Etna eruption: what travelers in Sicily should know

Mount Etna in Sicily expelled ash on Sunday, causing the city of Catania’s airport to close for a day. Gray rain fell on Catania and Adrano, another city on the edge of Etna. The airport is now open again, but there may still be delays. It last erupted on Etna in early 2022. Also in 2021 it was active for several weeks.

How active is Etna currently?

As explained by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the increased activity was measured early Sunday morning. The spectacle of the eruption of Europe’s most active volcano is very limited – due to the clouds hanging over the top. The Civil Defense declared an orange alert.

INGV is keeping a close eye on Mount Etna with measuring instruments. She said the volcano has been shaking more and more in the past few days. Italy’s Civil Protection had already warned of a sudden eruption of Etna on Thursday. The Italian news agency ANSA reported that residents of the towns of Adrano and Biancavilla heard explosions on Sunday.

What are the impacts on flight operations?

Flight operations were temporarily suspended at Catania Airport on Sunday. After a day of closure, flight operations resumed at 9 a.m., the airport’s operator announced Monday. However, there may be a delay.

About ten million passengers passed through Catania International Airport last year. It serves the eastern part of Sicily, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

Floods continue in Italy

In addition to the activity of Mount Etna, the current floods are also relevant for travelers going to Sicily. the State Department indicatesThat because sometimes heavy rain and severe thunderstorms continue across Italy, restrictions are expected. Particular care is currently being taken in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Sicily. The highest alert level prevails there.

According to the German Foreign Ministry, there is still a risk of flooding and landslides in the interior of the country. Strong storms can occur along the entire coast of central and southern Italy. Many roads are impassable and there are restrictions on regional rail traffic.

With information from dpa, AP and AFP.

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