Mount Etna, the world’s most active volcano and Europe’s highest, is captivating thousands with its dramatic eruption that began on February 11. Standing at approximately 3,350 meters (nearly 11,000 feet) tall, the volcano has unleashed a spectacular display of lava sprays on Sicily’s snow-capped peak. However, the influx of tourists eager to witness this natural wonder has raised safety concerns.
The eruption prompted the closure of Catania's airport due to a cloud of volcanic ash, leading to diverted flights on Sunday and Monday. Fortunately, the airport has now resumed all services. Despite the excitement surrounding the eruption, incidents have underscored the risks associated with the sudden surge of visitors. On Sunday, a 48-year-old man fractured his foot after slipping on ice.
"On Sunday, a 48-year-old man fractured his foot after falling on ice," – Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection agency.
Additionally, eight tourists attempting to hike up Mount Etna without a guide were stranded for several hours before rescue teams found them.
"On Monday eight people who were attempting to hike up the mountain without a guide were lost for several hours before rescuers located them," – Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection agency.
The sudden influx of sightseers poses a safety risk, according to Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's regional Civil Protection agency. He expressed concern over the congestion created by visitors parking and hiking along narrow roads, which obstructs the movement of rescue vehicles.
"There is also a constant influx of thousands of people, wildly parking and hiking up the edge of narrow roads, blocking the circulation of rescue vehicles." – Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection agency.
Despite these challenges, most tourists have shown responsibility by equipping themselves properly and coordinating with alpine and volcanological guides.
"Most of the tourists are well-equipped and accompanied by alpine and volcanological guides," – Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection agency.
Rescue workers remain vigilant on the slopes, utilizing 4×4 ambulances and off-road vehicles to ensure safety. The lava flows have descended to about 1,950 meters in elevation, causing damage to trees near service roads. Boris Behncke, a volcanologist from the Etna Observatory who resides on the mountain's flank, continues to monitor the ongoing eruption closely.
