What is the name and location of the volcanic eruption?

Two volcanoes in Italy have seen a strong increase in activity, with ash covering a city in Sicily and lava spilling into the sea (1)(2).

The two volcanoes, Mount Etna and Stromboli, have caused the temporary shut down of flights to Catania, Italy. Mount Etna is located near the city of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Stromboli is situated off the northern Sicilian coast and is also part of Italy.

Which cities or areas are affected by the volcanic eruption?

Two locations on and near Sicily are most impacted by the volcanic activity.

• Catania: This city is directly impacted, with streets and cars covered in black volcanic ash, causing disruptions.
• Stromboli Island: The area around the Stromboli volcano is under surveillance due to the volcanic activity.

What is the current containment status of the volcanic eruption?

Containment efforts are ongoing, with local authorities and residents actively cleaning up the ash-covered streets of Catania. The airport in Catania is temporarily closed but is expected to resume operations soon.

Authorities have doubled the number of firefighters on Stromboli Island to manage the situation.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

• Red Alert for Stromboli: Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued a red alert for Stromboli, indicating that the situation could become more dangerous.
• Surveillance and Preparedness: Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci mentioned that Stromboli is "under surveillance" and that evacuation plans are ready if needed.

How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.