Mount Etna, Europe’s most active and tallest volcano, erupted once again on February 12, 2025, at 09:30 UTC, sending massive lava flows and thick clouds of ash into the sky. This eruption has raised alarm, prompting the Aviation Color Code to shift from Orange to Red due to the heightened risk for air traffic. Local authorities and aviation officials are monitoring the situation closely. Experts from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) are on the ground, documenting the ongoing eruption with surveillance cameras. Although the ash cloud remains dense, making it challenging to gauge the exact fallout, authorities continue to issue updates as the situation develops.
The eruption follows months of seismic activity and volcanic disturbances that escalated on February 6, 2025, after a period of minimal degassing. Early eruptions featured Strombolian explosions from the Southeast Crater, with magma emerging from the western sector. Lava flows began on February 8, emanating from a fissure near the Bocca Nuova crater, reaching 3,050 meters above sea level. Over the following days, the lava spread southwards, reaching 2,600 meters by February 11, threatening Mount Frumento Supino.
While the eruption offers a stunning and awe-inspiring display, with rivers of molten lava carving paths down the slopes and painting the night sky in red, it also presents significant dangers. The ash cloud’s tiny volcanic particles threaten to disrupt air traffic, damage local infrastructure, and pose health risks. The village of Linguaglossa, situated on Etna’s northern slopes, has reported considerable tremors, often signaling heightened volcanic activity.
As one of the most unpredictable volcanoes in the world, Etna’s future behavior remains uncertain. Scientists continue to analyze seismic data to forecast the duration and possible future eruptions. Despite the risks, Mount Etna’s relentless power serves as a reminder of nature’s overwhelming force over Sicily.
Source: Swifteradio.com
