Mount Etna's first 2025 eruption has intensified, producing substantial lava flows and ash emissions which disrupted air traffic around Sicily on Monday.
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00:00Thousands of visitors from all over the world climbed Sicily's Mount Etna to witness the volcano's latest eruption up close.
00:08Etna's first eruption of the year started on February 11th, but intensified on Monday, sending plumes of ash and lava into the air.
00:18Catania Airport diverted dozens of flights over the weekend due to the spread of clouds of ash.
00:25While hikers could only go up with a qualified mountain guide, restrictions put in place could not always stop people from getting as close to the volcano's mouth as possible.
00:35The Regional Civil Protection Service said it had deployed volunteer emergency units to provide assistance where necessary.
00:43During previous eruptions, nearby towns have been covered in black volcanic ash. However, this eruption has caused minimal disruption.
00:52Although Mount Etna erupts frequently, lava has not reached nearby towns in centuries.