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Volcanic ash covers the streets and cars in Nicolosi in Sicily
Photo: ORIETTA SCARDINO / EPA
The volcano Etna on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily seems to have woken up again. After an outbreak, the nearby airport of Catania was closed on Sunday. "Due to the eruptive activity of Mount Etna and large amounts of volcanic ash on the airport grounds, flight operations are suspended," the airport said. This applies "until the security conditions are restored".
Outbreak is not visible
Increased activity was measured at the volcano in the early morning, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said. However, heavy clouds around the volcano's summit made it impossible to see the eruption.
A loud rumble was heard in the region, the daily newspaper »Repubblica« also reported. Images and videos also showed how cars and roads in the area around the cities of Catania and Adrano were affected by the ash rain. Residents reported locally raining down ash and dust on the Telegram platform.
To be on the safe side, the Civil Protection declared the orange alert level. Initially, there were no reports of damage or injuries. Mount Etna, which is about 3300 meters high, is the highest active volcano in Europe. It has been erupting regularly for around 500,000 years.
jpa/dpa/afp