Etna has become more active: footage of tourists escaping has appeared on social networks
On the night of June 1-2, the eruption of Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna, began on the Italian island of Sicily. Tourists nearby fled in panic as a massive column of ash and smoke rose from the crater. Video footage of this incident is actively spreading online.
The Independent reports this.
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the eruption was accompanied by powerful Strombolian explosions, which are characteristic of regular lava and gas eruptions. The eruption was preceded by increased seismic activity; volcanic tremors began at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and reached their peak before midnight.
As of the morning of June 2, the eruption continues, with constant emissions being recorded, and a thin layer of ash has been observed in the Piano Vetore area. The volcanic ash cloud rose to a height of about 6,400 meters, prompting the Toulouse Aviation Risk Monitoring Center to issue a “red” warning for aviation.
Etna has three prominent craters: Voragine, Southeast, and Northeast. The height of the volcano varies due to frequent eruptions. According to the latest data from INGV, in September 2024, the height of the eastern rim of the Voragine crater was 3,403 meters above sea level.
In addition to lava and ash, the volcano emits toxic gases that can be invisible and odorless. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even short-term exposure to such gases can cause eye irritation, nausea, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and prolonged exposure can cause severe respiratory problems or even death.
This is not the first eruption of Etna this year: the previous one occurred on February 11. According to Volcano Discovery, the volcano has experienced at least 12 eruptions in the past two months.
Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located near the city of Catania. Its activity is constantly monitored by scientists and local authorities, as settlements and tourist routes are located nearby.On the night of June 1-2, the eruption of Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna, began on the Italian island of Sicily. Tourists nearby fled in panic as a massive column of ash and smoke rose from the crater. Video footage of this incident is actively spreading online.
The Independent reports this.
The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the eruption was accompanied by powerful Strombolian explosions, which are characteristic of regular lava and gas eruptions. The eruption was preceded by increased seismic activity; volcanic tremors began at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and reached their peak before midnight.
As of the morning of June 2, the eruption continues, with constant emissions being recorded, and a thin layer of ash has been observed in the Piano Vetore area. The volcanic ash cloud rose to a height of about 6,400 meters, prompting the Toulouse Aviation Risk Monitoring Center to issue a “red” warning for aviation.
Etna has three prominent craters: Voragine, Southeast, and Northeast. The height of the volcano varies due to frequent eruptions. According to the latest data from INGV, in September 2024, the height of the eastern rim of the Voragine crater was 3,403 meters above sea level.
In addition to lava and ash, the volcano emits toxic gases that can be invisible and odorless. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even short-term exposure to such gases can cause eye irritation, nausea, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and prolonged exposure can cause severe respiratory problems or even death.
This is not the first eruption of Etna this year: the previous one occurred on February 11. According to Volcano Discovery, the volcano has experienced at least 12 eruptions in the past two months.
Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located near the city of Catania. Its activity is constantly monitored by scientists and local authorities, as settlements and tourist routes are located nearby.
