The advisory read: “Strombolian activity still observed; low ash emission in the vicinity of volcano.”
Volcanic ash is particularly harmful to planes as particles sucked into an engine can melt and damage internal components.
But the ash also affected nearby towns and villages with videos and pictures shared on social media showing streets, buildings and cars covered in black soot.
Locals were seen sweeping the streets with brooms and leaf blowers.
At least eight villages were pelted with small rocks ejected from the volcano.
Lava was also seen flowing from Etna’s southeast side but, fortunately, it flowed towards an uninhabited area.
source: express.co.uk