Mount Etna erupts: Amazing video captures moment volcano blew its top

A spectacular video has emerged showing Mount Etna erupting - firing hot lava and ash into the sky.

Europe’s highest and most active volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily erupted for the fifth time this year on Sunday.

Spectacular video shows Mount Etna as it erupts for the fifth time this year

Molten lava poured down Mount Etna’s slopes on during the eruption, which lasted an-hour-and-a-half.

Ash landed close to villages at the foot of the volcano but no damage was reported. The eruption did not cause any interruption to air traffic.

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When Mount Etna last erupted more than two weeks ago, a four mile-long plume of ash forced the temporary closure of the airport in Catania – Sicily’s second largest city.

The volcano has been active for around half a million years. In 1669 more than 20,000 people were killed during Etna’s most violent eruption.

Although Etna is in a constant active state its slopes teem with farms and vineyards, thanks to its rich volcanic soil.

In the past, Italian authorities have used explosives, concrete dams, and ditches to divert lava flows away from local settlements.

Etna is derived from the Latin word ‘Aetna’ and during ancient times was considered the home of the god of fire, Vulcan.