Mount Etna, The Most Active Stratovolcano In The World, Erupts; Is It Safe To Travel To Italy's Sicily?
On Monday, Italy’s Mount Etna erupted violently. The eruption sent plumes of scorching ash into the sky and streams of molten lava flowing dramatically down its slopes. The Sicilian sky was filled with smoke, and tourists nearby were seen panicking and running to safety.
Mount Etna is the most active stratovolcano in the world and is located on the Italian island of Sicily. It is Europe’s most active volcano and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, overall. More than 1.5 million people visit this popular destination every year.
On June 2, according to local Italian news channels, Mount Etna erupted and sent a plume of high-temperature gases, ash and rock “several kilometres” into the air. Furthermore, rivers of molten lava were seen flowing down its slopes. As per Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the eruption produced a significant pyroclastic flow that emanated from the central crater. Reportedly, no eruption of this magnitude has occurred since 2014.
🇮🇹 Meanwhile in Italy
Mount Etna just erupted again as tourists frantically flee the side of the volcano.
Millions more tonnes of natural Co2 spewing into the atmosphere – but please keep believing yhat your red meat consumption is changing the weather. pic.twitter.com/O5PsLZgxXp
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) June 2, 2025
According to News18, volcanic activities began overnight at Mount Etna and the eruption started around 4 AM (local time). It ended up producing explosions audible as far as 40-50 km away in the areas of Taormina and Catania. Thousands of visuals shared on social media captured the sky filled with towering plumes of smoke and ash.
Despite the intensity of Mount Etna’s eruption, Italian authorities have reported no immediate damage to local properties.
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Mount Etna’s violent eruption has caused chaos among tourists visiting Italy. According to Hindustan Times, the sudden eruption has affected travel and tourism throughout Sicily. Authorities initiated emergency evacuations due to the hazardous circumstances following the observation of thick ash fallout resulting from volcanic activity. For now, local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and prioritising the safety of residents and visitors alike.
JUST IN – Insane close-up video of Mount Etna erupting
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) June 2, 2025
While panic was noted among the tourists, local authorities have reassured that there is no immediate danger. Mount Etna has erupted multiple times in the last five years, and despite that tourism has only boomed in the region. The Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, the nearest airport to Mount Etna, is operational, with some delays.
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If you’re planning to visit Italy’s Sicily soon, then check all the latest advisories and updates by the local authorities before planning your trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/BGatesIsaPyscho & X/@allenanalysis
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First Published: June 03, 2025 10:57 AM
