Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, sent lava and smoke plumes high into the sky, leaving streets in nearby towns covered in ash and causing the closure of the Catania airport.

The local reports said that in recent weeks it had already sent warning messages, with a series of eruptions, which did not cause problems in the surrounding area.

Since the year AD 1600, at least 60 flank eruptions and countless summit eruptions have occurred; nearly half of these have happened since the start of the 20th century.

Since 2000, Etna has had four flank eruptions – in 2001, 2002–2003, 2004–2005, and 2008–2009. Summit eruptions occurred in 2006, 2007–2008, January–April 2012, in July–October 2012, and again in December 2018.

The last major eruption of the volcano was on October 26, 2002, and lasted until January 28, 2003. (ILKHA)