Authorities on the large Italian island declared a regional state of emergency and requested help from the national government in Rome.

Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, erupted for the 10th time since February 16, its southeastern crater blasting out lava and a thick cloud of ash that was captured in photos by locals on the ground and also by satellites of the European Space Agency.

The ash blanketed dozens of towns between the volcano's eastern slope and the Mediterranean Sea, including Sant'Alfio, Giarre, Linguaglossa and Mascali, the area local authorities have dubbed the "black zone" due to the colour of the ash and grit raining down throughout the area.

The cascade of ash and pyroclastic material has caused problems and delays along a stretch of highway between the cities of Messina and Catania.

Sicily's governor, Nello Musumeci, declared a regional state of emergency and called on the Rome government for aid after holding a meeting with the Civil Protection authority, which is monitoring the area and conducting an ongoing evaluation of the situation.

The emergency has not affected the nearby city of Catania or its airport, although that often occurs when Etna erupts, since the wind has been pushing the volcanic cloud emanating from the mountain to the east and not to the south, where the coastal city is located.

Australian Associated Press