ROME (dpa)

Mount Etna, the infamous and highly volatile volcano on the Mediterranean island of Sicily, has calmed again after a recent eruption, experts said on Tuesday.

According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), only a weak emission of ash can be observed at the summit of Europe's largest active volcano, and no ash cloud has formed.

Lava continues to flow from the craters but alert levels have been adjusted.

The warning level for air traffic was lowered from red (highest danger) to orange, (sustained activity with possible ash development).

Catania Airport in the east of the island remained open throughout the emergency.

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale shook the southern Tyrrhenian Sea early on Tuesday morning.

According to the INGV, the tremor occurred at 6:07 am (0407 GMT) north-west of Sicily at a depth of 10 kilometres. No damage was reported.

The disturbance was also reportedly felt on Sicily, particularly in Palermo and on the coast of Trapani.

Mount Etna, which is over 3,300 meters high, erupts regularly and is constantly monitored. The eruptions are usually a spectacular sight and attract many onlookers.