Mount Etna and Stromboli Eruptions Halt Flights in Sicily
Disrupted Air Travel and Elevated Alert Levels
Cathedral Closure and Ash Cloud Concerns
ROME, July 23 (Reuters) - Flights serving the eastern Sicilian city of Catania were halted for much of Monday after eruptions at Italy's Mount Etna and the smaller Stromboli volcano spewed hot ash and lava, raising alert levels on the Mediterranean island.
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, sent a thick plume of ash high into the sky, causing an ash cloud to reach 8 kilometers into the atmosphere. The ash cloud disrupted air travel, with Catania international airport, also known as Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, being closed until at least 8 pm local time.
The eruptions also caused the closure of Catania Cathedral, a major tourist attraction. Officials warned residents and visitors to stay indoors and avoid areas affected by the ash and lava flows.
Conclusion
The eruptions of Mount Etna and Stromboli serve as a reminder of the ongoing seismic activity that characterizes the Mediterranean region. As scientists continue to monitor the situation, the closures and disruptions caused by the eruptions highlight the potential impact of volcanic activity on infrastructure and daily life in vulnerable areas.
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