On Friday, July 5, Catania airport was temporarily closed due to a thick layer of ash, which settled on the runways. They are also monitoring the Stromboli volcano that has been activated.
Etnathe highest active volcano in continental Europe (3,329 meters), has begun a new eruptive phasewhich has intensified in recent hours. On Friday, July 5, the Catania airport was temporarily closed due to a thick layer of ash, which settled on the slopes.
Flight operations resumed after the removal of volcanic ash of the tracks. Authorities warned travelers to please not go to the airport until you have checked the status of your flight with the airline.
The eruption involved the Voragine crater, one of the four summit craters of Etna, which produced a lava column 4,500 meters high. Scientists from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) constantly monitor the volcano, closely following the evolution of eruptive activity.
Etna eruption, a common phenomenon
The events of recent days are considered normal for Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Summit activity can last for years with few interruptionswith intervals between eruptions ranging from a few months to about twenty years. In the last 40 years, the average time between eruptions has been two years.
Despite the natural spectacle, the eruption created numerous problems. The mayor of CataniaEnrico Trantino, has issued an ordinance that prohibits the circulation of bicycles and motorcycles for 48 hours y limits the maximum speed of vehicles to 30 km/h on all municipal roads. In addition, it has been arranged that the volcanic sand collected from private spaces be deposited in small containers near the homes.
Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has recently manifested all its force with an eruption that exceeded 5 km in height. The ash fall covered the southeastern slope of the volcano with a gray blanket, paralyzing local activities and putting pressure on the population.
The Stromboli volcano also awakens
At the same time, the Stromboli volcano has also made its voice heard. Known for its regular and spectacular explosions, the volcano created a surreal atmosphere with sparks and roars that lit up the sky. Local authorities have taken security measures to protect residents and tourists, blocking roads and planning evacuations.
Civil Protection has issued an alert for the Stromboli volcano. The head of the department, Fabrizio Curcio, has convened the Operational Committee to coordinate and organize prevention, monitoring and protection actions for the population on the island. In fact, a situation of “potential imbalance of the volcano” persists.
