Two volcanoes in southern Italy have erupted almost simultaneously, with ash and smoke visible on the WeatherRadar.

Etna and Stromboli both erupted on Thursday evening, with Etna producing a cloud of ash, volcanic gases, and water vapour. This has blown hundreds of kilometres southeast across the Mediterranean.

The famous volcano has been rumbling with increasing activity since June. Airspace was temporarily and partly closed with additional restrictions on air traffic around Catania, at the foot of Etna.

At the same time, the second of Italy's most famous volcanoes, Stromboli, on the island of the same name, located just north of Sicily, was boiling.

A red alert was issued as the eruption sent up a huge ash cloud.

Authorities reported a lava flow and pyroclastic flows reaching the sea. Stromboli is a stratovolcano and is known for its explosive eruptions.

However, although some people were evacuated, it is reported that no populated areas were affected by either volcano this time.

Mount Etna and Stromboli are among the most active volcanoes in the world.