VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A thin layer of black volcanic ash covered cars, roofs and balconies across parts of northern Malta and Gozo as ash from Sicily’s Mount Etna drifted over the Maltese Islands.
Residents in various northern and central areas reported finding ash outside after winds carried volcanic material south from the erupting volcano.
The Met Office confirmed that weather conditions could allow further ash to fall over Malta, with the islands potentially remaining affected until Friday.
It said north-northeasterly winds higher in the atmosphere were carrying ash from Mount Etna across the central Mediterranean towards Malta.
“If the eruptions continue in the coming days, the ash cloud will continue to affect the Maltese islands till Friday,” the Met Office said.
It added that winds are expected to shift to a northwesterly direction by Saturday, carrying the ash further east of Malta.
Mount Etna has been erupting for several days, with the volcanic activity producing an ash cloud visible across parts of the region.
The ashfall prompted residents to recall previous episodes of volcanic ash reaching Malta.
Maltese Islands Weather also noted that ash reaching Malta has been documented during major eruptions in 1787, 1886 and 1892.
-Photo Satellite Image Copernicus-
(ITALPRESS).
