Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, has erupted, spewing lava and creating massive ash clouds that have severely disrupted air travel in the region.
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the 3030-meter-long volcano on the island of Sicily has experienced an increase in volcanic activity.
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the eruption sent lava flows from the volcano, accompanied by ash clouds reaching up to 10 kilometers (18.6 miles) high and moving southeast.
INGV has issued a "code red" warning for aircraft flying in the vicinity. Ash clouds have led to significant flight disruptions at Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
Etna has seen intense activity in recent weeks, spewing ash and hot lava on several occasions since early July.
Twice last month, the airport suspended all flights after eruptions threw volcanic ash onto runways. On Sunday, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported a "lava fountain" emanating from the volcano.
Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, with a height of about 3,324 meters (about 10,900 feet). Although in a near-constant state of activity, casualties from eruptions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site are rare.
However, two tourists were killed in 1987 by a sudden eruption near the summit.
