A towering ash cloud, several kilometers high, has formed over Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, following volcanic activity observed earlier today.

According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), Etna Observatory in Catania, the eruption was likely triggered by a pyroclastic flow-an intense, fast-moving surge of hot gas and volcanic material-resulting from a partial collapse on the northern flank of the Southeast Crater.

Preliminary observations indicate that the pyroclastic material has not extended beyond the rim of the Valle del Leone, a depression on the volcano's slope. The explosive activity at the Southeast Crater has intensified, transitioning into a sustained lava fountain, while volcanic tremor levels have risen sharply.

Despite the dramatic nature of the eruption, there has been no disruption to air traffic at Catania's Vincenzo Bellini International Airport.

INGV has updated the aviation alert level to orange, signaling heightened volcanic activity, but noted that all activity remains confined to the summit area of Europe's largest active volcano.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.