What’s behind Etna’s sudden eruption—and why it could have been worse
Sicily’s notorious volcano lit up the night in a dramatic show—but there’s a reason locals aren’t panicking.
A spectacular volcanic eruption lit up the skies over Sicily last night as Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, roared back to life with explosive force. Spewing lava, ash, and searing gas from its southeast crater, Etna delivered a fiery display that could be seen for miles—including from the nearby city of Catania, where residents were startled but not alarmed.
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the event began around 2:39 a.m. local time (00:39 GMT), when monitoring equipment registered a sudden spike in volcanic activity at roughly 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level.
What triggered the eruption?
The eruption appears to have been set off by a partial collapse of the volcano’s southeastern crater, the INGV reported. This structural failure likely unleashed a powerful pyroclastic flow—a fast-moving torrent of hot gas, ash, and rock—cascading down Etna’s southeastern flank.
Fortunately, most of the volcanic material remained contained within a natural depression known as the Valle del Leone (Valley of the Lion)—a popular route for hikers who venture up the slopes of the volcano. According to INGV experts, the hot debris did not spill beyond this valley, minimizing the risk to surrounding areas.
What kind of eruption was it?
This was classified as a Strombolian eruption, a type of volcanic activity known for frequent bursts of gas and lava, but typically considered less violent than full-scale explosive events. Despite its moderate classification, the tremors accompanying the eruption reached “very high values,” raising concerns and prompting close monitoring by authorities.
The INGV used thermal imaging cameras to confirm the presence of active lava flows, ash plumes, and ground-level gas movement—signals of an eruption with enough energy to be dangerous but not yet catastrophic.
What’s the situation in Catania?
Despite the dramatic display, Catania’s airport remains fully operational, and no evacuations have been ordered. The city, located just 18 miles from the volcano, has experienced countless eruptions throughout its history and is well-prepared to deal with Etna’s unpredictable temperament.
Local officials have reassured the public that the situation is under control. Authorities continue to monitor seismic and volcanic activity around the clock.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.