WATCH: Mount Etna volcano in Italy erupts, sending tourists into panic
Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted early morning on June 2 in a dramatic display of volcanic force that sent plumes of ash into the Sicilian sky and tourists fleeing the site in panic.
The eruption began overnight and intensified into what scientists described as a Strombolian event — characterised by explosive bursts of lava and ash.
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed the eruption followed a series of tremors detected around 10pm local time on Sunday.
The strongest seismic activity was recorded nearly three hours later, at a depth of 2.8 kilometres beneath the crater.
Footage circulating on social media shows tourists running down the mountainside.
CLIMATE CHANGE - Mount Etna’s just coughed up more carbon and sulfur in 24 hours than a year of British farming…
But don’t worry, pay more tax to subsidise global corporations and that will definitely save the planet 🤡
pic.twitter.com/lL20YumJgxBy mid-morning, the INGV reported near-continuous eruptions, accompanied by a notable rise in volcanic tremor levels.
“Activity flagged in the early hours has carried on with Strombolian explosions of growing intensity that are now strong and nearly continuous,” the institute said in a statement released at 11:55am.
Thermal images captured by the INGV’s Ethneo Observatory revealed pyroclastic material flowing down the volcano’s slope, though the lava had not yet breached the Valley of the Lion that encircles the crater.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse initially issued a “code red” for aviation — the highest warning level — but this was later downgraded to orange.
🚨 #BREAKING: MOUNT ETNA ERUPTS AGAIN
Italy’s 🌍 most active volcano, Mount Etna, has started erupting—spewing 🌋 lava and 🌫️ ash high into the sky.
Authorities 🚨 are closely monitoring the situation. No reports of injuries so far.#MountEtna #Volcano #Italy #Europe… pic.twitter.com/jehbYzaL51The advisory noted that the ash cloud, primarily composed of water vapour and sulphur dioxide, was drifting southwest from the site.
Ashfall was lightly reported in the Piano Vetore area, located near the volcano, though there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
Situated near the eastern city of Catania, Etna is monitored closely for seismic and volcanic activity due to its proximity to populated areas and air routes.
Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and have urged the public to remain cautious as volcanic activity continues.
Parents sent me this from Sicily - Mount Etna erupting pic.twitter.com/tnjJcAwTjO