Volcano erupts causing state of panic in Italy
(MENAFN) Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted on Monday in eastern Sicily, sending thick plumes of smoke and ash into the sky and prompting a hasty evacuation of dozens of tourists. According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption was likely triggered by a partial collapse in the volcano’s southeastern crater.
The eruption produced lava fountains and an ash plume that rose nearly 6,400 meters (around 4 miles) high, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reported. Aviation authorities initially issued a “code red” warning for the area, later reducing it to orange. Some flights were delayed due to the volcanic ash cloud.
Footage captured by hikers showed panicked tourists fleeing the eruption. Around 40 tourists were believed to be near the volcano when it erupted, but all were safely guided away with no reported injuries or fatalities.
Experts at INGV said the eruption followed a strong volcanic tremor about 2.7 kilometers beneath the summit, which had been intensifying for several hours. This event came after weeks of minor seismic activity in the region.
Although the eruption was dramatic, the lava and debris did not reach the Lion Valley — a popular hiking area at about 2,800 meters in elevation. Authorities confirmed there was no immediate threat to nearby residents.
Sicilian President Renato Schifani reassured the public, stating that based on early assessments, the eruption posed no danger to populated areas. By the afternoon, officials confirmed that the ash emissions had ceased.
While no full evacuation was ordered, civil protection teams are monitoring the volcano, and the public has been advised to avoid high-altitude zones near Mount Etna due to the risk of further sudden activity.
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