An earthquake of magnitude 3.9 shook the vicinity of the Etna volcano in Sicily

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck near Mount Etna in Sicily early Saturday, causing cracks and landslides along the Mareneve road, one of the main access routes to the northern slope of the volcano. The quake occurred at 12:24 local time with its hypocenter just one kilometer below the surface. Due to its shallow depth, the tremor was felt clearly in areas close to the volcano. Authorities closed part of the road after damage caused by the earthquake, prompting emergency services to inspect the area and assess safety conditions. The seismic activity affected a section of the Mareneve road, where pavement fractures and rockfalls were reported. This route connects to Piano Provenzana, a key entry point to the northern sector of Etna. Preventive measures were taken at nearby buildings, though no injuries or major structural damage have been reported so far. Officials emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation, especially given the proximity to an active volcano. The earthquake was linked to the reactivation of the Pernicana fault, a volcanic-tectonic structure located on the northeast flank of Etna. At this stage, the movement has not triggered further tremors. The quake occurred amid ongoing volcanic activity at Etna, which had recently concluded an explosive phase at the Voragine crater. That crater ceased emitting lava and ash during the morning, followed shortly by a brief release of ash from the Northeast crater. Volcanic tremor levels dropped to medium and low ranges, although effusive activity continued in the Valle del Bove area, with two active fissures producing lava flows. Measurements indicated that the leading edge of the lava flow reached approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, advancing over lava flows emitted in previous days. Meanwhile, the Catania airport resumed operations in the afternoon following earlier restrictions imposed due to volcanic activity. However, several flights remained canceled or rerouted to other airports in Sicily as authorities continued to monitor the situation. Road restrictions around the volcano also limited access to the northern side of Etna. Only authorized vehicles were allowed through certain sections. Authorities maintained control over the affected area and conducted new assessments to determine whether additional measures were needed to address the damage to the Mareneve road. Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, has long been monitored for signs of increased activity. Scientists track both seismic and volcanic phenomena to ensure public safety and manage potential risks. The current developments highlight the complex interplay between tectonic forces and volcanic processes in the region. Ongoing observations will help determine if the recent earthquake and volcanic activity signal a broader shift in the volcano's behavior. Authorities continue to evaluate the stability of the affected road and surrounding terrain. Emergency teams remain on standby to respond to any further changes in the geological landscape. The situation is being closely watched by volcanologists and disaster management officials who are prepared to take necessary actions should conditions change. New data collected from the site will guide future decisions regarding access and safety protocols in the area.