The greatest activity was recorded in the northeastern crater. Fragments of rocks were thrown several kilometers above the top of the volcano, and the ash column rose to a height of up to 7,000 meters. m.
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How long did Etna's last eruption last?
What were the effects of the Etna eruption?
How high did the lava fountains reach?
Where was ashfall recorded?
Etna with another eruption. Lava flows in Sicily
The eruption cloud was moved by wind mainly to the northeast and west. Ashfall was recorded, among others, in the Taormina area and on the Piano Provenzana ski slopes. Footage has appeared online showing skiers sliding down the slopes in the shadow of an ash cloud floating above the mountain.
Due to the intensification of the phenomena, Italian civil protection raised the volcano alert level from green to yellow. This means increased monitoring and readiness of services, although no evacuation has been announced yet. Catania's Fontanarossa airport is operating normally, but authorities warn that delays or changes to flight schedules are possible.
On December 27, the activity took on the so-called paroxysms – short-lived, very intense lava fountains. A new vent also opened in the upper part of the Voragine crater, from which lava began to flow towards the Valle del Bove valley. Seismologists also recorded a quake with a magnitude of 2.4 that occurred on the night from Friday to Saturday. The authorities appeal to residents and tourists to follow the recommendations of the services and to strictly prohibit entry to peak areas and permanent danger zones.
Etna has made itself felt many times in recent years. The last time was in August this year, and earlier, among others, in 2021 and in 2017, when several people were injured during the explosion.
