This time it was a real surprise! Almost no one expected the Etna eruption that began at dawn on July 30, 2026, except perhaps volcanologists and a few avid readers of volcanic tremor graphs. It looked like just a cloud of steam on a very humid day, that white column rising from the Voragine Crater… instead it was a paroxysm. An extraordinary paroxysm that held (and will hold?) more surprises. In fact, in the evening, just in time for tourists’ cameras, the spectacular lava fountains were joined by a lateral fracture with a flow of fire.
The facts according to INGV
The INGV in Catania issued the official statement regarding the eruption late on the evening of July 30. Here are the facts:
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Etnean Observatory, reports that effusive activity began at 18:49 UTC in the upper Valle del Leone area, at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters above sea level, as detected by observations by INGV personnel. Strombolian activity continues from the Voragine crater, producing a lava effusion that flows into the northeast crater and ash emission that propagates in a southwesterly direction. Finally, ash fallout is reported in the Monte Denza area.
Since the last update (released at 10:20 UTC), the average amplitude of the volcanic tremor has remained high with an increasing trend. Starting around 17:00 UTC, it showed a sudden increase, reaching its maximum peak around 18:00 UTC. The amplitude currently remains high. The source of the tremor was located, until 17:00 UTC, in the Voragine Crater area at approximately 3,000 m above sea level, and subsequently between the Voragine and Bocca Nuova areas. Infrasonic activity increased starting at 17:10 UTC, with a rate of occurrence that reached a very high value at approximately 18:00 UTC and is currently decreasing. The sources of the events are located in the Voragine Crater.
Regarding deformation, the DRUV dilatometer station has recorded a decompression of approximately 180 nanostrains since the start of the activity. The summit clinometer station at Del Piano Crater (ECP) recorded a variation of approximately 2.5 microradians during the same period. Link: https://www.ct.ingv.it/index.php/monitoraggio-e-sorveglianza/prodotti-del-monitoraggio/comunicati-attivita-vulcanica .
Translated into simple terms…
The technical terms are difficult to understand, but translated into simple terms, it means that we are facing an interesting new eruptive phase of the volcano, involving both the summit craters, Voragine and Bocca Nuova, as well as a lateral belt at the foot of the northeast face.
In fact, late in the evening, a fracture opened in the “Valle del Leone” area. The eruptive feature, to be precise, is located at a lower altitude… around 2,700 meters… below the rim of Piano delle Concazze in the Valle del Leone. The lava flow it generated, encountering hollowed-out and flat terrain, created a remarkable fire show.
Voragine plays a leading role
Throughout 2026, the Voragine crater, one of Etna’s main summit craters, continued to represent one of the volcano’s most dynamic sectors. Its activity was characterized by a succession of Strombolian episodes, ash emissions, and persistent degassing, phenomena that testify to the continuous movement of magma in surface conduits. Increases in volcanic tremor and variations in explosive activity were observed at various times throughout the year, with incandescent material being ejected into the crater and, occasionally, beyond the crater rim.
The Voragine’s activity was constantly monitored through seismic networks, thermal cameras, satellite surveys, and measurements of volcanic gas emissions. These tools allowed researchers to follow the evolution of the phenomena in real time and assess the potential risk to the surrounding areas. Although some episodes produced ash columns visible from a great distance, the effects on the area were generally limited and managed through the established civil protection procedures.
From a scientific perspective, the crater’s behavior confirmed Etna’s highly variable nature. Fluctuations in explosive activity are influenced by gas pressure, magma ascent, and the conditions of the internal power system. Each phase observed during 2026 provided valuable data to better understand the processes that regulate the volcano’s functioning and to refine the predictive models used for monitoring.
Overall, 2026 highlighted how Voragine remains one of Etna’s most active and interesting eruptive centers. The combination of field observations and advanced monitoring technologies allowed for precise documentation of the evolution of activity, contributing to the safety of the population and advancing scientific knowledge of one of the world’s most studied volcanoes. Despite phases of variable intensity, the crater confirmed its ability to rapidly change its behavior, making continuous, multidisciplinary monitoring essential.
Etna promoting tourism
Etna’s “tourist” eruptions are one of the most fascinating aspects of Europe’s highest active volcano. This term refers to those eruptive events that, while offering spectacular lava fountains, incandescent flows, and ash columns, occur in conditions that allow observation from safe and authorized areas. Thanks to constant scientific monitoring and civil protection systems, many visitors can witness a unique natural spectacle without exposing themselves to excessive risks.
In recent years, Etna has experienced numerous paroxysmal episodes, characterized by brief but intense explosions originating primarily from the Southeast Crater. During these events, lava jets can reach hundreds of meters in height, illuminating the night sky with spectacular colors. The lava flows, in most cases, flow along the volcano’s uninhabited flanks, creating scenes of extraordinary beauty that attract photographers, hikers, and geology enthusiasts from around the world.
Volcanic tourism is an important economic resource for the Etna communities. Alpine and volcanology guides organize excursions that allow visitors to learn about Etna’s geological history, its flora and fauna, and the characteristics of its various craters. The experience is not limited to observing eruptions, but also includes discovering landscapes shaped by lava and local traditions closely linked to the volcano.
It is essential to remember that Etna remains an unpredictable natural environment. Even during so-called “tourist” eruptions, access to some areas may be prohibited or limited depending on the evolution of volcanic activity. For this reason, it is always advisable to follow the authorities’ instructions and rely on authorized guides. A responsible approach allows for a safe and exciting experience, while also enhancing one of the most extraordinary natural heritages in Italy and the world. (PHOTOS GO ETNA)