The Most Active Volcano in Europe is Erupting

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has started spewing lava recently. Although scientists haven’t been too concerned about Mount Etna as it wasn’t disruptive to people, the activity at the volcano has increased, threatening the citizens nearby.

Mount Etna is located in Sicily, Italy. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupting several times a year, and occasionally multiple times in a month (BBC). On July 6, 2026, the volcano erupted following a sequence of smaller eruptions. This time though, tThe eruption escalated and grew more dangerous. Officials have turned the alert level of the volcano from green to yellow, and advised those living nearby to be aware of the volcano’s activity. During the eruption, scientists say that molten rock burst from inside the volcano and “rivers of glowing lava have been flowing down the side of the mountain” (BBC).

The most significant effect of the volcano’s recent eruption has notably been delays and cancelations of flights in the area. On Monday, Cataniathe Sicily Airport, a major airport located in Sicily, made the announcement that many of the scheduled flights were cancelled and the airport would remain closed until 2pm on Monday (AOL). The smoke from the volcano’s eruption has also diverted many flights to the nearby island of Catania (AOL).

This active volcano started erupting nearly 5000 years ago, yet today, it continues to erupt. The largest eruption ever recorded from this volcano was in 1669 when scientists say that one large explosion was followed by several more in the following four months (BBC).

As a huge plume of smoke gathers above Mount Etna, officials warn people about the volcano’s unrest and cancel flights due to safety concerns.