Ingv, explosive activity from the crater Bocca Nuova dell'Etna

An explosive activity from the crater Bocca Nuova was observed from 17 by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Etna observatory, of Catania. At the moment there is no ash emission. From the seismic point of view, the amplitude of the volcanic tremor continues to increase to high values and the source of the tremor is located between the Bocca Nuova and South-East craters. From 16.44, moreover, a seismic swarm is underway in the summit area of the highest active volcano in Europe. The event of greatest energy, at the moment of magnitude 1.9, was recorded at 17 by the instruments of the ING of Catania.

The Civil Protection of the Sicilian Region has triggered the "red alert" on Etna for "the very high probability of imminent or ongoing occurrence of lava fountains". The head of the department, Salvo Cocina, sent the "Municipalities to activate the municipal operational centers, their structures and volunteering as well as the measures provided for in the Civil Protection Plan". The INGV, Etna observatory, of Catania, has recorded, from the seismic point of view, starting at 13.30, after a short phase of decrease, a new phase of increase in the average amplitude of volcanic tremor, but due to the cloud cover in the summit area of Etna it is not possible to make observations through the video surveillance network.

The simulation of the possible dispersion of volcanic 'ash' indicates a direction towards the eastern quadrants. The current eruptive picture on Etna does not impact with the operation of the international airport of Catania. The alert for flights, the Vona, is currently yellow.