Plows at work on Mount Etna after heavy snowfall

Snowplows were at work on Mount Etna Thursday morning to remove the extraordinary amount of snow that covered the crater of the famous Italian volcano. Heavy snowfalls over the past few days covered the active Sicilian volcano, especially along the northern slope, blocking the main roads leading to the Mareneve ski resorts.

The civil protection of the Catania municipality is aiming to reopen the roads on Friday. Italy is facing period of severe winter drought due to scanty rains and snowfalls, jeopardizing the refill of aquifer and lakes which are crucial for summer irrigation.