Tashkent, Uzbekistan – AN Podrobno.uz. Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has been erupting for the sixth consecutive day. The volcano is spewing lava and ash, which, driven by winds, is spreading over Sicily, Malta, and reaching the northern parts of Libya.

Etna is located on the eastern coast of Sicily, near Catania. The volcano stands approximately 3,400 meters tall, though its height constantly changes due to its activity. Etna is in a state of nearly constant weak activity, periodically escalating to stronger eruptions.

Volcanic ash poses a danger to aviation as it can damage aircraft engines. Due to its spread, authorities have restricted flights in the eastern Sicily area.

Amid the eruption, Catania Airport temporarily suspended arrivals and departures. On Wednesday, restrictions were in effect at least until 18:00. According to Euronews, about 55 flights were canceled that day, and since the eruption began, the number of canceled departures has reached 443. Dozens more flights were diverted to Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso.

Comiso Airport was also temporarily closed due to ash, but later resumed operations. According to Al Jazeera, the total number of canceled flights at this airport reached approximately 700.

The ash cloud has spread beyond Italy. Its impact was felt in Malta, where some aircraft had to alter routes, and passengers were warned of possible delays and cancellations. Part of the ash continued moving towards the Mediterranean Sea and reached northern Libya.

Etna is one of the highest active volcanoes in Europe and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. The volcano holds UNESCO World Heritage status, with the first signs of its volcanic activity appearing about 500,000 years ago.

In June, the Lewotobi volcano in Indonesia sharply intensified – 28 eruptions were recorded in one week. Authorities then raised the danger level to the third, urging residents and tourists not to approach the crater closer than five kilometers.

Source: podrobno.uz