On June 2, 2025, tourists on Sicily’s Mount Etna were caught off guard when the volcano erupted, sending ash and gas into the air, forcing visitors to flee the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Mount Etna Erupts, Tourists Flee Amid Volcanic Activity
Mount Etna Erupts, Tourists Flee Amid Volcanic Activity
A sudden eruption at Mount Etna prompts a mass evacuation of hikers as volcanic activity intensifies.
The eruption happened around midday, sending plumes of gas and ash spiraling into the sky. Footage shared on social media depicted tourists hastily evacuating the slopes, trying to escape the chaos caused by the eruption of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology confirmed that the eruption was contained to the summit, which had been closed to the public, and characterized the explosions as “strong.” Despite the intensity, local authorities stated that there was no immediate threat to nearby residents, although more than 20 percent of flights at Catania Airport were delayed as a precaution.
Among the visitors were English tourists Hannah and Charlie Camper, who recounted their harrowing experience. While enjoying their stay at a nearby villa, they observed the ominous ash cloud and felt relatively safe due to Etna's consistent activity. However, as the eruptions progressed, concerns mounted. “We weren’t sure what to do if it got worse, and we didn’t receive any emergency alerts. We just waited anxiously while the smoke loomed closer,” Ms. Camper shared.
As one of Sicily's main attractions, Mount Etna draws millions of visitors annually, but the island has faced challenges managing the influx of tourists, especially those who underestimate the risks of volcano observance. This event underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols in conjunction with the ongoing tourism boom, particularly as Sicily continues to gain popularity, recently featured in the acclaimed series “The White Lotus.”
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology announced that the volcanic activity has since subsided, allowing observers to breathe a sigh of relief as the island returns to normalcy.
Among the visitors were English tourists Hannah and Charlie Camper, who recounted their harrowing experience. While enjoying their stay at a nearby villa, they observed the ominous ash cloud and felt relatively safe due to Etna's consistent activity. However, as the eruptions progressed, concerns mounted. “We weren’t sure what to do if it got worse, and we didn’t receive any emergency alerts. We just waited anxiously while the smoke loomed closer,” Ms. Camper shared.
As one of Sicily's main attractions, Mount Etna draws millions of visitors annually, but the island has faced challenges managing the influx of tourists, especially those who underestimate the risks of volcano observance. This event underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols in conjunction with the ongoing tourism boom, particularly as Sicily continues to gain popularity, recently featured in the acclaimed series “The White Lotus.”
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology announced that the volcanic activity has since subsided, allowing observers to breathe a sigh of relief as the island returns to normalcy.
