Industry News
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, is erupting again, prompting urgent safety measures from local Italian authorities. The eruption has led to spectacular lava flows, attracting large crowds of tourists despite the significant dangers posed by the phenomenon. Officials warn that hydro-magmatic explosions—violent bursts of steam caused by the interaction between lava and snow—pose a serious risk to anyone venturing too close.
Authorities in the Sicilian municipalities of Adrano, Biancavilla, and Belpasso have issued orders prohibiting access to the lava front. The directive follows recommendations from Salvo Cocina, head of regional civil protection, who emphasized the potential for deadly explosions. Stefano Branca, director of Etnean Observatory of Catania of Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), echoed the concerns, recalling a 2017 incident in which ten people, including guides, were injured by similar blasts near Torre del Filosofo.
Despite the warnings, the lava flow—now stretching approximately 3.5 kilometers (2 miles)—continues to fascinate visitors, photographers, and videographers. The eruption, which has reached the Galvarina area of Adrano at an altitude of 2,000 meters, has also impacted local infrastructure. While the Etna cable car remains operational, only snowcats are being used for transport, and the ski facilities at Piano Provenzana have been temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, Catania Airport has partially reopened after closing sectors A3 and A3 bis due to volcanic ash emissions. Airport officials are closely monitoring the situation for any further disruptions. Travellers are advised to contact their airline before heading out to the airport.
Hundreds of well-equipped tourists, guided by mountain and volcanology experts, have gathered to observe the event. However, the growing influx of visitors—many arriving via the Sp 92 and Milia roads—has created traffic chaos. Reports indicate wild parking along narrow roads, blocked routes on the Vetore Plain, and difficulties for emergency vehicles attempting to pass. The lack of public facilities, combined with an increasing number of visitors after nightfall, has further heightened safety risks, particularly the dangers of falls and becoming trapped in snow.
In response, emergency officials have mobilized resources to manage the situation. Additional rescue teams, including the Alpine Rescue (CNSAS), the Regional Forestry Corps, and civil protection units, have been deployed to ensure the safety of visitors. An off-road ambulance was requested from emergency services, with the Italian Red Cross (CRI) stepping in to provide medical assistance. To alleviate congestion on the already clogged roads, four volunteer associations were activated to assist visitors. The Prefect’s office was alerted to coordinate efforts with the local police and highway patrol, ensuring smoother traffic management. Meanwhile, INGV Catania was tasked with providing an updated lava flow scenario to assess potential risks to nearby communities.
While no fatalities have been reported, multiple rescue operations have been carried out. Late Saturday night, emergency crews assisted a woman suffering from a panic attack and helped disoriented tourists who had lost their way in the dark. Officials stress that many incidents result from visitors who are inadequately prepared for the extreme environment. “It is not exactly a civil protection emergency, but rather a challenge of balancing public access to the volcano with safety,” one official noted. Authorities are calling for a broader discussion on managing tourism in volcanic regions, with a particular focus on the role of Etna Park and local governance in ensuring public safety.
Despite the risks, the eruption remains a breathtaking natural spectacle. However, officials are urging visitors to exercise caution, adhere to restrictions, and respect the dangers posed by one of the world’s most volatile volcanoes.
