Mount Etna volcano spews ash and lava into Sicily skies
Italy's famed Mount Etna volcano has erupted, spewing ash and lava hundreds of metres into the air.
The volcano, located on the east coast of Sicily, is one of the most active in the world and eruptions are frequent.
On Sunday two vents on its southeast side started shooting hot lava into the air in short, sharp bursts according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (NIGV).
Mount Etna has spewed lava into the night sky over Sicily. Davide Anastasi/Lapresse via AP
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"(There is) Strombolian activity with varying intensity at the SE Crater from at least two vents, of which the easternmost one produces continuous throwing of lava shreds beyond the crater rim," NIGV said in a statement.
It said the power of the eruption had caused a section of cone in the southeast crater had collapsed and "generated the three pyroclastic flows".
Around the crater's base, at least four main lobes have stopped on the plateau between the base and Mount Barbagallo.
Analysis suggests both lava flows are cooling down and are unlikely to pose a threat to any nearby communities.
Experts say Mount Etna's activity will remain high over the next days as tremors continue and more ash and lava flows. Davide Anastasi/Lapresse via AP
Mount Etna's activity started to increase earlier this month. Photo by Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images
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"As for the explosive activity from the SE Crater - this was intra-crater and produced rumbles and sporadic ash emissions that rapidly dispersed in the summit area," it said.
From a seismic point of view, volcanic tremors are still at a high level and will likely continue to be felt in the days ahead.
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