Mount Etna eruption intensifies with lava fountains and ash emissions, Italy
Strombolian activity at Mount Etna’s Southeast Crater evolved into lava fountaining on April 30, 2025, producing ash emissions and prompting a temporary elevation of the Aviation Color Code to Red. This was the 11th eruptive episode at Etna since March 15.
Etna volcano eruption on April 30, 2025. Image credit: INGV/Boris Behncke
According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Etna Observatory (INGV-OE), eruptive activity at Etna intensified in the early hours of April 30.
Several vents within the summit area of the Southeast Crater produced explosive activity and lava flows directed to the southeast and south. Around 00:45 UTC, the activity transitioned from Strombolian explosions to lava fountains, reaching heights between 200 and 300 m (650 to 980 feet).
At approximately 01:30 UTC, small clastic fragments (lapilli) were reported falling in the Piano Vetore area, located on the upper southwestern slope of the volcano. The emission of volcanic material remained largely confined to the summit area.
Seismic observations showed that the average amplitude of volcanic tremor peaked near 00:00 UTC and remained at elevated levels. Volcanic tremor was centered beneath the Southeast Crater at approximately 2 700 m (8 860 feet) above sea level.
Infrasonic activity was also elevated, both in frequency and energy, originating from the same sector. Ground deformation data from the DRUV dilatometer station recorded a decrease of approximately 40 nanostrains as of 22:40 UTC on April 29.
Stunning and magnificent 11th eruptive event from the SE crater of #Etna. The visual impact of the eruption with lava fountain and a vivid lava flow is increased by the smoke and clouds surrounding the #volcano ⬇️Here 100 sec of activity at 4x speed. #italy #sicilia pic.twitter.com/Z3kX9i28Gx
— SatWorld (@or_bit_eye) April 29, 2025
At 03:01 UTC, the INGV-OE issued a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) raising the Aviation Color Code from Yellow to Orange, following the onset of Strombolian activity at the summit craters, with negligible ash emission.
Just over two hours later, at 05:48 UTC, the alert level was raised from Orange to Red as explosive activity intensified. At that time, strong ash emissions were observed with the volcanic plume reaching approximately 5 000 m (16 400 feet) above the summit and drifting to the southwest.
The alert level was downgraded back to Orange by 07:39 UTC as explosive intensity subsided and ash emissions became weak and confined to the summit area.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.