Mount Etna Eruption: Catania Airport to Reopen Early
Listen to the story
Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, has had a new eruption in Sicily, Italy.
Italy's national volcano institute, known as the INGV, has lowered its flight alert level for the area around Etna.
The alert had been raised because the eruption sent ash into the sky. Ash from volcanoes can be dangerous for aircraft engines.
At the same time, strong winds were blowing near Catania airport, making the situation more difficult for flights.
Boris Behncke, a scientist known by the surname Branca who works with the INGV, described the situation as a 'perfect storm'. He meant that the eruption and the winds combined at exactly the same time, creating extra problems.
Because of the ash and wind, Catania airport had to stop flights for safety reasons.
However, the situation has now improved. The flight alert for the area has been lowered, showing less risk to aircraft.
As a result, Catania airport plans to reopen earlier than expected. The reopening is now scheduled for 2 PM.
This news will be welcomed by travelers and airlines, who had faced delays and cancellations because of the eruption.
The situation is being closely watched, and updates continue to be reported live by local media.
Vocabulary6 words
- Etna
- a big, active volcano in Sicily, Italy
- eruption
- when a volcano throws out smoke, gas, or rock
- INGV
- Italy's official group that studies volcanoes and earthquakes
- alert level
- an official warning showing how dangerous a situation is
- ash
- tiny grey pieces from a volcano that can float in the air
- flight alert
- a warning telling planes there may be danger in the sky
Quiz
Answer key
1. It can damage aircraft engines 2. Two problems, the eruption and wind, happened together 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, has had a new _____ in Sicily, Italy.
Italy's national volcano institute, known as the _____, has lowered its flight alert level for the area around Etna.
The alert had been raised because the eruption sent _____ into the sky.
Ash from volcanoes can be dangerous for aircraft _____.
At the same time, strong _____ were blowing near Catania airport.
A scientist known by the surname Branca described the situation as a 'perfect _____'.
Because of the ash and wind, Catania airport had to stop _____ for safety reasons.
The flight _____ for the area has been lowered, showing less risk to aircraft.
As a result, Catania airport plans to _____ earlier than expected.
This news will be welcomed by _____ and airlines, who had faced delays.