Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted spectacularly on Monday, sending plumes of hot ash and rivers of molten lava cascading down its slopes in a dramatic display of nature’s power.

The eruption was confirmed by Italy’s national volcano monitoring agency, which has been closely tracking the volcano’s activity on the island of Sicily.

According to initial reports, the eruption produced a significant pyroclastic flow—a fast-moving current of hot gas, ash, and volcanic rock—emanating from the central crater.

Despite the intensity of the eruption, authorities reported no immediate damage to local properties. Residents living on Etna’s flanks are no strangers to the volcano’s frequent outbursts and have long adapted to its unpredictable temperament.

Local officials confirmed that evacuation measures were not necessary, and life in the surrounding towns continued largely undisturbed.

Air travel, often disrupted by Etna’s ash clouds, remained unaffected as of Monday evening, with the nearby Catania airport operating normally. However, the situation is being monitored closely, as shifting winds could potentially carry ash into flight paths.

Mount Etna stands as the world’s most active stratovolcano—a classic, conical volcano formed by successive layers of hardened lava and ash from countless eruptions over thousands of years.

Its near-constant activity has fascinated scientists and tourists alike, making it one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks.

Volcanologists continue to study Etna’s behavior, using seismic sensors, satellite imagery, and drone footage to better understand the forces driving its eruptions. While the volcano’s fiery displays can be awe-inspiring, they also serve as a reminder of the dynamic geological forces at work beneath the Earth’s surface.