Teams in Italy worked to clear the area around Mount Etna on Wednesday after the volcano spewed lava, ash and volcanic rocks.
Municipal teams have largely anticipated the activities of Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Authorities closed areas around the crater on Tuesday, but the activity still forced the temporary closure of Sicily’s Catania airport.
Lava pours out of Mount Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Europe’s most active volcano came to life around 4 pm local time on Tuesday, according to the Italian Institute Geophysics and Volcanology. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, expels ash and lava, seen from Catania, southern Italy, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Mount Etna in Sicily, southern Italy, roared back into action spectacular volcanic rock, casting ash clouds and spitting out lava. (Davide Anastasi / LaPresse via AP)
No injuries or deaths were reported.
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“The entire territory of Pedara and all the streets are covered with volcanic ash and lapillus,” said Mayor Alfio Cristaudo.
Smoke rises from Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Mount Etna in Sicily, southern Italy, roared back to spectacular volcanic action, casting ash clouds and spewing lava . (Davide Anastasi / LaPresse via AP)
Lava pours out of Mount Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Europe’s most active volcano came to life around 4 pm local time on Tuesday, according to the Italian Institute Geophysics and Volcanology. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
The volcano erupted again just 30 hours later: after dropping to “the lowest levels” in recent weeks, the volcano erupted at about 1 am local time on Thursday morning, Volcano Discovery reported.
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The lava splashed for more than an hour, reaching heights of about 500 meters. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse recorded ashes reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Lava pours out of Mount Etna volcano near Catania, Sicily, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Europe’s most active volcano came to life around 4 pm local time on Tuesday, according to the Italian Institute Geophysics and Volcanology. (AP Photo / Salvatore Allegra)
Etna erupts regularly, but it also serves as a popular tourist destination. Some travelers visit just to see the eruptions.
Driving motorcycles and scooters was prohibited, and the speed limit for cars was reduced to limit the spread of ashes.
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The volcano is active almost once a year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.