Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has entered a new eruptive phase, sending rivers of lava down its slopes and ejecting towering columns of ash high into the atmosphere. The activity began late on June 18 and intensified into the early hours of June 19, prompting aviation alerts and concern among nearby communities in eastern Sicily.
A Dynamic Eruption Unfolds
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption is centered at Etna’s Southeast Crater, a frequent source of explosive activity in recent years. Lava flows are advancing from fissures along the crater’s rim, while powerful ash emissions have reached altitudes of up to 4,500 meters (14,750 feet).
So far, the eruption has remained Strombolian in nature, characterized by rhythmic bursts of lava and gas. While no injuries or evacuations have been reported, officials are monitoring the situation closely as conditions can change rapidly.
Ash Disrupts Air Travel and Visibility
Catania Airport, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Etna, temporarily suspended flights early Thursday due to ashfall and poor visibility. Airport authorities are coordinating with civil protection officials and volcanologists to assess when it will be safe to resume operations.
Volcanic ash is a major hazard for aviation, as it can damage aircraft engines and systems. Pilots flying over the region have been advised to avoid the affected airspace.
Communities on Alert
Ashfall has been reported in towns such as Zafferana Etnea, Milo, and Nicolosi, where residents awoke to a fine layer of gray particles coating roads and rooftops. Authorities have urged people to wear masks and avoid unnecessary travel as ash can irritate the lungs and reduce visibility on roadways.
Schools in some towns have been closed as a precaution, and civil protection teams are distributing information and masks to local residents.
Prosegue l'attività eruttiva iniziata nella notte tra mercoledì 18 e giovedì 19 giugno sull'Etna. Potenti esplosioni con emissioni di cenere sono state registrate al Cratere di Sud-Est pic.twitter.com/aZdZCh3SKD
— Local Team (@localteamit) June 19, 2025
Etna’s Constant Evolution
Mount Etna stands about 3,324 meters (10,905 feet) tall, though its height can vary slightly due to eruptive activity. It has been erupting on and off for hundreds of thousands of years, with major recent eruptions in 2021 and 2023. This latest activity serves as a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable the volcano remains.
INGV scientists continue to monitor seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation using satellite and ground-based instruments. If the current phase intensifies or shifts in character, alerts will be updated accordingly.
What Comes Next?
At present, there’s no indication of a large-scale explosive eruption, but Etna’s behavior can evolve quickly. Authorities are urging caution and preparedness, especially for those living on the volcano’s slopes.
Travelers with plans to visit eastern Sicily should check with local news and flight operators for updates, and residents are advised to stay informed through official civil protection channels.
