The Etna volcano erupted last night, forcing the closure of Catania Airport on the eastern Sicilian coast , the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (IIGV) reported today, quoted by DPA, writes BTA.
The cloud of ash and lava reached a height of 9,500 meters and dark gray ash covered the streets and houses of Catania.
Catania Airport has announced that it is suspending operations until 4 p.m. local time. Airplanes and runways are covered in ash, which has made their use impossible. Services will resume once the airport infrastructure becomes usable again, the airport authority said.
The airport has asked passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport as serious delays are expected.
Etna rises to about 3,350 meters above sea level and is the largest active volcano on the continent. Spectacular eruptions attract a large number of spectators.
Eruptions cause the exact height of the volcano to change. The IIGV reports increased seismic activity in the area since July.