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Mount Etna Erupts, Halting Flights in Sicily
Europe's Largest Volcano Spews Ash, Triggers Red Alert
Key Points:
- Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, erupted early Thursday morning local time.
- Catania Airport in Sicily was forced to temporarily close its runway.
- Etna has over 200 craters, and volcanic ash from the eruption landed in Catania city.
- Italy's Civil Protection Department issued a red alert due to the eruption of the nearby volcano.
- Flights were suspended Friday morning after ash plumes from Mount Etna blocked airspace.
Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted early Thursday morning, spewing ash on Catania, eastern Sicily's largest city.
The eruption prompted the temporary closure of Catania Airport in Sicily, as the ash clouds posed a hazard to aircraft.
Etna has over 200 craters, and when one of these erupts, black volcanic ash often lands in Catania city.
Late on Thursday, Italy's Civil Protection Department issued a red alert due to the eruption of the nearby volcano.
The eruption also caused disruptions to flights, with several flights canceled or delayed.
As of Friday morning, the eruption was ongoing, and ash plumes from Mount Etna were still affecting airspace, causing further flight cancellations.
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its eruptions are a regular occurrence.
However, the current eruption is one of the strongest in recent years, and it has caused significant disruption to the local area.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and they have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid areas affected by the ash.
The eruption is expected to continue for several days, and it is possible that further disruptions will occur.
Travelers planning to visit Sicily in the coming days should check with their airline for the latest information on flight schedules.
For more information on Mount Etna and its eruptions, visit the website of the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology: