Volcanic Eruptions Cause Disruption in Sicily
The Sicilian island of Stromboli and Mount Etna are experiencing heightened volcanic activity, leading to significant disruptions and safety measures. The SAC agency, which operates Catania airport, closed its airspace early on Friday due to ash in the atmosphere caused by eruptions on Mount Etna. SAC reported ash on the runways and expects flights to resume by 3 PM on Friday. Catania Mayor Enrico Trantino has issued an order banning the use of two-wheeled forms of transport for 48 hours and set a speed limit of 30 km/h due to the ash.
Stromboli on Red Alert
The Sicilian island of Stromboli is on red alert due to increased volcanic activity. The civil protection department has advised residents to monitor information from local authorities. Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci stated that Stromboli's volcano is under special surveillance and that the department will hold a meeting to assess the situation. The island's emergency evacuation plan is being verified.
On Thursday, a strong pyroclastic flow formed along the Sciara del Fuoco and extended into the sea. These flows, consisting of hot gases and ash, pose significant dangers. A two-kilometer-high ash column over the Sciara del Fuoco was reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). This ash cloud can affect air traffic and cause serious health problems, particularly respiratory diseases.
Protective Measures in Place
The Civil Protection has raised the alert level and activated early warning systems to protect the population on the Aeolian island of Stromboli. Various centers of excellence, including the INGV and CNR-Irea, are supporting this decision. The Advanced Operations Centre (COA) of the National Civil Protection has been activated, and experts are coordinating with local authorities to ensure the population's safety. The mayor of Lipari has ordered protective measures and is continuously updated on the situation.
Residents are urged to stay informed about current developments and follow the instructions of the civil protection authorities. The danger of further volcanic events persists, and the population must be prepared for potential evacuations.
Mount Etna in Sicily is also showing increased activity. An eruption on the southeast slope created an ash cloud almost five kilometers high, covering Catania and the surrounding area. The airport had to partially close its airspace and restrict air traffic. The INGV and other scientific institutions continuously monitor the Stromboli and Etna volcanoes through seismic measurements and geophysical surveys. A significant increase in seismic amplitude on Stromboli indicates continued high activity.
The volcanic activities on Stromboli and Etna pose a threat to the affected regions. Scientists and authorities are working together to monitor the situation and implement protective measures. The region around Stromboli and Etna is frequently in the headlines due to its volcanic activity. Both volcanoes are among the most active in Europe, alongside those in Iceland. The situation remains dynamic, and the affected regions must remain vigilant.
