Sicily’s Mount Etna Volcano Erupts Fiercely, Spewing Ash and Smoke: See Pics
On June 2, Mount Etna erupted fiercely, sending ash and lava flows high into the sky. Tourists fled, flights were alerted, and summit access was restricted for safety.
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, lit up the Sicilian sky on June 2 with a dramatic eruption that sent thick clouds of ash and smoke several kilometers into the air. While the fiery display startled many, local authorities assured there was no immediate danger to residents. (Image: AP)
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The volcanic outburst led to a temporary alert at Catania Airport, one of Sicily’s busiest, though flights remained largely unaffected. Officials later confirmed that the ash cloud had dissipated by the afternoon, bringing relief to travelers and residents alike. (Image: AP)
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According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption was triggered by a partial collapse in the volcano’s southeast crater. The collapse unleashed streams of molten lava and marked Etna’s 14th major activity phase in recent months. (Image: AP)
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Access to Etna’s summit was quickly restricted as a safety measure. Tour groups and hikers were advised to stay clear of the area while emergency services monitored the situation. The summit is closed purely as a precaution, said INGV scientist Stefano Branca. (Image: AP)
Visuals captured by tourists showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky as rivers of lava flowed down the mountain’s slopes. Some tourists were seen hurrying away from the area, although no injuries or casualties were reported. (Image: AP)
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Towering at nearly 3,300 meters, Mount Etna is a towering icon of Sicily and draws more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Though eruptions are common, this was the most intense display of volcanic activity since 2014, making it a rare and memorable sight. (Image: AP)
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The pyroclastic eruption released a mix of searing gases, ash, and rock fragments. It also triggered increased seismic activity, with tremors being felt in several villages on Etna’s flanks. Despite the rumblings, life in the surrounding communities continued as normal. (Image: AP)
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Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, confirmed that the lava flow remained well within Etna’s natural barriers. “There’s no risk to the public. The lava is contained, and all systems are functioning as planned,” he assured in a press statement. (Image: AP)
In response to the eruption, the Sicilian Civil Protection agency issued a VONA (Volcanic Observatory Notice for Aviation), urging air traffic to avoid the affected zone. While the airports in Catania and Palermo stayed operational, some flights were rerouted for safety. (Image: AP)
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Mount Etna remains a geological wonder and a symbol of both beauty and danger. Its latest eruption is a reminder of the raw power beneath our feet. For adventurous travelers, it’s a breathtaking natural show—one that Sicily knows all too well how to manage. (Image: AP) (With inputs from AP)
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