Mount Etna Erupts: Lava Flow at 3,000 Meters from New Effusive Vent on South Side
Date: August 10, 2025
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has once again roared to life, with a new effusive vent opening on its southern flank at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) Etnean Observatory reported the event on August 10, 2025, noting a lava flow moving south from the base of the Bocca Nuova crater, near the Southeast Crater. This latest eruption, characterized as a “subterminal” event due to its proximity to the summit craters, adds to Etna’s frequent activity this year, captivating onlookers and scientists alike.
Details of the Eruption
The INGV reported that the effusive vent opened around 17:35 UTC on August 9, 2025, producing a small lava flow directed toward Monte Frumento Supino. Surveillance cameras and field observations by INGV personnel captured the glowing lava advancing over snow-covered slopes, creating striking visuals. The flow’s effusion rate appears modest, with no significant ash emissions or infrasonic activity reported, distinguishing this event from more explosive eruptions earlier in 2025. The volcanic tremor, a key indicator of activity, remains at average levels, centered at an elevation of 2,800–3,000 meters between the Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater.
This eruption follows a pattern of subterminal activity observed earlier this year. On February 8, 2025, a similar fissure opened between the Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater, producing a lava flow that reached as low as 1,960 meters by February 13. That event, monitored using advanced satellite imagery like Meteosat Third Generation, highlighted Etna’s dynamic behavior, with lava covering nearly 0.94 km² and an estimated volume of 5.05–5.37 million cubic meters.
No Immediate Threat, Monitoring Ongoing
The INGV has not reported significant seismic changes, and Catania’s Fontanarossa Airport remains operational, though an orange-level flight alert is in effect due to potential volcanic activity. Field surveys by INGV staff are underway to assess the lava flow’s progression and potential impact. Unlike the June 2, 2025, eruption, which featured spectacular lava fountains and a pyroclastic flow from a partial collapse of the Southeast Crater, this event is primarily effusive, posing no immediate danger to surrounding communities.
Dr. Boris Behncke, an INGV volcanologist, noted that the current activity is visible primarily from the southwest, including towns like Biancavilla, Adrano, Paternò, and Belpasso. Social media posts on X echoed the excitement, with users sharing close-up images of the glowing lava and describing the flow as a “river of fire” emerging from the new vent.
Etna’s Active 2025
This eruption marks another chapter in Etna’s busy year. Since February 2025, the volcano has seen multiple eruptive phases, including Strombolian activity and lava overflows from the Southeast Crater in April and May, and a dramatic June eruption that sent ash plumes miles into the sky. The current subterminal eruption, while less intense, underscores Etna’s status as a constantly evolving geological marvel. The INGV continues to monitor the event closely, using satellite data, drones, and ground observations to track lava movement and volcanic gas emissions, such as sulfur dioxide, which provide insights into the volcano’s subsurface dynamics.
What’s Next?
The INGV warns that Etna’s activity could evolve into a more intense paroxysm or remain a steady effusive eruption, potentially lasting days to weeks. For now, the lava flow’s modest pace and remote location minimize risks to infrastructure or populations. However, residents and tourists are advised to follow INGV updates and avoid restricted summit areas.
Mount Etna’s latest eruption is a reminder of its untamed power and beauty, drawing global attention to Sicily’s fiery giant. As scientists continue to study this event, the world watches, captivated by the interplay of molten rock and snow under the Mediterranean sky.
Disclaimer: Information is based on INGV reports and posts on X, which may contain unverified claims. For real-time updates, consult official sources like the INGV Etnean Observatory.