Volcanic Ash Covers Sicilian Town After Mount Etna Eruption

Volcanic ash covered beaches, streets, cars and buildings in Catania, Italy, on March 7, several days after Mount Etna last erupted and sent a large gray plume into the sky.

Footage captured by Giuseppe Distefano shows the Sicilian town covered in a layer of black ash.

According to reports, the ash poses potential health and environmental problems. Local authorities have asked health institutions to study the danger the particles could have on the health of Catania citizens, and have urged the local government to declare a state of natural disaster, Catania Today reported.

Mount Etna has been active since mid-February, most recently sending a large plume of smoke and ash into the sky on March 4. Credit: Giuseppe Distefano/Etna Walk via Storyful