Mount Etna erupts, many flights in Italy canceled

Europe's most active volcano, which stands 3,330 metres tall, can erupt several times a year, spewing lava and ash across the Mediterranean island. However, it has not had a major eruption since 1922.

Catania airport said operations would be suspended until Monday, possibly longer until the volcano calms down.

Explosions often produce fiery lava displays, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which closely monitors Mount Etna with instruments installed on its slopes. Cloudy conditions in recent days have obscured the view of the latest eruption.

The institute also said ash fell on Catania and another town on the slopes. No injuries have been reported in connection with the eruption. INGV said monitoring had recorded evidence of increased seismic activity in recent days.

Residents in the towns of Adrano and Biancavilla heard loud explosions coming from the volcano on Sunday, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. Mount Etna erupted for several weeks in early 2021.

Quoc Thien (according to Reuters)