Shortly after 11:20 a.m. earlier today (Monday 2nd June), a dramatic geological event unfolded on the northern flank of Mount Etna’s South-East crater. A segment of the crater gave way, unleashing a powerful pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving avalanche of gas, ash, and incandescent volcanic material.

Simultaneously, the eruption sent towering ash clouds soaring over a mile into the sky, painting a striking natural scene visible from afar.

One hour and twenty-eight minutes after the eruption, at 12:48 p.m., the well-known photographer Daniel Cilia captured this breathtaking moment from In-Naxxar, Malta. The photograph showcases the immense eruption plume rising high above the horizon. In the foreground, the serene Qalet Marku Cove and the historic Torri tal-Qrejten provide a stark contrast to the fiery spectacle in the distance.

This rare glimpse of Mount Etna’s raw power, framed against the tranquil Maltese coast, reminds us of the dynamic forces shaping our natural world – visible from places as distant as Malta, nearly 300 kilometers away!

Did you see this incredible scene earlier today?