Tourists numbering in the dozens quickly evacuated as Mount Etna in Sicily spewed black smoke into the air.
Europe’s largest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted in eastern Sicily on Monday, sending thick plumes of smoke and ash high into the sky. The eruption prompted a hasty retreat by numerous tourists in the area.
According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), a partial collapse of the volcano’s southeastern crater was the likely cause of the eruption.
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reported that lava fountains and large plumes of volcanic ash ascended to roughly 6,400 meters (about 4 miles). Aviation authorities initially issued a “code red” alert for flights in the region, which was subsequently lowered to orange. Some flight delays were attributed to the volcanic cloud.
Videos taken by hikers and visitors depicted tourists fleeing the mountainside in fear as black smoke poured from the summit. News reports indicated that approximately 40 tourists were present on the volcano during the eruption, but all appeared to have been safely guided away. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths.
Volcanologists at INGV stated that the activity began with a significant volcanic tremor approximately 2.7km below the summit crater. The tremor reportedly grew stronger for several hours before lava and pyroclastic material were ejected. The explosion occurred after several weeks of minor seismic activity in the area.
Despite the eruption’s explosive nature, the flow of material from the volcano did not reach the Lion Valley, a popular hiking area situated at around 2,800 meters. Officials stated that this means there is currently no threat to residents.
“Based on preliminary data, the material has not reached the edge of the Leon Valley, and I have received assurances that there is no danger to the population,” said Sicilian President Renato Schifani.
A later official update confirmed that the emission of the ash cloud had ceased by the afternoon.
However, authorities urged the public to exercise “extreme caution” and avoid high-altitude areas near the volcano due to the potential for sudden explosive activity. While local civil protection officials have not ordered a complete evacuation, patrols have been deployed to monitor access to Etna’s slopes.
“`