Tephra fallout represented a major source of hazard for eastern Sicily during the 2001
eruption of Mt. Etna (Italy) between 19 July and 6 August. Long-lasting explosive activity was
generated from the 2570 m vent, producing a volcanic plume up to 5 km high above sea
level. The eruption caused copious lapilli and ash fallout over the volcano flanks for several
days. Flight operations were cancelled at the Catania and Reggio Calabria airports; health
risk and economic damage put communities living close to this active volcano on the alert …