Ash from Etna volcano reaches 6.1 km altitude, Italy

An ash cloud from Etna volcano, located in the Sicily volcanic province, Italy, was observed at 6.1 km (20 000 feet) altitude as of 04:00 UTC on August 14, 2026. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) issued the report based on information from VONA, INGV, and satellite imagery, with the observed ash cloud moving south at about 20 km/h (10 mph).

The advisory indicated that the Aviation Color Code was red and forecast modeled ash cloud movement at a reduced altitude of 4.6 km (15 000 feet) over the next 18 hours. The update noted that quantitative volcanic ash (QVA) data was not provided due to the low intensity of the event. The next advisory is expected no later than 10:00 UTC on August 14, 2026.

Etna is one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world and is situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy.