Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano and has recently been up to its usual albeit impressive tricks of shooting volcanic ash and debris into the air. Mesmerizing new footage captured lava flowing down the volcano’s snow-covered sides, melting it as it goes. 

It’s not surprising for Mount Etna, located on the Mediterranean island of Sicily, to erupt.  As of February 11, a new fissure had opened up on the southwest Bocca Nuova crater with multiple lava flows running through. Etna frequently erupts so there is no immediate danger to the neighbourhoods surrounding the volcano. In fact, tourists and hikers have been flocking to the area to catch sight of the latest impressive eruption with some even skiing down the snow next to the lava. 

Despite this, the Italian Civil Protection Agency has warned people to stay away from the dangerous areas near the lava flow due to safety considerations. 

The Aviation Color Code was set to Red with disruptions to the airport and flights in the area. The airport at Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, has diverted and canceled flights due to the spread of the ash cloud. 

In July 2024 the Voragine crater violently exploded with ash plumes reaching nearly 4,500 meters (15,000 feet), while in April the volcano was filmed producing vortex rings and has even been known to produce volcanic lightning.