In a field report from 16 August, staff from OVSICORI-UNA reports that new points of gas discharge, small landslides, and accelerated vegetation die-off were noted from various locations within and around the crater.

Fumaroles were active in almost all directions in the central crater; many exhibited sulfur deposits and those in the S, SE, and SW reached a temperature of 91 degrees C. Fumaroles at the bottom of the W crater reached 176 degrees C on 16 August. Small sulfur flows from a few of the fumaroles descended about 2 m from the emission point. Steam plumes from fumaroles on the W wall rose to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) a.s.l.

Scientists including Matthieu Kervyn warn to approach the volcano as it could develop into a major explosive, crater-clearing eruption such as in 1966-67. Extremely dangerous pyroclastic flows could be and are likely to be associated if the eruption escalates. 

Last night, a sudden increasee in tremor accompanied the start of a powerful so-called paroxysmal eruption, during which the vent on the E flank of the SE crater, which had been in intermittend mild strombolian activity since mid August, erupted tall lava fountains - several hundres of meters high - and some lava flows. The tall ash columns generated by the intense explosive activity dispersed to the southeast and forced the temporary closure of Catania's airpoirt.

The eruption lasted around 7 hrs and ended around 4:30 this morning.