VOLCANIC ERUPTION ON ETNA HALTED FLIGHTS AT CATANIA’S AIRPORT IN ITALY

Tue 23 July 2024:

Flights serving the eastern Sicilian city of Catania were halted for much of the day on Tuesday after an eruption from nearby Mount Etna, the airport operator said, bringing fresh travel woe during the peak summer tourist season.

Airport operations will be suspended until 6 p.m. (1600 GMT), said SAC, the management company at theCatania-Fontanarossa airport.

The clean-up operations began at the first sign that the showers of ash were ending, while clean-up operations of contaminated aircraft were also under way.

Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has seen intense activity in recent days, spewing hot ashand lava.

The airport of Catania had already been closed earlier this month due to ash in the sky. It acts as a hub for the east of Sicily and attracts more arrivals than the capital Palermo.

The airline operator had earlier warned that the suspension of flights on Tuesday would cause cancellations or the rerouting of traffic to other airports.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Mount Etna’s Eruption History

Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes with a history of eruptions spanning over 500,000 years. The earliest recorded eruption dates back to 1500 BCE, documented by ancient civilizations. Throughout its history, Etna has produced both explosive eruptions and lava flows.

Significant eruptions include the catastrophic event in 1669, which destroyed several villages and reached the outskirts of Catania. The 20th century saw numerous eruptions, notably in 1928, 1949, and 1991-1993, causing extensive damage but few fatalities due to improved monitoring and evacuation strategies.

In recent years, Etna continues to be active, with frequent eruptions observed in 2001, 2002-2003, 2017, and 2021. These eruptions often produce spectacular displays of lava fountains and ash plumes, impacting air travel and local communities.

Mount Etna’s persistent activity makes it a crucial site for volcanic study and a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing the dynamic nature of our planet.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22