Mount Etna is “singing” again, and it’s doing so like a tenor, with a new eruption involving the Voragine crater. On the morning of August 7th, this eruption also saw the reopening of a flank fracture between the Valle del Leone and the Valle del Bove. Given the complexity of the phenomenon, which is occurring for the second time in less than a month in similar ways, we’ll report here the official INGV press releases, which expertly explain what’s happening on our volcano.
It’s worth remembering that Etna had already seen an eruption like this recently. In a previous article, we wrote that “as early as dawn on July 30th, the volcano began to show signs of agitation, with degassing and lava fountains from the Voragine crater. The same crater produced (source: INGV) “a lava effusion that poured into the northeast crater and an ash emission that spread in a southwesterly direction. Finally, ashfall has been reported in the Monte Denza area. Adding to this initial picture, on the evening of July 30th, an effusive fracture occurred in the Valle del Leone area. A week later, the scenario is almost the same.

The eruption began on the evening of August 6th

The first INGV press release was released late yesterday (6th august) afternoon:
“Strombolian activity at the Voragine crater has progressively intensified, becoming increasingly sustained and frequent starting around 19:30 UTC, and evolving into lava fountaining activity that is still ongoing. The eruptive cloud produced by this activity is dispersing in a SE direction. From a seismic perspective, starting around 19:00 UTC, a sudden increase in the average amplitude of volcanic tremor was observed, reaching the high-value range, showing a tendency for further increase. The source centroid, from approximately 19:15 UTC, is located in the Voragine crater area, in a depth range between approximately 2,900 and 3,000 m above sea level. Infrasonic activity is high; The events are localized to the Voragine crater and show medium and sometimes high amplitude.

Evolution on the morning of August 7th

On the morning of Friday, August 7, a new lateral fracture opened in roughly the same area where the one occurred in July. A lava flow is emerging from this fracture, proceeding rapidly, thanks to the slope of the terrain, and reached the Valle del Bove in a few hours. The situation is currently evolving, and we will update as data and images arrive from the technicians involved. A copious emission of ash has also been recorded, while the Voragine crater is emitting quite intense rumblings, which are heard especially from the southeast side of the volcano.

Catania Airport involved

Catania’s Fontanarossa Airport is currently closed ( 11:00 a.m. on August 7) ??and air traffic is being diverted to Palermo. The ash dispersed by the Voragine is light and very fine, and therefore quite dangerous for aircraft engines, which are forced to avoid the path of the volcano and move on to other directions. The situation—as mentioned—is evolving, and in the next few hours, we’ll know when the airport will be able to reopen.

What to expect in this situation?

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a major tourist attraction in Sicily. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to its slopes to admire the lava landscapes, explore the summit craters, and enjoy a unique experience in contact with nature. However, its eruptive activity can suddenly intensify, necessitating changes or interruptions to normal tourist activities to ensure everyone’s safety.
When Mount Etna erupts, the situation is constantly monitored by scientific bodies and the relevant authorities. Volcanological guides, civil protection personnel, and tour operators receive continuous updates on the event’s evolution. Depending on the level of activity, some areas may be temporarily closed to the public, while others, considered safe, remain accessible. For this reason, it is important to follow official guidelines only and not venture into restricted areas on your own.

From a visitor’s perspective, an eruption does not necessarily mean the cancellation of the entire experience. In many cases, it’s possible to observe the phenomenon from authorized vantage points and at a safe distance, experiencing a natural spectacle of extraordinary intensity. Organized excursions are often adapted to current conditions, choosing alternative itineraries that allow visitors to admire the volcano without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Regarding travel, some access roads to the volcano may be closed or subject to restrictions. Those planning a visit should therefore check for updates before departure and maintain flexibility in their travel arrangements. For tour operators, eruptions are a situation that requires experience and the ability to adapt. Excursions are rescheduled quickly, and participant safety is always the top priority. Relying on authorized guides allows you to receive accurate information on the volcano’s activity and enjoy the experience in compliance with current regulations.

Visiting Etna during a period of eruptive activity can be an extraordinary opportunity to observe one of Europe’s most fascinating natural phenomena. With proper planning, respect for the authorities’ guidelines, and the support of qualified professionals, it’s possible to enjoy this experience responsibly, experiencing the extraordinary power of nature up close without compromising safety. (PHOTOS BY G MUSUMECI)