EXPERTS: CONTINUING ERUPTION MORE INTENSE THAN OTHER RECENT ERUPTIONS — Europe's most active volcano shot lava and rocks into the sky for hours over the weekend.
An Italian expert said the continuing eruption of Mount Etna on the island of Sicily is more intense than other recent eruptions.
Italy's Institute of Volcanology says the volcano does not pose a threat to the towns nearby.
The spectacular explosions Saturday and Sunday sent lava flowing for miles down the slopes and lit up the night sky.
The eruptions included a tall lava fountain that lasted about an hour and a half.
So far there have been no injuries or damage in the area surrounding Mount Etna.
A nearby airport in Sicily was closed last week for a few hours due to the smoke.
Mount Etna is a popular tourist destination in Italy, attracting hikers eager to see the extraordinary lava flows glowing orange at night.
