina urged tourists to avoid the area due to possible changes in volcanic activity. A red alert was also sent to aviation authorities.(Image: ANI)
Airport still open
Despite the eruption, nearby Catania airport remained operational. The ash cloud from the volcano reportedly reached about 6.5 kilometres (over four miles) into the atmosphere, prompting flight safety monitoring.
(Image: AP)
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