Mount Etna spews out fountain of lava
Mount Etna, the volcano on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily, has erupted again.
Europe's largest active volcano has been spewing glowing lava and ash since the early hours of Monday morning.
The Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that a pyroclastic flow was observed - a kind of fiery avalanche of ash, gas and rock, triggered by a collapse on the north side of the south-east crater.
According to initial findings, the hot material remained within the remote and uninhabited Valle del Leone.
As a precaution, the aviation warning level was raised to red. However, Catania International Airport remains open for the time being.
The INGV said the activity had intensified into a lava fountain – an eruptive phase in which liquid lava is ejected from the crater. The institute reported an increase in earth tremors, and ground deformations in the crater area were also recorded.
Mount Etna, which is approximately 3,350 metres high, erupts several times a year and is constantly monitored by experts. These so-called Strombolian eruptions are usually a spectacular sight and attract many spectators.
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