A thick plume of volcanic ash billowed into the sky above Mount Etna on Saturday (December 27), as Italy's most active volcano shifted its behaviour and triggered the highest aviation warning level.
Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) said explosive activity at Etna's summit craters intensified, producing continuous ash emissions. The change prompted scientists to issue a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), signalling a potential risk for aircraft.
Despite the alert, flights were operating normally at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, authorities said, adding that no disruption was expected unless ashfall increased.
Rising more than 3,300 metres above sea level, Etna dominates eastern Sicily and is monitored around the clock. Its frequent eruptions are a reminder of the powerful forces beneath one of Europe's most closely watched volcanoes.
(Production: Vaishnavi Hajari)
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