A magnitude 3.9 earthquake shook the Linguaglossa area in the province of Catania at 12:24pm on Saturday according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

The shallow tremor occurred at a depth of just one kilometer, with its epicenter located seven kilometers from the town centre. The quake was clearly felt by residents across the towns at the foot of Mount Etna, prompting technicians to mobilise and inspect the area.

Local reports and social media updates indicated that the significant shake was accompanied by at least three smaller tremors. The activity notably affected the Pernicana fault system on the northern side of the volcano.

The most visible impact was structural damage to the Mare Neve roadway near the epicentre, where a large fracture formed between the Brunek refuge and the Casa dei Ragazzi facility.

As a precautionary measure following the road damage, authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby structures while assessments continue.