Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been in explosive form in recent weeks

Randazzo

On 17 March 1981, a lateral eruption buried forests, homes, streets and railway lines

Giarre

More than 12,000 tonnes of ash have fallen on the town in recent weeks

Sicily

Mount Etna

Rises 3,300 metres – two miles – above sea level

Milo

Piazza Roma

Catania

10 km

10 miles

Randazzo

On 17 March 1981, a lateral eruption buried forests, homes, streets and railway lines

Mount Etna

Rises 3,300 metres – two miles – above sea level

Giarre

More than 12,000 tonnes of ash have fallen on the town in recent weeks

Milo

Sicily

Piazza Roma

Catania

10 km

10 miles