October 28, 2002 Eruption of Etna

Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 3. Lava Volume: 3.9±0.7x107 m3. Tephra Volume: 4.5±0.5x107 m3. Eruptive Characteristics: Radial fissure eruption, Explosive eruption, Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Evacuation.

Weekly Report 23-29 October 2002: A relatively large eruption began at Etna on 27 October, following a series of ~200 small earthquakes the previous evening... Ditches were dug in an effort to control lava flows, but by the 29th they were completely covered by lava. Authorities also tried to control the flows by having planes douse the lava with water, causing the flows to cool and stagnate, but they continued to travel down the volcano's flanks. Authorities stressed that the popular ski town of Linguaglossa (6,000 residents), located ~15 km NE of Etna's summit, was not in danger of being engulfed by lava flows. As a precautionary measure ~50 residents were evacuated and schools were closed. By the 28th lava flows had destroyed several hotels, restaurants, a ski school, ski lift pylons, and power lines on the volcano's flanks. Ash fell in towns at the base of the volcano. Some streets in the town of Nicolosi, ~15 km S of the summit, were covered with a 5-cm-thick layer of ash.

Weekly Report 11-17 December 2002: According to a Reuters news article, a lava flow that reached the Rifugio Sapienza tourist area on the evening of 16 December caused an explosion that destroyed a building and injured 32 people. The article stated that the exact cause of the explosion was unknown.

(above from reference #2432)