Mount Etna, Sicily, the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active, erupted for the second time in two days, with a stream of molten rock and a huge cloud of ash tinted red by the sun captured in remarkable images .
The volcano came to life at about 4 pm local on Tuesday, according to the Italian Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology, while the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse said the explosion launched ash more than 10 kilometers high, warning of “Very strong ash emission”.
Although the head of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in the city of Catania, Stefano Branco, told local media that the eruption of the southeastern crater of Etna was “Nothing to worry about,” Even so, the authorities in Catania decided to close the city’s international airport, as small stones and ash fell on the area. The airport is located about 20 miles (31 km) south of Etna.
The Central Emergency Department of Italy also noted that it was closely monitoring and “Guarding” the three villages closest to the volcano, Linguaglossa, Fornazzo and Milo, sharing an image of the discharge on Twitter. So far, no significant injuries or injuries have been reported.
When the eruption started to subside at around 7 pm, the lava could still be seen descending the slopes of Etna, while the huge column of ash took on a reddish glow in the setting sun.
Tuesday’s activity marked Etna’s second eruption this week alone, with tremors increasing in the early hours of Monday, before lava finally exploded from the volcano in the afternoon.
At almost 3,300 meters high, Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, erupting dozens of times in the past century. Previous explosions buried and destroyed houses, injured journalists and even threatened entire villages. However, several communities have chosen to remain at the foot of the volcano, known for its scenic natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.
Also at rt.com
WATCH: Mount Etna expels lava sources into the sky in its latest explosive activity
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