Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano located on the Italian island of Sicily, erupted dramatically on Monday, sending a massive plume of ash, gas, and volcanic rock several kilometers into the sky. The eruption began overnight with increasing intensity, producing a spectacular lava fountain from the Southeast Crater and a pyroclastic flow racing down the mountain's slopes. Videos captured by webcams and social media showed thick black smoke and ash clouds rising high above the volcano, prompting tourists to flee the area in panic.

The eruption triggered a red aviation alert initially, as the ash cloud reached an altitude of approximately 21,000 feet, drifting west-southwest. However, by later in the day, the alert was downgraded to orange as volcanic activity decreased. Nearby Catania Airport, situated at the base of Mount Etna, remained operational, though some flight arrivals were delayed due to ash concerns. Authorities advised travelers to check flight statuses regularly as the situation evolved.

Despite the dramatic display, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to local populations, who are accustomed to Etna's frequent activity. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) monitored almost continuous explosions of growing intensity. The eruption included a significant pyroclastic flow—a fast-moving current of hot gas, ash, and rock—emanating from the crater. Authorities temporarily suspended tourist access to the volcano to ensure public safety.

Mount Etna is a stratovolcano formed by layers of lava from repeated eruptions over millennia, making it one of the world's most studied volcanoes. Its near-constant activity fascinates scientists who use seismic sensors, satellite imagery, and drones to monitor its behavior. The volcano's eruptions, while awe-inspiring, highlight the dynamic geological forces beneath the Earth's surface and remind locals and visitors alike of the natural hazards present in the region.