Rome: Eruptions at Italy’s Mount Etna and the smaller Stromboli volcano have triggered significant ash and lava emissions, prompting heightened alerts across Sicily and necessitating a temporary closure of Catania Airport on Friday.
Etna, renowned as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has exhibited intensified activity recently, illuminating the skies near Catania. Meanwhile, Stromboli, situated off northern Sicily’s coast, has discharged lava into the sea.
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Italy’s civil protection agency issued a critical red alert for Stromboli, cautioning of potential deteriorations in the situation. Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci affirmed that Stromboli is under constant surveillance, with evacuation protocols primed for immediate execution in case of emergencies.
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The fire brigade has preemptively bolstered their presence on the island, doubling the number of firefighters deployed. In Catania, located on Sicily’s eastern coast, residents and authorities have mobilized efforts to cleanse streets and vehicles coated in black volcanic ash. The nearby airport remains closed, with Catania Airport confirming in a statement, “The runway is currently unusable due to volcanic ash fall, suspending both arrivals and departures.” Normal operations are scheduled to resume at 3:00 p.m. (1300 GMT).
