Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, has entered a new phase of intense activity, culminating in spectacular lava fountaining from the Voragine crater. The latest paroxysm began late on July 15, 2024, with lava fountains reaching approximately 1 km in height, as seen from Montagnola and captured by INGV Catania webcams. This event follows several days of increased volcanic activity, including mild strombolian eruptions that have intensified over time.

The volcanic tremor, an indicator of magma movement, rose sharply after sunset on July 15, indicating the onset of the current fountaining phase. An ash plume several kilometers high is drifting southeast, posing potential hazards to nearby communities.

This recent activity is part of a series of eruptions that have significantly altered Etna’s landscape. On July 4 and 7, violent lava fountaining episodes added substantial lava deposits, creating a new peak at the Voragine crater. This new cone now stands at 3,369 meters above sea level, surpassing the previous peak holder, the New Southeast crater, and setting a new record for the highest elevation ever measured at Mount Etna.

Earlier, on July 14, a sudden ash emission from the North-East crater signaled the potential start of new activity in that vent. Meanwhile, the Voragine crater has been exhibiting strombolian activity since July 10, gradually increasing in intensity and leading to the current lava fountaining episode.

The ongoing eruptions and lava flows have dramatically reshaped Etna’s summit area, with satellite images and SAR animations revealing the extent of these changes. The western summit crater, Bocca Nuova, has been completely filled with new lava, and overflow from the crater has created new lava flows down Etna’s western flank.

As Mount Etna continues to evolve, monitoring by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Catania remains crucial for assessing risks and understanding the dynamic nature of this iconic volcano.