THE highest and most active volcano in Europe has erupted, sending tourists fleeing for safety.
Mount Etna erupted in Sicily on Monday morning, with huge plumes of smoke and ash seen in the sky above the Italian island.
Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that the eruption activity began with a volcanic tremor at around 10pm on Sunday.
The tremor then reached its peak at around 4.14am local time.
A statement from the institute said: "Over the past few hours, the activity flagged in the previous statement issued at 4.14am [3.14am BST] has carried on with strombolian explosions of growing intensity that, at the moment, are of strong intensity and nearly continuous.
"Over the past few hours, the falling of a little thin ash has been flagged in the Piano Vetore area."
Meanwhile, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, France, issued a "code red" aviation warning as it said a volcanic ash plume had reached an altitude of around 6400 metres.
The alert, which warns pilots and air traffic controllers about potential hazards from volcanic eruptions, has since been reduced to orange.
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and can experience multiple eruptions per year. It last erupted on February 11.
The UK's Foreign Office has issued advice to tourists in the area.
A statement said: "Due to volcanic activity, local authorities have increased the alert levels for both Etna and Stromboli in the south of Italy.
"In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities.
"Airspace can be affected during eruptions.
"If you are travelling to or from Catania during this period of heightened activity, check with your travel provider or with Catania airport.
"There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy.
"National emergency planning has been updated for Vesuvius as well as the Phlegraean fields, an area that remains active and which has experienced tremors in 2024.
"Read what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption and follow the instructions of the local authorities."
