Volcano erupts near Catania

There is volcanic action again on Mount Etna. It has been spewing lava and huge flames of ash since Thursday morning. No evacuation from the surrounding areas has been reported.

Catania: Mount Etna in Sicily has roared back into spectacular volcanic action, sending up plumes of ash and spewing lava since Thursday morning.

Two new fractures opened at the base of the southeastern crater and they were emitting lava flows from a an altitude of approximately 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), according to the Italian Institute of Volcanology.

No evacuations of towns on Etna's slopes nor air traffic disruptions were reported.

Sicilians farm on the fertile soils of the slopes of Etna.

The volcano is also a popular destination for hikers on the Mediterranean island.