Italy's Etna volcano erupts, lava fountain reaches 400 metres

Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily erupted on December 27, sending a lava fountain up to 400 meters into the air, according to Virgilio.

The volcano, which has been in near-constant eruption since 2013, displayed heightened activity in the afternoon. From 15:15 local time, lava fountains reached heights between 300 and 400 meters, while a column of volcanic ash rose several kilometres and was carried west and then west-southwest by the wind. By 15:45, activity began to subside, shifting into powerful explosions with periodic ash emissions.

Italy’s Civil Protection Department declared a yellow alert due to increased volcanic tremors, strong Strombolian activity, and lava emissions around the crater.

Authorities warned that volcanic ash could disrupt operations at Comiso and Palermo airports.

By Khagan Isayev