A new eruption occurred yesterday (01/01) at Mount Etna volcano, with lava flow recorded inside Valle del Bove, as announced by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The new eruption began on the afternoon of January 1st, 2026, when lava started flowing from an opening at approximately 2,000-2,100 meters altitude. The flow moved toward the lower sections of the valley, reaching down to 1,500 meters elevation.
Read: Snow-covered Etna awakens: Spectacular video of the eruption moment, red alert for flights
Mount Etna: Spectacular images from the eruption – No threat to populated areas
The first spectacular images released to the public, as seen in video captured by Emilio Messina, show lava slowly descending within the natural basin of Valle del Bove, an area that serves as a natural “barrier” against lava from volcanic eruptions.
According to authorities, no populated areas are threatened, while the activity is continuously monitored by scientists. So far, no damage or infrastructure problems have been reported. It’s worth noting that Mount Etna – Europe’s most active volcano – frequently displays similar phenomena, with authorities remaining on high alert and continuously updating the public on the situation’s development.
🔥 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
