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 southeastern 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.
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