Sicily eruptions disrupt travel as Etna blankets Catania in ash
The Sicilian volcano remains active. Volcanic ash has once again caused considerable disruption. Numerous connections have been cancelled, and some flights have been redirected to other airports on the island.
The Sicilian volcano Etna has made its presence felt this year. This latest eruption, one of several this summer, has disrupted operations at the nearest airport. On Tuesday, 23 July, Etna significantly affected tourist traffic in Sicily.
The airport in Catania was closed due to volcanic ash
The volcanic ash cloud reached a height of 8 kilometres. Shortly afterwards, black ash blanketed the city. Residents and tourists shielded their heads with umbrellas; some even resorted to using newspapers for cover.
The ash also settled on aircraft and airport runways in Catania. Before the volcanic debris could be cleared, some flights had to be cancelled or redirected to another airport.
Sicily to be cleaned of volcanic ash by Friday
The mayor of Catania, Enrico Trantino, issued a decree banning the movement of two-wheeled vehicles for two days on all streets. He also reduced the allowed speed of cars in the city to 30 kilometres per hour.
He also instructed residents to place the volcanic ash cleaned from their properties and balconies into containers or bags and leave them outside their homes, where municipal services would collect them.
The city's cleaning operation is expected to continue until Friday. Street cleaning takes place at night for the comfort and safety of residents and tourists.
