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Etna vomits again: Civil Defense raises warning level to yellow!
Mount Etna in Sicily has erupted again, civil defense has raised the warning level to yellow, and the aviation warning has been raised to red.
Etna vomits again: Civil Defense raises warning level to yellow!
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano in Sicily, again showed eruptions on December 28, 2025, which are reflected in increased activity. According to Kleine Zeitung, the warning levels have been increased: from green to yellow for civil defense and to red for air traffic. These are the highest warning levels in a four-tier system.
Local civil defense authorities have been asked to take appropriate risk mitigation measures. Particular attention is paid to the presence of hikers at higher altitudes. Residents are urged to follow authorities' instructions as the spectacle of volcanic activity draws visitors from around the world.
Current eruptions and impacts
Current video footage shows impressive clouds of smoke over the volcano and lava fountains at night. Explosions were recorded at the Bocca Nuova crater, throwing glowing material up to several dozen meters into the air. A light ashfall was detected in Taormina and Piano Provenzana, among other places. BR24 reports that the ash cloud has reached a height of around 6,000 meters and is expected to move northeast towards Taormina and Messina.
However, the Italian authorities clarify that there is currently no immediate threat to inhabited areas. Catania Airport remains affected, but its operations have not yet been restricted. In the past, Etna has had regular eruptions accompanied by heavy ash emissions, which could temporarily affect travel planning.
Monitoring and research
Etna is known not only for its eruptions, but also for the extensive research that takes place around it. Experts use a variety of technologies, from seismic and GPS monitoring to advanced techniques such as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), which uses fiber optic cables to precisely detect seismic activity. These methods can detect even the smallest movements and weak signals, as Ingenieur.de reports.
Despite advances in technology, predicting volcanic eruptions remains a challenge. Each eruption is a unique event, and scientists are continually working to improve the models that interpret the signals. In the future, new measurement networks could integrate a combination of classic sensors, satellite data and fiber optic analyzes to ensure even more precise monitoring.
The fascination and risk that Mount Etna brings attracts tourists and provides scientists with an ongoing source of research and study into volcanic activity. Recent developments are prompting both wonder and caution as the volcano once again demonstrates its power.