ETNA, the largest active volcano in Europe, has again erupted – Liberation

He will only have been asleep for a few weeks. The highest volcano in Europe, Etna, is again – erupted on Monday. An immense column of ash, gas and rocks escaped from Mont located in Sicily, after the likely collapse of part of its crater, the Italian authorities announced.

Surveillance cameras have captured « A pyroclastic cast probably caused by a collapse (…) on the northern flank of the southeast crater » Susing from the Etna From 11 a.m., informed the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Ingv). A pyroclastic cast occurs when volcanic rocks, ashes and hot gases ride the slopes of a volcano.

Volcano activity « Then evolved into a lava fountain »according to the Ingv, which specifies that the ash plume should dissipate towards the Southwest.

Despite impressive images, the president of the Sicily region, Renato Schifani, assured that he « There was no danger for the population ». He relies in particular on the advice of several experts who assured him that the flow had not reached an area frequented by tourists. The head of regional civil protection, however, recommends tourists to avoid the area « Due to the potential evolution of the phenomenon »follow up « With the greatest caution », Added Renato Schifani.

Of Many videos published on social networks Show panicked tourists who seem to rush the sides of the volcano in front of the cloud of ash which is dangerously approached.

A red notice has also been issued for the air authorities, while indicating that the height of the volcanic cloud was estimated at 6.5 kilometers. Catania airport, located nearby, remains operational at present.