The month of August opens with one of the most spectacular paroxysms seen in some years. Always him, the Voragine crater, the new surprising protagonist of Mount Etna show! After a very long period of silence and false quiet, this crater (which opened in 1945) took the stage until yesterday dominated by the young South East … and not only did it know how to hold it, but transformed it into an incredible event!

Fifth paroxysm: great show

During the night between August 3rd and 4th, the increasing volcanic tremor had led to predictions that the Voragine was preparing the fifth paroxysm of the year. But given the many “false starts” of the previous days, few believed it. The most convinced ones went up to altitude, waiting for it. The others went to sleep as usual … but were awakened at 5 in the morning by rumblings and a “sinister” noise of rain. It was raining indeed … but lapilli, not water drops! Almost without warning, the paroxysm began with enormous lava fountains, creating a pure, absolute brand new show!

Very high fountains and endless ash

The lava fountains of this fifth event reached considerable heights. We are talking about 1500 or even 2000 meters above the crater cone. This made them visible from all of eastern Sicily … and the very high column of ash that the volcano expelled during the paroxysm was directed towards a good part of that part of the island.

The wind that had initially carried the “plume” towards Milo, Zafferana and Giarre suddenly changed direction and the volcanic material also fell on Acireale, Aci Trezza, Aci Catena, Catania. The entire eruption lasted well over 5 hours, with a power that only began to decrease in the last 60 minutes.

The Voragine dominates everything

What happened at Etna’s top after this violent paroxysm, we will only understand in the coming weeks. Certainly a huge quantity of material (bombs, lapilli, ash) has fallen heavily on the South East crater which could risk having the same sad “end” of Bocca Nuova crater, that is completely blocked by debris from previous paroxysms.

The North East is also suffering the unstoppable energy of its “neighbour” Voragine and part of its wall has already collapsed, increasing its diameter. The impression is that Voragine, like a “master and commander” has decided to dominate everything by eliminating its “rival brothers” one by one. What would Etna be like with just one large dominant crater? It would be interesting to find out. But the volcano will have many other surprises in store… so it is not a given that this will be its final fate!

Admiring the eruptions of Voragine

We repeat again: to admire the eruptions of Voragine it is always best to go with a guide who is an expert on the area. This one is a large, unpredictable crater, with a power that often takes you by surprise. It is absolutely not recommended to move alone in situations of eruption alert. And in any case, before venturing onto Etna (even just for a picnic!) it is always a good idea to consult the INGV website and weather apps to understand the wind directions. (ALL PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)