Part of Italy's Mount Etna collapses, creating massive eruption cloud

ATHENS

A large section of Mount Etna’s southeastern crater collapsed on Monday, sending a towering eruption cloud several kilometers into the sky, Italian authorities said.

A pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving, extremely hot surge of volcanic gas, ash and rock – was triggered by the collapse, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, cited by the state-run ANSA news agency.

Explosive activity from the crater also generated a lava fountain, with volcanic tremor levels spiking, the agency reported.

No immediate evacuation orders have been issued, but residents in nearby areas have been urged to stay alert for updates, as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Videos shared on social media showed tourists fleeing as Monday’s eruption unfolded.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, is located on the southern Italian island of Sicily and frequently produces spectacular eruptions.

In recent months, its seismic and volcanic activity has increased.