Italy’s Mount Etna erupts again

May 12, 2011 – SICILY – One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Etna, erupted on Wednesday night. From 2am to 6am, the eruptive activity of the volcano sharply increased as a pit crater opened on the eastern side of the southeastern crater, followed by rumbles and lava fountains. As volcanic ashes fell over Catania and the villages surrounding the volcano, the Catania airport was closed down at dawn, but may open again during the course of Thursday as the volcano is apparently settling. The peloton of the Giro d’Italia is due to arrive on Mount Etna on Sunday afternoon, with a summit finish scheduled for stage nine. At the moment, there are no problems caused for the race to finish atop the famous volcano, but the situation is of course continuously monitored. –Cycle News