In a dramatic display of nature’s power, two of Italy’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna and Stromboli, have simultaneously erupted, causing significant disruptions across Sicily. The volcanic activity has forced the temporary closure of Catania Airport and raised alert levels across the region.
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano standing at 3,324 meters (10,905 feet), has been exhibiting intense activity in recent days. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported ash plumes reaching heights of up to 4.5 kilometers (2.7 miles) on Thursday. The eruption has created a spectacular yet concerning display, with fountains of scorching lava illuminating the night sky near Catania.
Simultaneously, the smaller but equally volatile Stromboli volcano, located off Sicily’s northern coast, has been spewing lava into the sea. This dual eruption has prompted Italy’s Civil Protection Department to issue a red alert for Stromboli, its highest warning level, indicating the potential for further escalation.
The most immediate impact has been felt at Catania Airport, a crucial transportation hub for eastern Sicily. Airport authorities released a statement on Friday announcing, “The runway at Catania Airport is unusable due to volcanic ash fall: both arrivals and departures are suspended.” The airport is expected to resume operations at 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT), though travellers are advised to verify their flight status before departing for the airport.
In Catania itself, residents awoke to find the city blanketed in a thick layer of black ash. Social media footage showed streets and vehicles covered, significantly impeding traffic. Local authorities and citizens have mobilized to clean up the city, facing the challenging task of removing the pervasive volcanic debris.
This recent volcanic activity is not unprecedented for the region. Mount Etna, in particular, has a history of frequent eruptions over the past decades. However, the simultaneous activity of both Etna and Stromboli presents a unique challenge for local authorities and residents alike.
The closure of Catania Airport is particularly impactful, as it serves millions of passengers annually, many of whom are tourists visiting Sicily’s popular eastern coast. The disruption comes at a critical time for the region’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on air travel connections.
As the situation continues to evolve, local authorities are closely monitoring both volcanoes. The Civil Protection Department’s warning that the situation on Stromboli could potentially deteriorate adds layer of concern for residents and officials.
