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Mount Etna, located on the Italian island of Sicily, experienced a significant eruption overnight, throwing a colossal plume of gases, ash, and rocks several kilometers into the air, authorities reported on Monday.

The powerful eruption, which began late at night, was strong enough that explosions were heard in the towns of Taormina and Catania, located approximately 50 and 40 kilometers away, respectively. Footage and firsthand accounts shared on social media revealed the impact of the eruption on these areas.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory noted that initial observations indicate a "partial collapse" of the volcano's southeastern crater's northern flank. This collapse has resulted in dramatic lava flows, consistent with those seen in recent eruptions over the past few months.

In response to the eruption, the Sicilian Civil Protection agency issued a Volcanic Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), advising all aircraft to avoid the area. Although the airports in Catania and Palermo remain operational, some Catania-bound flights have been redirected to Palermo as a precaution, due to the wind not currently carrying ash towards the airports.

By 1 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET), Mt. Etna began emitting hot lava, paralleling previous eruption patterns. An observatory spokesman described the volcanic activity as a pyroclastic eruption, characterized by a significant increase in volcanic tremors. The eruption produced a large column of hot gases, lava grains, volcanic ash, and varying sizes of rock fragments which quickly cascaded down the slopes of the volcano.