Italy’s Mount Etna erupts

Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. On Monday (June 2), the Etna volcano suddenly erupted in a massive eruption. The southeastern part of the volcano collapsed, causing a huge explosion and creating a stream of hot gas, ash and rock. US media outlet CNN News reported this information in a report.

The eruption sent tourists and trekkers running for their lives down Mount Etna in panic. Italian authorities said that a “pillar of hot gas, ash and rock several kilometers high” shot into the sky.

Tour operator Giuseppe Panfalo recorded a video of his group, showing clouds of smoke and ash in the background. “We were almost destroyed,” he said. We managed to escape in time, thanks to a responsible guide.’

‘It suddenly became a powerful explosion — a great moment, but fortunately it was short-lived,’ said Alessio Zocco, a guide.

Earlier, Mount Etna had not erupted this big since 2014, according to the country’s National Geological and Volcanological Observatory.

The explosion was also heard in the cities of Taormina, 50km away, and Catania, 40km away. According to observers, the lava flowed after the north side of Mount Etna’s southeastern crater collapsed, but it is now cooling.

Sicily Governor Renato Schifani said, ‘There is no risk to local residents, but climbers are advised to avoid the summit area.’

Catania and Palermo airports are open, but some flights have been diverted from Palermo. Roads leading to the volcano have also been cleared for emergency vehicles.

Observers said such eruptions usually stop quickly, but ash and gas emissions could continue. The city’s mayor said residents of Catania would be warned based on wind patterns.