Italy’s Volvanic Mount Etna Erupts

Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted for the first time this year Thursday, sending ash clouds 5,000 metres into the air. The eruption also sent lava flowing into the deserted Valle del Bove area.

Aviation authorities temporarily closed the Catania Airport in Sicily and limited air traffic. Flights at the airport were allowed to resume by midday.

Last year, the 3,329-metre volcano erupted 18 times, but there were no casualties and damage. The first eruption that spewed lava and ash cloud out of one of its craters occurred on Jan. 13, 2011 and lasted 1.5 hours.

From May 8 to 12, the volcano exploded many times and spewed a fountain of lava.