‘Red Lava’ Gushing... Eruption of Mount Etna on Sicily Island, Italy

Europe's Largest Active Volcano Raises Concerns Due to Frequent Eruptions Since 2009

The Etna volcano in Italy has begun erupting. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe located on the Italian island of Sicily, has begun erupting.

According to ANSA news agency and others on the 17th (local time), starting from 4 PM the previous day, lava shot up into the sky along with dark red smoke columns from the snow-covered crater of Mount Etna, and volcanic ash poured down like rain.

The eruption, which lasted for more than an hour, also showed lava flowing down the side of the mountain. Fortunately, local media reported no casualties or property damage in the nearby villages.

The nearby Catania International Airport was also closed for a while. After overnight work, the airport resumed operations from 9 AM on the 17th.

Mount Etna, standing at 3,350 meters above sea level, is the highest active volcano in Europe. Concerns about casualties and disasters have been growing due to frequent eruptions recently. Since a large-scale eruption in early 2009, lava eruptions have been recurring until January of this year.