Etna eruption forces tourists to evacuate the mountain amid intense volcanic activity
Etna volcano has erupted again, triggering panic among tourists who had to quickly flee the mountain. Italian authorities have activated emergency protocols.
Mount Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, erupted again on Monday, generating plumes of smoke and lava that prompted the urgent evacuation of dozens of tourists on the slopes of the mountain in Sicily.
Videos shared on social media show hikers running downhill amid screams and ash, while the earth rumbled beneath their feet. The eruption surprised many on guided tours in the area.
“It was as if the sky suddenly lit up. People started screaming and running; we were very close to the crater,” said a French tourist who managed to take refuge in a shelter.
Emergency Activation
Italian Civil Protection immediately activated the orange alert level, indicating a high risk to the population in nearby areas. Although no casualties or serious damage have been reported so far, authorities have closed access routes and suspended excursions to the crater.
Catania Airport is operating with restrictions as volcanic ash has begun to affect the airspace. Several flights have been diverted or canceled as a precautionary measure.
Constantly active natural phenomenon
Etna, at over 3,300 meters high, is one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world. It has shown intermittent activity in recent years, but this latest eruption has been particularly violent, according to local volcanologists.
“Although it is an active volcano, its behavior can change without warning. We continue to monitor it with seismic and satellite instruments,” explained the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
The scientific community recommends residents stay informed and follow the safety instructions issued by local authorities.
Italy's Mount Etna eruptsORIETTA SCARDINOAgencia EFE
Italy's Mount Etna eruptsORIETTA SCARDINOAgencia EFE
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