A sudden increase in activity of the Etna volcano was observed

 On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, began a new, intense stage of eruption. As a result of the volcanic eruption from the southeast crater (SEC), intense lava fountains were recorded and pyroclastic material, such as lapilli and volcanic bombs, was recorded to a height of several hundred meters above the outlet​​.

This phenomenon coincided with a significant increase in volcanic tremors, which peaked at 9:00 UTC. The location of these seismic events was directly beneath the southeast crater, at an altitude of approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. The eruption caused serious consequences for the region. The volcano spewed ash onto the city of Catania, the largest city in eastern Sicily, forcing the suspension of flights at the local airport.

The INGV observatory, which monitors the volcano, noted that cloud cover and a rainy day made it difficult to observe the eruption. Falling ash reached Catania and at least one town on the inhabited slopes of Etna. No injuries were reported. Etna's increased volcanic activity has been observed since early October, especially in the southeastern crater, according to data from INGV.

In recent days, volcanic explosions have been recorded occurring every second before an eruption. This eruption sent a cloud of ash over the cities of Milo and Zafferana Etnea. The eruption of Mount Etna is an important event that attracts the attention of both scientists and residents of the region. This is another example of dynamic volcanic activity that has shaped the landscape and environment of Sicily for centuries. Studying and monitoring such eruptions is essential to understand and predict future volcanic events and their impact on local communities and ecosystems.