An update just 10 minutes ago from the Catania Institute of Volcanology states that the eruption triggered by the fissure at 2,050 meters above sea level “has stabilized.” What does this mean? Good news or worrying news? The situation is certainly under control, so it’s good news. But the lava is certainly advancing, slowly but steadily, and no one knows how many kilometers it will be able to travel at this rate. The first villages are Milo and its hamlet, Fornazzo, located about 5 kilometers from the lava front (but with several natural obstacles protecting them along the way), and for now—it’s confirmed—they are absolutely not in danger.
Updated report from INGV
The updated INGV report states that: Etna’s eruptive activity has stabilized for several days now, and therefore, lava flow from the vent at 2,100 meters above sea level continues unchanged, with a low effusive rate. Daily field surveys of the lava field, carried out by staff at the Etna Observatory (INGV-OE), have shown that the most advanced lava front, which yesterday reached an altitude of 1,360 m above sea level just above the Rocca Capra relief, is stationary and cooling after having traveled a distance of approximately 3.4 km. The overlapping lava flow, which yesterday reached an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level, is active and the front currently stands at an altitude of approximately 1,400 m above sea level. At the same time, Strombolian activity continues at variable intensity at the Voragine crater, with discontinuous and mild ash emissions that rapidly disperse in the summit area. From a seismic perspective, the average amplitude of the volcanic tremor, although showing some fluctuations, is currently within average values. The centroid of the volcanic tremor sources appears to be located in an area near the Voragine crater.
Precedents: the 1979 lavas
As photographer Rosario Catania (author of the picture on the left) notes, the lava flow erupting from the “New Year’s fracture” is following almost the same path as a previous lateral eruption, that of 1979. On that occasion, the highly fueled lava traveled a considerable distance, managing to lap the village of Fornazzo and engulfing nearby woods and fields.
Of course, every eruption has its own history, and even if the path is identical to that of a past event, the “new lava” does not necessarily follow the traces of the old ones. In the case of the current eruption, for example, the presence of the large 1979 lava front could actually block or slow the flow of the fire. The lava could therefore deviate, or pile up and get cooler as it attempts to overcome an obstacle. For this reason, the authorities are not yet declaring any emergencies or specific directions. The situation remains monitored as the eruption progresses.
Everyone let’s go see the lava!
Of course, such a “quiet” eruption, with a slowly advancing and well-channeled lava flow, allows curious onlookers to admire the spectacle. The police and forest rangers have imposed strict restrictions, allowing only expert personnel or groups accompanied by authorized guides to pass. Tourists and hikers are urged not to do it on their own!
For those unable to undertake this magical adventure on the lava front, the solution is always to admire the spectacular videos of Michele Mammino – a.k.a. “The Ibex of Etna” (CLICK HERE), real art works at the service of our curiosity! (PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI AND R. CATANIA)