
Italy's Mount Etna put on a dramatic show early on Sunday (August 4), erupting with a breathtaking display of ash and smoke. The eruption, which occurred at dawn, saw a massive plume rise from the Voragine crater on the southeast side of Europe's tallest and most active volcano.
This latest burst of activity follows a four-year lull, with Etna showing renewed vigour this week, reports Reuters.
The recent eruption affected operations at Sicily's busiest airport, Catania.
Watch the dramatic eruption here:
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In a statement, the airport said that "as a result of this morning's volcanic activity" it has reduced arrivals to six per hour and closed one section because of volcanic lava and smoke. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses with their airlines.
"Passengers are requested to check the status of their flight with the airline if necessary," saidCatania, Italy's busiest airport.
Previously, last month, the airport had to suspend flights twice due to volcanic ash disrupting runways.
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Mount Etna, towering at 3,330 metres (nearly 11,000 feet), is not only Europe's highest volcano but also boasts the longest history of eruptions, dating back to 425 BC. Etna, with its frequent eruptions over the past 500,000 years, continues to be a major geological force.
Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that a "lava fountain" erupted from Etna, with a "volcanic cloud" drifting towards the east and southeast.
(With inputs from agencies)