Etna belches out 6 km high lava plume

Etna on Friday belched out a six km high lava plume in the latest of a string of spectacular eruptions from Europe’s tallest active volcano.

The volcano spewed ash and lapilli onto nearby Catania but the eastern Sicilian city’s airport was still operational.

A south-eastern breeze helped take the high and dense column of lavic ash across the city.

Lapilli also fell onto a number of smaller towns and villages on Etna’s southern slopes including Nicolosi, Trecastagni, Pedara, Aci Sant’Antonio and San Gregorio.

The iconic volcano also emitted a fresh lava flow.

Volcanology institute INGV said it was the 12th “paroxysm” in Etna’s latest phase of volcanic activity, which began in mid February.

Main Photo: A man takes a photo of the south-east crater of Mount Etna erupting, from Catania, Italy, earlier this month. EPA-EFE/ORIETTA SCARDINO

Via ANSA