Flights Grounded and Streets Covered in Ash as Mount Etna Erupts in Catania
Catania, an eastern Sicilian city, has been hit by travel disruptions after Mount Etna, a nearby volcano, erupted on Sunday. Flights to and from Catania have been halted, leaving many tourists stranded. The airport operator announced that flights will be suspended until Tuesday morning.
The eruption of Mount Etna, which stands at 3,330 meters high, spewed lava and ash over the island. Although the lava flow subsided before dawn, ash continued to come from one of the craters. As a result, streets in Catania were covered in ash, posing a risk to motorists. In response, Mayor Enrico Trantino banned the use of motorcycles and bicycles for 48 hours and limited the speed of cars to 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour) to ensure safety.
Passengers were advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport on Tuesday, as incoming flights were diverted to other Sicilian airports on Monday. The cancellations come at a time when Italy is experiencing the peak of its summer holiday season, with Tuesday being a public holiday. This adds to the ongoing travel troubles at Catania airport, which suffered disruptions due to a fire at a terminal building just a month ago.
The eruption was preceded by the emission of gas rings from Mount Etna, a rare phenomenon that occurs when gas bubbles are pushed through a narrow shaft in the volcano. These gas rings create a rotational movement, forming a unique ring shape. This spectacle was captured by photographers before the eruption occurred.
Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and has a long history of eruptions over the past 500,000 years. The last major eruption occurred in 1992. The recent eruption has drawn international attention, with news agencies Reuters and Agence France-Presse providing updates on the situation.
As Catania deals with the aftermath of the eruption, authorities are working to clear the streets and restore normalcy. Travelers are advised to monitor the situation and stay updated with the latest information from airlines and local authorities.