Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, which closely monitors Mount Etna, said cloud cover on a rainy day obstructed the view of the eruption, which often provided a stunning display of steaming lava as the eruption does not occur.
The institute said ash fell on Catania and at least one town on the inhabited slopes of Mount Etna. No injuries were reported.
Italian state television, reporting from Catania, said the city’s airport would be closed until at least Sunday evening.
Catania airport said flight operations had been temporarily suspended due to the ash fall.
The institute said monitoring devices recorded evidence of escalating tremors in recent days.
The Italian news agency (ANSA) said residents of the towns of Adrano and Biancavilla reported hearing a loud explosion from the volcano on Sunday.
On Thursday, Italy’s National Civil Protection Agency said in a warning that in light of increased volcanic activity, “sudden” changes could occur in Etna’s activity.
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