Italy's Etna volcano erupts again

Photo:Depositphotos

The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology recorded explosions of increasing intensity on Monday, which occurred almost continuously. At noon, the explosive activity from the southeastern crater turned into a lava fountain. Currently, lava is slowly flowing down the mountain wall.

The volcano administration has already stated that the eruption was probably caused by the collapse of part of Etna's southeastern crater, which then released lava flows. The only danger in these days was in the area just around the volcano's summit.

Etna is visited by crowds of tourists every year but due to increased activity it was closed to tour groups on Monday. The head of the Sicilian regional government said the pyroclastic flows posed no danger to the people of Sicily.

Etna, considered the most active volcano in Europe and the most active stratovolcano in the world, had a major eruption less than a year ago, giving observers a rare glimpse of ring-shaped clouds, known as vortex bubbles, blowing from its craters.

In the last few years, Etna has erupted at least once a year, sometimes covering the surrounding area with a layer of volcanic ash. Fortunately, it does not cause any significant problems or damage. Residents living near the crater have long been accustomed to increased activity and will certainly not panic if the volcano wakes up. Etna's increased volcanic activity has been closely monitored for decades, and it is quite possible that this is not the last eruption this year.

Source:CBCNews