Mount Etna on Sicily entered a new phase of volcanic eruption on New Year’s Day, with fresh lava flowing through the Valle del Bove basin.
The development was confirmed by Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which continues to monitor the volcano closely.
Eruption at Mount Etna began on New Year’s Day
The latest activity began during the afternoon of January 1, 2026 on New Year’s Day, when lava started emerging from an opening located at approximately 6,560–6,890 feet above sea level. The molten rock then advanced downslope into the wide depression of Valle del Bove, eventually reaching an elevation of around 4,920 feet.
Footage released to the public, including striking video captured by Emilio Messina, shows the lava slowly descending within the natural basin, which has historically served as a containment zone during Etna’s eruptive phases.
🔥 Le prime spettacolari immagini della nuova eruzione effusiva in corso a quota 2.000 metri all'interno della Valle del Bove dell'#Etna! La colata di lava ha raggiunto quota 1.500 m e al momento non minaccia alcuna area abitata. Video di Emilio Messina pic.twitter.com/J9JGm43G8D
— Il Mondo dei Terremoti (@mondoterremoti) January 1, 2026
Authorities report that no residential areas are currently at risk, and there have been no incidents or infrastructure damage linked to the eruption. Scientists continue to observe the activity in real time as part of ongoing safety monitoring.
Eruption at Mount Etna reflects a constantly changing summit
Mount Etna holds the distinction of being Europe’s most active volcano, with its height continually changing due to frequent eruptions that reshape its craters. According to INGV measurements published in September 2025, the rim of the Voragine crater on the eastern side had reached an elevation of over 11,160 feet above sea level.
This milestone followed earlier shifts in Etna’s summit profile. The South-East Crater had previously become the tallest point in August 2021, overtaking the North-East Crater, which had held the record since the 1970s. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the volcano’s summit structure, where eruptive activity regularly alters the landscape.
Etna Eruption • 1/1/2026#Etna pic.twitter.com/bXuxePBBaw
— Etna Walk (@etnawalk) January 2, 2026
Ongoing monitoring continues
Mount Etna frequently enters similar eruption cycles, and officials remain on heightened alert. Monitoring systems are in place to track variations in seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation, ensuring that any escalation in volcanic activity is quickly detected.
For now, the lava remains confined to the Valle del Bove basin, a natural topographic depression that helps limit the spread of flows beyond the immediate area.
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