Mount Etna Erupts Spectacularly, Sending Ash Plume Skyward and Prompting Tourist Evacuations

Mount Etna, Sicily, June 2, 2025 — Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted dramatically on Monday, spewing a massive plume of ash, gas, and pyroclastic material into the sky. The eruption began around 11:24 a.m. local time, with Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reporting a sudden increase in volcanic tremors leading up to the event.

The eruption was characterized by a lava fountain and pyroclastic flows descending the southeastern crater, likely triggered by a partial collapse within the volcano’s structure . The ash plume reached approximately 6.5 kilometers into the atmosphere, prompting the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse to issue a red aviation alert . Despite the intensity of the eruption, nearby airports in Catania and Palermo remained operational, with flights advised to avoid the ash cloud.

Tourists and hikers on the slopes of Mount Etna were seen fleeing the area as the eruption unfolded. Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic scenes of visitors running for safety as ash and smoke billowed into the sky . Local authorities have since restricted access to the summit and are closely monitoring the situation.

Mount Etna, standing at approximately 3,403 meters, has a long history of frequent eruptions. The volcano’s fertile slopes support extensive agriculture, including vineyards and orchards, making it a vital part of Sicily’s economy . The current eruption underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness in the region.

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